The Illinois Office of Tourism (Enjoy Illinois) will make its first-ever float appearance at the 134th Rose Parade® presented by Honda on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Pasadena, California, as part of America’s New Year Celebration®. The Enjoy Illinois float brings the state’s award-winning tourism campaign, “Illinois. The Middle of Everything,” to life by showcasing the state’s incredible attractions and unique destinations. The Enjoy Illinois float will also feature a live musical performance from “American Idol” finalist and Illinois native, Grace Kinstler, who will perform her original song, “Leo.” On one end, the float features a replica of the bronze bust of Abraham Lincoln from Lincoln’s Tomb, a historic Route 66 sign and a striking recreation of the iconic Centennial Wheel at Chicago’s Navy Pier. The opposite end showcases the stunning Garden of the Gods in Southern Illinois’ Shawnee National Forest, including a real waterfall with flowing water and towering trees sporting fall colors. The 24-foot-tall float took four months to build, features nearly 30,000 flowers, and took nearly 22,000 volunteer hours to create.  The 2023 Pasadena Tournament of Roses theme “Turning the Corner” celebrates the unlimited potential that each new year brings — aligning seamlessly with the Enjoy Illinois Middle of Everything float. To learn more about Illinois and to plan an Illinois getaway, visit www.EnjoyIllinois.com.

Rendering provided by The Illinois Office of Tourism