The Rose Parade > History > Past Themes & Summaries > By Decade > 1980s
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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
1980 Rose Parade

"Music of America""

Heisman Trophy winner Charles White sets Rose Bowl record for most yards gained (247).

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1981 Rose Parade

"Theme: "The Great Outdoors""

Michigan's Don Bracken sets Rose Bowl record for longest punt (73 yards).

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1982 Rose Parade

"Theme: "Friends and Neighbors""

Washington's Jacque Robinson becomes the first freshman to win Player of the Game honors.

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1983 Rose Parade

"Theme: "Rejoice!""

Human-powered floats made a debut in the Parade. Fifty-five people carried the Atlantic Richfield display of flags representing nations that were to compete in the 1984 Olympics.

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1985 Rose Parade

"Theme: "The Spirit of America""

Ohio State's Rich Spangler makes the longest field goal in Rose Bowl history (52 yards).

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1986 Rose Parade

"Theme: "A Celebration of Laughter""

The city of Pasadena celebrates its 100th birthday. American Honda’s “All the World Loves a Clown” sets a record for the tallest float ever in the Rose Parade at 62 feet.

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1987 Rose Parade

"Theme: "A World of Wonders""

Currently, there is no Rose Parade summary for this theme.

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1988 Rose Parade

"Theme: "Thanks to Communications""

Currently, there is no Rose Parade summary for this theme

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1989 Rose Parade

"Theme: "Celebration 100""

Tournament of Roses celebrates its Centennial. The Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl Game are held on Jan. 2.

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