ADVISORY/The Sweet Fragrance of Roses Fills the Southland as Float Decorating Season Blooms; December 26 - 30, 5:30 a.m. - Midnight in Duarte, CA.

News & Assignment Editors

ADVISORY...for Thursday - Monday (Dec. 26 - 30)

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

      America's Winningest Float Builder Kicks Off the Season At
       Decorators' Village as Thousands of Volunteers Begin the
     Process of Transforming Giant Foam and Steel Structures Into
               Maginificent New Year's Day Masterpieces

                                 WHAT?

    --  Hundreds of excited kids, families and volunteers gather at
        Decorators' Village and begin the arduous process of affixing
        thousands of flowers and floral arrangements to this year's
        Rose Parade floats, including Rain Bird's 55-ft long, 36-ft
        high 2003 entry titled "Water Wonderland," a task that
        requires over 10,000 cumulative hours for completion.

    --  A Decade of Decadence: America's most dominant float builder
        and designer goes for a 10th straight Sweepstakes Trophy (most
        beautiful float), with a line-up that includes the 4-time and
        current Sweepstakes Trophy winner, Rain Bird.

                             WHY BE THERE?

    --  GREAT PHOTO OPPORTUNITY!

    --  Bring your audience an inside look at the hard work -- and fun
        -- that goes into getting the floats ready for the 2003
        Tournament of Roses Parade.

    --  Meet world-renowned float designer Raul Rodriguez and float
        builder Tim Estes as they reveal their secrets to creating the
        "magic" that has yielded 9 consecutive Sweepstakes Trophies.

    --  An opportunity for your favorite "on the scene" reporter to
        help the decorating volunteers who donate their time year
        after year to participate in this annual ritual.


   Buena Vista Float Pavilion        CONTACT: William Ostedt
   2144 Buena Vista St.                       310/556-4443
   Duarte, CA 91010                           cell: 818/207-4058


                     LOOK FOR THE BIG WHITE TENT!