Registration is now open to serve as a Petal Pushers volunteer who will help bring to life several floats for the 2025 Tournament of Roses Parade scheduled for January 1 in Pasadena, California. The Petal Pushers, a group of thousands of volunteers who decorate the Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) float and up to nine others each year, will begin working on the 2025 parade floats the three Saturdays prior to Christmas (Dec. 7, 14, and 21). They will then work two shifts a day beginning Dec. 26 until the floats are completed.
Individuals ages 13 and older can work as little as one shift or as many as they want on a variety of tasks necessary to complete the floats. Volunteers of all skill levels are needed; whether this will be your very first time, or you are a seasoned veteran, there are dozens of jobs to do.
“I enjoyed the camaraderie among the volunteers who come from all across the country and learning about their backgrounds,” says Harry Schilling of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. “I was an aircraft engineer before retiring, so it was interesting to learn about the mechanics of the floats in addition to seeing all the ways different natural items can be used in their creation.”
Building off the parade theme of “Best Day Ever,” the 2025 LHM float entry is titled “Behold! Jesus the Savior is Born” and marks the 74th time the ministry has been part of the parade. The float will feature two heralding angels calling viewers to the birth of Jesus and to the church where Jesus may be found. The stained-glass windows of the church will feature some of the best days of Jesus’ life.
As the only Christian float in the Rose Parade, the LHM float carries on a mission of providing a Gospel witness to viewers everywhere, from along the parade route to televisions worldwide. The LHM float is a self-funded project of the Southern California District of the Lutheran Laymen’s League and is not included in LHM’s operating budget.
Two Tour Options Available
In addition to the individuals who register themselves to volunteer, two tour options are available through Luther Tours. The tours run from Dec. 28, 2024, until Jan. 2, 2025.
29th Annual LHM Sightseeing Float Tour
Cost: $1,990 (double occupancy; no airfare included)
Register by July 30 and save $100
- Spend one day decorating floats for the 2025 Tournament of Roses Parade.
- Receive a complimentary Petal Pushers sweatshirt.
- Visit a variety of historical and cultural sites throughout Southern California.
- Attend the “Behind the Scenes Party” to get a firsthand glimpse of the finished floats before the parade.
- Stay at a four-star hotel.
- View the parade from a reserved grandstand seat.
- Most meals are included with this package.
4th Annual LHM Decorating Float Tour
Total Cost: $1,090 (double occupancy; no airfare included)
Register by July 30 and save $50
- Spend three days decorating floats for the 2025 Tournament of Roses Parade.
- Receive a complimentary Petal Pushers sweatshirt.
- Stay at a three-star hotel.
- Attend the “Behind the Scenes Party” to get a firsthand glimpse of the finished floats before the parade.
- View the parade from a reserved grandstand seat.
- No meals are included with this package.
Visit petalpushers.org for more information about the Petal Pushers, the tour options, or to register to decorate.