Posted on 01/01/2004 9:55:35 AM PST by JohnHuang2
PASADENA, Calif. (AP) - The Rose Parade got under way Thursday to the cheers of hundreds of thousands of bleary-eyed spectators who braved temperatures in the 30s overnight to grab choice spots for the New Year's Day spectacle.
Parade watchers stretched five deep along streets littered with confetti from the overnight party, with many families huddled around heat lamps and small stoves.
``We're freezing like icicles, but we are happy,'' said Beatrice Angel, 50, of the Ocotlan in Mexico's Jalisco state. Her family arrived at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday after driving several days to see the Aguiluchos marching band of Puebla, Mexico.
Elaborate floats meticulously made over the past two weeks were wheeled out late Wednesday ready for public viewing and a national TV audience.
Security also was stepped up amid a national terror alert as more than 1,000 federal and local law enforcement officers fanned out among the spectators. Bomb-sniffing dogs, video cameras and helicopter surveillance also kept watch.
The night was relatively calm with police making 14 arrests - most alcohol-related misdemeanors - by early Thursday, said police spokeswoman Janet Pope. No major incident were reported.
No specific terrorist threats had been made against the 115th annual Tournament of Roses parade or the Rose Bowl football game that follows it, police and tournament officials said.
But some were cautious because the quintessential American events are seen by millions of people around the world.
``I think this would be a big target because all the people are here and because all the TV stations are here,'' said Donna Blohm, 47, of Clovis. ``It crossed my mind about the terrorists, but we all decided we're going to live our lives to the fullest.''
She was among the crowds maintaining an overnight vigil on sidewalks amid sleeping bags, tables, stoves and even a recliner. Many people passed the time by reading books, playing games and hovering over barbecues or garbage-can fires.
An estimate of the size of the crowd was not immediately available as the parade started. It had been expected to draw more spectators than last year's because of local interest in the Rose Bowl game between the University of Michigan and the University of Southern California. After several years, it marked the return of a traditional Big Ten-Pac-10 matchup.
Security also was tightened for the game. Flights over the Rose Bowl were restricted to police and military aircraft, and stadium employees and media were required to wear photo identification.
Keeping with the theme of ``Music, Music, Music,'' this year's Rose Parade grand marshal was conductor John Williams, who scored the ``Star Wars'' movies and many other popular films. He was to lead 23 marching bands, 49 floats and 25 equestrian groups along the 5 1/2-mile route.
The parade included a float honoring comedian Bob Hope, who died in July, and one promoting organ transplants, ridden by donors and their organ recipients.
On the Net: http://www.tournamentofroses.com
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.