Cal Poly Rose Float announced ‘Jungle Jumpstart’ as their 2026 Rose Parade float submission.
The theme comes after an eight-month-long process, beginning in January with a concept competition where anyone can submit a design idea for the Rose Float team, said Remi Licona, a student member of the Rose Float’s construction team.
Once the competition closes and new leadership for the year is chosen, both the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly Pomona teams, who collaborate to make one float, deliberate on which concept fits best with the Rose Parade’s theme for the year. This year’s Rose Parade theme is ‘The Magic in Teamwork.’
The theme ‘Jungle Jumpstart’ is based on teamwork represented by its display of a group of jungle animals coming to the aid of a broken robot and, in turn, the robot providing them with habitats and other forms of assistance, according to a Cal Poly News release.
“I think the beauty of two unlike things coming together as a team to help each other is beautiful and perfectly exemplifies teamwork,” said Nico Campbell, a member of the Rose Float’s design team.
Teamwork is not only demonstrated in the float itself but also through its construction as both Cal Poly and Cal Poly Pomona collaborate on the float together. The construction requires the dedication of two leadership teams and over 60 students, according to Cal Poly News. While the float is primarily built by students, the public is able to get involved in Rose Float procedures as well.
“There’s many different ways the public can show it, from donations to volunteering during deco week, where we put all the plant material onto the float,” Licona said, who urged students and the public alike to look into the program.
The Cal Poly team will showcase their ‘Jungle Jumpstart’ float at the Rose Parade on Jan. 1, 2026 in Pasadena, Calif. and awaits over 3,000 spectators.