Bristol parade veteran inspects larger spectacle

In Manny Pasqual’s world, everything is coming up roses.

Most everyone in this town knows that Mr. Pasqual loves a parade. The 74-year-old Fesser Avenue resident took his affections for bands, floats, etc., to a new level recently when he and his wife, Terry, ventured out to the West Coast for the famed Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif.
Was this retired Postmaster and veteran of the Bristol Fourth of July parade impressed with what he saw? You better believe it.

“I’ve always dreamed of seeing this parade in person,” said Mr. Pasqual. “That was on my bucket list. It was a gift from our two daughters, Susan Pasqual and Valerie McCue, and son-in-law, Dave McCue. It was a complete surprise. I even shed a few tears when I found out we were going on this trip of a lifetime.”

A former Bristol Fourth of July Parade and general committee chairman, Mr. Pasqual always figured Bristol’s signature celebration event was in a class by itself. But, once he got a first-hand look at the proceedings down Pasadena’s Colorado Boulevard on Jan. 2, he realized Bristol had some serious competition.

“This parade is much different than our own parade in Bristol,” he said. “The Tournament of Roses Parade is really indescribable. It’s extraordinary in every way. It’s about five miles and two hours long, and travels along a route without any interruptions or obstructions. This year, there were 24 floats and 21 bands, and of course, a national television audience. There were about one million people. It was astounding. You could smell roses everywhere. It blew me away.”

The Rose Parade costs about $15 million, with major sponsorships coming from corporate giants like Honda and Northwestern Life Insurance Co. The parade entries include floral decorated floats, equestrian units and marching bands. Beauty queens, a Grand Marshal (there were three this year) and other local and state dignitaries, are also part of the package.

“I even hooked up with the Rose Parade Committee chairman,” Mr. Pasqual said.  “I told him I was from Bristol, RI, the home of the nation’s oldest Fourth of July celebration. He was impressed.”

Mr. Pasqual made some comparisons between the Bristol Fourth of July Parade and the Tournament of Roses Parade.

“Similarly,” he noted, “both parades have banners along the route, and people camp out for seats. There’s also TV coverage. You see a crowd on the route before the parade begins like Bristol, and there are vendors.”

Then, there are the differences.

Where Bristol’s Fourth of July Committee has a membership more than 100, the Rose Parade Committee has 1,000 members and 2,000 volunteers. Bands pay their own way and those people who view the parade in the bleachers pay a fee.

“There’s no silly string, poppers, or anything else like that,” Mr. Pasqual said. “And the traffic control is exemplary. There are no gaps in the parade. It’s a first-class operation from start to finish.”

The committee working the parade is nicknamed the "White Suiters" because of the distinctive white uniform every volunteer wears, according to the Tournament of Roses website. A small, full-time staff provides support and continuity to the volunteer organization.

“One thing which really excites the crowd, are the ‘Pooper Scoopers’ who follow the equestrian units,” Mr. Pasqual said. “The crowd loves it and cheers them on.”

Mr. Pasqual emphatically said the two words which best separates Bristol from Pasadena is “parade courtesy.“

“It’s truly a top-rated production,” he said. “It’s one of the most professionally planned events I’ve ever seen. The people here don’t interfere with the marchers whatsoever.”

Having a ringside seat along Colorado Boulevard, Manny and Terry Pasqual were in their glory. The day was a bit overcast with temperatures in the 50s, unlike most parade weather days in southern California, but the Pasquals were happy to be part of the thrilling experience.

“This was beyond my expectations,” said Terry Pasqual. “Our daughters thought of everything to make our trip an enjoyable experience. Manny had knee surgery earlier, but they made sure this trip would be as comfortable for him as possible.”

Once the parade ended, the Pasquals headed for the Rose Bowl game between the USC Trojans and Penn State later in the afternoon.

“What a game it was,” said Mr. Pasqual, a member of Colt Memorial High School’s 1959 Class C championship football team. “It was as exciting as one could possibly imagine. Plus, I was in awe watching the USC and Penn State Marching Bands.

“I couldn’t put my camera down the entire day,” Mr. Pasqual said. “I took so many pictures. I’d definitely go back again. Seeing it on TV is one thing, but being there in person, is something else.”

Getting back to reality, Manny Pasqual, who has been a member of the Bristol parade committee for nearly 50 years, knows that Bristol’s big parade on the Fourth of July has its own place in history.

“I’m thankful to have been directly involved with our great parade and Fourth of July celebration all these years,” he said. “Now that I’ve finally added the famous Tournament of Roses Parade to my list of things to do, I can honestly say I’ve been a part of two of the greatest parade experiences in my lifetime.”