SMRFA Wins Mayor’s Trophy, Ninth Award in Ten Years!

Posted 1/1/15– “I Think I Can”, Sierra Madre Rose Float Association’s 2015 entry in the Tournament of Roses Parade, was the town’s 83rd entry, going back to 1917.  And for the ninth time in ten years, SMRFA’s entry has won an award, The Mayor’s Trophy, described by the Tournament as “Most Outstanding City Entry, National or International.

Congratulations to the Sierra Madre Rose Float Association for winning AGAIN!

In 2006, the “Wonder of Reading”, designed by Charles Meier, took the Founder’s Banner Trophy, for the most spectacular float built and decorated by volunteers from a community or organization. In 2007, “Our Wonderful Wistaria” designed by Charles Meier was the winner of the Lathrop K. Leishman Award, for most beautiful non-commercial float. 2008’s “Valentine’s Day”, again designed by Charles Meier, won the Princesses’ Award, for most beautiful float 35′ and under. In 2009, SMRFA and Meier’s streak continued with “Bollywood Dreams”, which again brought home the Lathrop K. Leishman Award, for most beautiful non-commercial float. In 2010, “California Girls”, designed by Dick Sappington, won the Governor’s Award for best depiction of life in California. Sierra Madre also got the Governor’s Award in 2011 for “Suenos de California”, again designed by Meier.

Gorgeous as it was, 2012’s Colorful Imagination did not garner any awards, but 2013’s “The Sky’s the Limit” put SMRFA back in the winner’s circle, taking home the Mayor’s Trophy. The Sky’s the Limit was designed by Charles Meier from a concept drawing by Sierra Madre resident Maria Murray. In 2014, “Catching the Big One” was a winner.  Charles Meier was once again the designer.

And now, for the ninth time in ten years, SMRFA has done it again, with “I Think I Can”.  This year’s float was dedicated to Robert Young, longtime president of SMRFA, who passed away in July.  The entry includes the phrase “Forever Young” at the back of the train in his honor.  Congratulations SMRFA!