By Key Club International Vice President Melanie Kim and President Salma Eldeeb

On January 1, we had the honor to ride alongside other Kiwanis family leaders on the 2022 Rose Parade float. Leading up to New Year’s Day, we met California-Nevada-Hawaii Kiwanis leaders and decorated the Kiwanis International float alongside hundreds of volunteers from Kiwanis and other organizations. Before we saw the float, we attended a luncheon hosted by the California-Nevada-Hawaii Pasadena Division. As we arrived, we were met with warm welcomes from everyone. It was an amazing opportunity not only to see the volunteers behind the New Year’s tradition but also community members.

The sense of dedication and spirit for the parade we saw at the luncheon was evident while everyone decorated the float. We had only seen pictures and heard stories about how grand the floats were. Walking into the warehouse filled with so many floats was a spectacle we will never forget. Even though many of the floats we saw that first day were not finished, we were blown away by the variety of floral colors and textures. The floats were not just a collection of flowers but a combination of engineering and creativity. We were lucky enough to help decorate part of the Kiwanis float. We spent a few hours gluing crushed yellow flowers to the side of the “dream boat,” then preparing vials that were used to preserve the flowers on the float. In addition, we prepped the flowers by shaking stems and blowing on leaves to help them bloom.

During this time, we were able to talk with the other volunteers. While they represented all ages and backgrounds, one thing was consistent: their love for the Rose Parade. Each volunteer had spent days and weeks working on floats. Unlike our onetime experience, this event is part of their tradition, and it was an amazing opportunity to be a part of it. Without everyone’s help, our float would not have been possible, and we thank every volunteer who gave up their spare time to help build lasting memories.

Judging took place on New Year’s Eve. Wearing the same outfits as we would the next day, we hopped on our (almost) finished float to dance and wave for the judges. It was good preparation for the waving we would do during the parade. Heading back to the hotel, we took time to crank out the last of our college applications (go Class of 2022!) before turning in early; our call time was 3 a.m. in the lobby.

Despite the insanely early wake-up time, riding the float was an amazing experience. Pasadena’s residents and tourists from all over the world lined the 5.5-mile route. Though our arms cramped from waving after a couple of hours, the smile on our faces stayed strong as we were fueled by the infectious joy of everyone involved. The fun did not end there; all the floats were parked at Pasadena High School for the FloatFest display. We were able to spend some time looking at the floats and handing out cards about Kiwanis to passersby. Overall, the Rose Parade was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we are extremely grateful to have been a part of it.

The Kiwanis International Rose Parade float titled “Dream to Achieve.”

Floats for the 2022 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, were decorated with flowers, seeds, seaweed and other plant materials by volunteers from Kiwanis, Circle K International and Key Club.

The Kiwanis International float rolled down Colorado Boulevard during the 2022 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. Leaders from Kiwanis, Circle K International and Key Club participated in the New Year’s Day parade.

Salma Eldeeb

Kiwanis International leaders gathered in Pasadena, California, for the 2022 Rose Parade. Leaders also attended a luncheon hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Pasadena. Left to right, Leah Reiser, vice president, Circle K International; Kyle Lank, president, Circle K International; Art Riley, immediate past president, Kiwanis International; Peter Mancuso, 2021-22 Kiwanis International president; Salma Eldeeb, Key Club president; and Melanie Kim, Key Club vice president.

Student leaders from Circle K International and Key Club joined the fun in decorating the Kiwanis International float for the 2022 Rose Parade held January 1 in Pasadena, California. Pictured from front to back are Leah Reiser, vice president, Circle K International; Salma Eldeeb, president, Key Club; Melanie Kim, vice president, Key Club; and Kyle Lank, president, Circle K International.

Melanie Kim, vice president of Key Club International, and Salma Eldeeb, president of Key Club International, sort materials that were used on the Kiwanis International float in the 2022 Rose Parade on January 1, 2022, in Pasadena, California.

Salma Eldeeb, president of Key Club, sits in the Kiwanis International float during preparations for the 2022 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.

Melanie Kim

Leah Reiser, left, vice president of Circle K International, and Melanie Kim, right, vice president of Key Club International, wave to the crowd from the Kiwanis International float in the 2022 Rose Parade.

Kiwanis International leaders gathered in Pasadena, California, for the 2022 Rose Parade. Leaders also attended a luncheon hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Pasadena. Left to right, Leah Reiser, vice president, Circle K International; Kyle Lank, president, Circle K International; Art Riley, immediate past president, Kiwanis International; Peter Mancuso, 2021-22 Kiwanis International president; Salma Eldeeb, Key Club president; and Melanie Kim, Key Club vice president.

Student leaders from Circle K International and Key Club joined the fun in decorating the Kiwanis International float for the 2022 Rose Parade held January 1 in Pasadena, California. Pictured from front to back are Leah Reiser, vice president, Circle K International; Salma Eldeeb, president, Key Club; Melanie Kim, vice president, Key Club; and Kyle Lank, president, Circle K International.

Melanie Kim, vice president of Key Club International, and Salma Eldeeb, president of Key Club International, sort materials that were used on the Kiwanis International float in the 2022 Rose Parade on January 1, 2022, in Pasadena, California.

Melanie Kim, vice president of Key Club International, waves to the crowd from the Kiwanis International float in the 2022 Rose Parade.