170: Inside The Salvation Army Rose Parade Experience with Kevin Larsson and Jim Sparks

The Do Gooders Podcast

Happy New Year!

It's a whole new year and you could say much of the excitement and buzz of this turning of the calendar is concentrated right now in Pasadena, California, for the Tournament of Roses Rose Parade—America's New Year Celebration.

For millions of people around the world, the Rose Parade is an iconic New Year's Day tradition as floral-decorated floats, equestrian units, bands and other Tournament Entries travel some 5-and-a-half miles down Colorado Blvd.

This year, 2024, marks the 135th Rose Parade and for more than a century, The Salvation Army has taken to the streets on New Year's Day to march in the Rose Parade.

In fact, it is the longest continual band to participate in the parade, having marched consecutively since 1920.

It's made up of some 180 Salvation Army musicians and timbrelists from around Southern California and across the country and this year includes a special guest Salvation Army band ensemble from Bromley, England.

And those involved know it's one day The Salvation Army reaches millions on TV with song titles like "Amazing Grace" or "Stand up for Jesus" displayed right there on everyone's screen.

Leading the charge again this year as Bandmaster and here to share more about the experience with us is Kevin Larsson, Creative Development Director for the Music Department in The Salvation Army Western Territory.

Alongside him, Jim Sparks is a Salvationist from Pasadena and is believed to be the longest-running marcher this year as he joins in his 29th Rose Parade.

They're giving us the behind the scenes today, what you don't necessarily see on TV and why they love being part of this longstanding tradition.

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