Hundreds of thousands of new year's revelers flocked to the 119th Rose Parade on Tuesday to view elaborate floats at an event that this year included protests against the 2008 Beijing Olympics and President Bush. This year's parade, dubbed "Passport to the World's Celebrations," began with bright sunshine bathing the route. There were 46 floats, 21 marching bands and 18 equestrian units. Military fighter jets streaked over cheering spectators to kick off the parade. Despite the protesters attending the parade, the event was largely a festive affair. The city estimates more than a million people visit Pasadena during the parade and Rose Bowl game festivities. Twenty-three people were arrested by Tuesday afternoon, including one protester, Pasadena Police Department Lt. Keith Jones said. Jones said the protester was "arrested for holding up a sign that blocked other patrons view of the parade."
Dozens of anti-war protesters led by "Peace Mom" Cindy Sheehan staked out spots across from television cameras, hoisting signs reading "Impeachment is Patriotic."
| Loves to be near the cameras, doesn't she. |
| Heh. |
Members of Falun Gong, the spiritual movement outlawed by the Chinese government in 1999, and other human rights activists protested a float honoring the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Demonstrators wanted people to turn their backs on the float as it rolled along the route, though few appeared to join in the protest. "I don't know enough about it to turn my back," said Marcia Thoop, 55, as she watched the float, adorned with Olympic mascots and flanked by plate-twirling acrobats, drive by.
John Li, a member of the California Institute of Technology's chapter of Falun Gong, said he and other activists intended to sue the city of Pasadena, claiming police rejected the group's plans to stage an organized protest along the parade route.