How and why was this year's theme chosen?
In celebration of Roy Rogers 100th birthday, RFD-TV is honoring the “King of the Cowboys” with a spectacular float entitled “Happy Trails” in the 2012 Tournament of Roses Parade. Roy’s love of Pasadena’s New Year’s Day tradition was evident throughout his lifetime with 10 different appearances over the years, culminating with being named Grand Marshal along with Dale Evans in 1977. There is no more recognizable theme song than Dale Evans Rogers’ Happy Trails, and it is only fitting that this float serve as a reminder to its lyrics for the legions of Roy Rogers fans to pass along to the next generation this very special greeting gathered to watch the 123rd Tournament of Roses Parade on January 2nd:
Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Happy trails to you, keep smilin' until then.
Who cares about the clouds when we're together?
Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.
Happy trails to you, 'till we meet again.
How does your theme relate to Parade theme?
No one challenged the imagination of millions of Baby Boomers more than Roy Rogers. Whether it was playing “cowboy” in the back yard with the neighbor kids, or dreaming of having a Palomino horse or German Sheppard dog of their own after watching one of the 88 movies and/or 100 episodes of the Saturday morning Roy Rogers Show, young minds were inspired for decades to “Just Imagine”. The Roy Rogers Riders Club boasted over 2.5 million members in its heyday, with over 90,000 joining in the United Kingdom alone who aspired to live up to the simple 10 rules of the club, making this theme one that will resonate both along the parade route and in millions of homes throughout the world as all join in singing “Happy Trails." Visit the Roy Rogers' Show Page
What is the significance of the theme to your group?
RFD-TV is currently in the midst of a 48-state “Happy Trails Tour”, which features the real Trigger & Bullet, Roy Rogers’ faithful companions, appearing at public gatherings where fans can have their picture taken with these two American icons. At every stop, these have proven to be very emotional experiences for all, as the sight of this simple horse and dog on display brings back a flood of memories from their youth. Many visitors well up with tears as they recall very specific details of growing up hoping to emulate the positive example set by Roy Rogers. It was the imagination of Roy Rogers that preserved Trigger & Bullet to be seen by future generations, and we are convinced that Roy would be so pleased to find them featured in the Tournament of Roses Parade in tribute to his 100th birthday, proving that one is never too old to “Just Imagine." - Click here to visit the Roy Rogers' Happy Trails website
Float Description:
“Happy Trails”, in celebration of what would have been Roy Rogers’ 100th birthday, honors the “King of the Cowboys” in spectacular fashion. Focused around a 35-foot tall classic image of the singing cowboy, Roy’s name is inscribed across a lucky silver horseshoe mirrored by pearl handled dual six-shooters flanked by American flags. The entrance to the Rogers floral ranch is guarded by Trigger, the Golden Palomino, and Bullet, the Wonder Dog. With permission from the Tournament of Roses Parade, the faithful duo are the actual preserved remains, and not organically decorated duplicates. Floragraphs feature classic scenes of Roy and his dedicated companions. In addition, 100 Golden Palominos with riders will symbolically lead the RFD-TV float down the Pasadena parade route, with Roy’s son and grandson, Dusty and Dustin Rogers, singing “Happy Trails” to the crowd along the way as the entourage rides off into the sunset.
