January 1, 1938 – Disney Makes its First Appearance in the Tournament of Roses Parade
“I couldn’t have been more excited that day, especially when the Snow White float went by.” – Roy E. Disney
On January 1, 1938, the Tournament of Roses Parade took place in Pasadena, California, with the theme being “Playland Fantasies.” This parade marked Disney’s first involvement with the parade, when characters from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (released in 1937) were featured prominently on a float. Marjorie Belcher, the live-action model for Snow White, wore the costume to ride on the float; several of the actors who dressed up as the dwarfs for the film’s premiere were also on hand to ride the float. Since this first involvement, Disney has had a special partnership with the parade, including Walt Disney acting as the Grand Marshal in 1966, Roy E. Disney acting as the Grand Marshal in 2000, and a special dedication float to the 50th anniversary of Disneyland in 2005, with Mickey Mouse as the Grand Marshal.
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