The Rose Parade > History > Past Themes & Summaries > By Decade > 1920s
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Past Parade Themes & Summaries

Each year, the new President of the Tournament of Roses has the privilege of selecting a theme for the upcoming festivities. The theme is used to inspire the ideas for the magnificent floral floats that will appear in the Rose Parade.

The theme for the 2012 Rose Parade is Just Imagine.

Below is a gallery of themes from throughout Tournament of Roses history:

2010s
2000s
1990s
1980s
1970s
1960s
1950s
1940s
1930s
1920s
1910s
1900s
1890s
1920 Rose Parade

No Theme

The 31st Parade marked the end of the horse-drawn era. Motor-driven floats, powered by electric and gasoline engines, took over completely.

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1922 Rose Parade

No Theme

Construction of the horseshoe-shaped stadium is completed with a seating capacity of 57,000 and is deeded to the city of Pasadena by the Tournament of Roses Association.

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1923 Rose Parade

No Theme

The stadium is named “The Rose Bowl” and is dedicated hosting its first game. USC defeats Penn State, 14-3.

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1924 Rose Parade

No Theme

First year a Sweepstakes Prize is awarded to a float entry - Glendale's “Fairyland.”

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1925 Rose Parade

No Theme

Legendary Four Horsemen from Notre Dame play in the Rose Bowl Game against Ernie Nevers of Stanford. Notre Dame wins 27-10.

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1926 Rose Parade

No Theme

First local radio broadcast of the Rose Bowl Game, announced by Pasadena sportswriter and ex-Olympic track star Charlie Paddock. Fay Lanphier is named Rose Queen while reigning as Miss America.

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1927 Rose Parade

"Theme: "Songs in Flowers""

Czechoslovakia is the first foreign government to enter the Parade. First national radio broadcast of Rose Bowl Game.

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1928 Rose Parade

"Theme: "States & Nations in Flowers""

Rose Bowl Stadium enlarged by 19,000 seats, increasing capacity to 76,000. Events held on Jan. 2.

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1929 Rose Parade

"Theme: "Poems in Flowers""

Isabella Coleman develops innovative float decorating technique – glues flowers on floats for the first time.

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