Rose Parade pays tribute to Star Wars

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PASADENA, Calif. - A dragon atop a castle breathed fire, 200 stormtroopers menacingly marched behind Ewoks swinging in trees and the Oakridge Boys led hundreds of thousands in song Monday at the 118th Rose Parade. The festivities began with a majestic flyover of an Air Force B-2 stealth bomber and two other fighter jets that brought cheers from people packed in bleachers and on streets. Actress-singer Kristin Chenoweth and a dancing troupe rang in the new year with a tribute to this year's parade theme, "Our Good Nature."The three-piece "Star Wars Spectacular," an entry that celebrated the 1977 release of "Star Wars," the first film in the sci-fi saga, was a huge draw for many."Look mommy, it's Darth Vader!" screamed 5-year-old Allegra Rechner as she wiggled in her bleacher seat to get a better look. The parade's Grand Marshal was "Star Wars" creator George Lucas, who rode in a 1911 Pope-Hartford, Model Y."We've lived here all our lives and have never been to the parade, but this year we just gotta see Mr. Lucas," said 51-year-old Robin Romero of Hacienda Heights, who frequents "Star Wars" conventions across the country with her husband, Dennis. In a two-hour parade that garnered nonstop cheers, the "Oklahoma Rising" float, celebrating the state's 100-year anniversary, got a standing ovation. Spectators sensed something different was about to happen when volunteer workers ran by urging everyone to cover their ears because a large noise was about to be heard. Suddenly a man wearing a rocket booster blasted off the float, flying about 100 yards before returning to land."The flying man was so cool," said Mark Wong, 39, from San Gabriel. The parade featured 45 floats, 22 marching bands and 23 equestrian units. Actor James Garner, Miss America Jennifer Berry and basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar made appearances. Augie Lopez, 41, who has attended the parade every year since immigrating from the Philippines six years ago, said she enjoyed aspects that could only be captured in person. Those included volunteers scurrying to scoop up horse poop, flowers falling off the floats and marching bands that lose their rhythm, she said."On TV everything is perfect, but here you get to see the bloopers," said Lopez. Temperatures dipped into the 40s Sunday night, but the sun came out early Monday and temperatures were in the 60s. Last year's parade was doused with rain for the first time in 50 years. Many parade-goers spent a cold night along the route, staking out prime seats. Police said the crowd was generally peaceful, though 17 people were arrested on suspicion of various crimes, including public drunkenness. The parade finished a few hours before the Rose Bowl, in which Southern California beat Michigan 32-18."This is the ultimate Southern California experience ... from the traffic, to the people, to the colorful things you see," said Nelson Mathews, a Glendale retiree who has been attending since he was a child.