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FROM THE DESK OF: MANY OF OUR FOLKS HAVE SOME INSIGHTFUL THINGS TO SAY ABOUT A MULTITUDE OF TOPICS
A NOTE FROM THE DESK OF:
Mike Mellano Sr.
Mellano and Company has been involved with the Rose Bowl Parade since 1925- working with float builders to supply them with just the right products and flower colors to make their visions come to life. In fact, we are we are now the oldest company supplying flowers to the parade! This year I had the honor of being asked to represent Mellano and Company and the California Cut Flower Commission by riding on the Kit-Cat Clock Company’s float. They are celebrating their 80th year in business and are proud of their 100% made in America parts in their clocks. The Kit-Cat float was one of only 2 floats to be certified “California-Grown.” Let me say that it has been quite an experience!
Leading up to the January 2nd parade day, I participated in numerous interviews, photo shoots and publicity events. I got to know Woody Young, the President/Owner of the Kit-Cat Company, and I got a real behind-the-scenes look at how the whole parade operation works. I was very impressed with the hard work, dedication and organization of everyone involved. Being in the parade was fun and exciting! I was amazed at the number of spectators as well as the high level of security and all of the activity around me as we rode through the streets. There were lots of news crews, and overhead were bi-planes, helicopters and even a stealth plane! After all these years of being involved with the parade I didn’t realize there was so much I didn’t know about the complexity of the whole operation.
Participating in the parade was very important to me. Building relationships with the floats designers over the years has been a great source of pride for Mellano and Company. I have to give credit to my nephew Bob Mellano and his team at the Los Angeles Wholesale location for the long hours and commitment they all put it to making the parade floats a success year after year. Many thanks to the CCFC and the Kit-Cat Clock Company for including me in their big event!