A gigantic jester will be Louisiana’s ambassador to the annual Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day in Pasadena, California. The elegant Carnival character will be the centerpiece of a float entirely covered with colorful flowers.
In keeping with this year’s parade theme, "Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language," the jester will be accompanied by three renowned, real-life Louisiana musicians. Zydeco accordionist Sean Ardoin, Cajun fiddler Amanda Shaw and rock and roll guitarist James Burton will perform from the rolling float.
This will be the third year Louisiana is represented in the popular Rose Parade, which was founded in 1890. The parade attracts a live audience of approximately 700,000. It will be televised starting at 10 a.m. on the ABC network, and — for the first time — will be live-streamed on Fubo TV, Christmas Plus, Pluto TV and LocalNow.
According to the office of Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, the 2024 jester float will cost the state $350,000, but its appearance will garner almost $40 million in advertising.
To volunteer to help decorate Louisiana’s jester float in Pasadena, visit explorelouisiana.com.
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