About the lions float
The Lions Rose Parade Float: A Global Symbol of Service and Membership Growth
The Lions Rose Parade Float stands as a powerful centerpiece for worldwide marketing and membership recruitment for Lions Clubs International.
While Lions first participated in the Rose Parade with a float in 1948, it wasn't until 1992 that the tradition of annual float entries began. Since then, Lions Clubs International has proudly showcased a float every New Year’s Day in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California.
With an estimated global audience of over 400 million viewers in 85 countries, the parade provides a rare opportunity for international visibility. The Lions float delivers a strong message to the world: Lions are volunteers committed to serving others. Best of all, the cost of producing the float is a small fraction of what comparable global television advertising would require — making it one of the most cost-effective marketing efforts in the organization’s history.
A highlight of each year’s float is the presence of the Lions International President and Partner in Service, who ride the float as representatives of our global mission. Parade commentators regularly spotlight the Lions' impact and commitment to service during the broadcast.
In addition, four seats are available for those who choose to participate in the exclusive “Ride of Your Life” package, offering Lions the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent the organization from atop the float itself.
The Lions Rose Parade Float is more than a beautiful display — it is a symbol of pride, unity, and the power of service seen by millions around the globe
Lions Float, Inc. serves as an international marketing and service project on behalf of Lions Clubs International.
Since its founding in 1994, Lions Float, Inc. a nonprofit organization has been responsible for overseeing the planning, preparation, and funding of the annual Lions float in the Rose Parade. This year-round effort includes float design, fundraising initiatives, and the coordination of volunteers who help bring the float to life through decoration.
Many of these dedicated volunteers include young members from Leo clubs, who gain hands-on service experience through their participation. A highlight each year is the visit from the Lions Clubs International President and their partner in service, who proudly contribute by placing a few flowers on the float symbolizing the global unity and pride of the Lions family.
Lions Float, Inc. – Our History
In 1992, under the leadership of then-International President Donald E. Banker of Rolling Hills, California, Lions Clubs International entered its third float in the world-famous Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena. Since that milestone year, Lions have proudly participated in the New Year’s Day parade every year.
Our floats have received notable recognition over the decades. The 1993 and 1994 entries earned awards for "Most Beautiful Float" in their category, and the 2014 float was honored with the prestigious Special Trophy for exceptional merit across multiple classifications. While we are proud of these accolades, we believe that every Lions float is a beautiful and meaningful expression of our global service mission — reaching millions of viewers around the world.
To provide ongoing leadership and financial oversight, Lions Float, Inc. was established as a nonprofit corporation in 1994. Since then, it has taken on full responsibility for the planning, design, fundraising, and volunteer coordination involved in creating the annual float. Each December, volunteers — including many enthusiastic Leo Club members — gather to help bring the float to life through hands-on decoration.
To fund this effort, Lions Float, Inc. raises money through the sale of commemorative merchandise such as banner patches, lapel pins, polo shirts, jackets, tote bags, and hats. Donations are also encouraged through special fellowships that honor Past International President Donald E. Banker and other Lions leaders.
We welcome the continued support of Lions from around the world. There is no better way to showcase the spirit of Lionism than by participating in one of the most widely televised and celebrated parades on Earth. As the world watches, we ROAR — proudly representing the largest service organization in the world.
