PASADENA, Calif. (September 11, 2025) – As preparations for the 137th Rose Parade® presented by Honda hit full stride, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® is thrilled to announce the selection of Chaz Perea, Doris Hardoon, and Cathy Hillen-Rulloda as the distinguished judges for the 2026 Float Awards. Each of these esteemed judges brings a unique perspective, whether in horticulture and sustainability, global creative leadership or innovative floral artistry. Their combined expertise will ensure that the 2026 floats are evaluated with artistry, technical mastery and alignment with the parade’s theme, “The Magic in Teamwork.”
“The 2026 Float Judges bring extraordinary depth and vision to the float judging process. Each of them has made a remarkable impact in their field, and now they bring that perspective to the Rose Parade,” said Mark Leavens, Tournament of Roses President. “We’re honored to welcome such inspiring leaders whose insights will help us celebrate the passion, precision and purpose behind every float.”
Each year, the judging panel selects 24 float awards, highlighting excellence in categories such as Float Design, Floral Presentation and Entertainment Value. The pinnacle of the awards is the coveted Sweepstakes Trophy, presented to the most beautiful entry encompassing float design, floral presentation and entertainment.
2026 Rose Parade Float Judges:
Chaz Perea Ph.D. –Landscape Manager, Dodger Stadium; Horticulture Professor, Mt. San Antonio College Chaz Perea has led the landscape transformation of Dodger Stadium, where his team reimagined the grounds with drought-tolerant and native plants. Their dedication helped the venue become the first U.S. sports arena accredited as a botanic garden. A hands-on educator, Perea also teaches horticulture at Mt. San Antonio College and is known for connecting design, sustainability and public engagement. His eye for natural form and materials, paired with deep knowledge of plants, will be invaluable as he evaluates floats that bring the 2026 theme, “The Magic in Teamwork,” to life.
Doris Hardoon – Executive Creative Director & Producer; Disney Legend A Disney Legend, Doris Hardoon’s four-decade Imagineering career spans creative leadership on projects across Disney parks worldwide. She contributed early design work for EPCOT and later served as executive creative director and producer on landmark developments including Shanghai Disney Resort, guiding the resort’s “Authentically Disney and Distinctly Chinese” vision. Today, Hardoon continues to mentor global creatives and cultivate the next generation of design talent through her initiative, Global Connections Collective. Her blend of storytelling, placemaking, and cross-cultural collaboration brings a unique perspective to the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade Float Judging.
Cathy Hillen-Rulloda, AAF, AIFD, PFCI – Floral Designer, Educator; Consultant; Southern California School of Floral Design For more than 40 years, Cathy Hillen-Rulloda has transformed flowers into award-winning artistry, earning top honors in competitions including the Sylvia Cup and California’s Top Ten Design. Her designs have appeared on stages from the 1984 Olympic Games to industry events across North America and beyond, and her work has been featured in InStyle, Modern Bride and Florists’ Review. As a certified floral judge and longtime instructor at the Southern California School of Floral Design, she has mentored countless designers. Returning to the Rose Parade on the 50th anniversary of her first march down Colorado Boulevard as a member of the St. Albans, West Virginia high school band, she brings a lifetime of creativity, dedication and joy in flowers.
“The 2026 Float Judges bring extraordinary depth and vision to the float judging process. Each of them has made a remarkable impact in their field, and now they bring that perspective to the Rose Parade,” said Mark Leavens, Tournament of Roses President. “We’re honored to welcome such inspiring leaders whose insights will help us celebrate the passion, precision and purpose behind every float.”
Each year, the judging panel selects 24 float awards, highlighting excellence in categories such as Float Design, Floral Presentation and Entertainment Value. The pinnacle of the awards is the coveted Sweepstakes Trophy, presented to the most beautiful entry encompassing float design, floral presentation and entertainment.
2026 Rose Parade Float Judges:
Chaz Perea Ph.D. –Landscape Manager, Dodger Stadium; Horticulture Professor, Mt. San Antonio College Chaz Perea has led the landscape transformation of Dodger Stadium, where his team reimagined the grounds with drought-tolerant and native plants. Their dedication helped the venue become the first U.S. sports arena accredited as a botanic garden. A hands-on educator, Perea also teaches horticulture at Mt. San Antonio College and is known for connecting design, sustainability and public engagement. His eye for natural form and materials, paired with deep knowledge of plants, will be invaluable as he evaluates floats that bring the 2026 theme, “The Magic in Teamwork,” to life.
Doris Hardoon – Executive Creative Director & Producer; Disney Legend A Disney Legend, Doris Hardoon’s four-decade Imagineering career spans creative leadership on projects across Disney parks worldwide. She contributed early design work for EPCOT and later served as executive creative director and producer on landmark developments including Shanghai Disney Resort, guiding the resort’s “Authentically Disney and Distinctly Chinese” vision. Today, Hardoon continues to mentor global creatives and cultivate the next generation of design talent through her initiative, Global Connections Collective. Her blend of storytelling, placemaking, and cross-cultural collaboration brings a unique perspective to the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade Float Judging.
Cathy Hillen-Rulloda, AAF, AIFD, PFCI – Floral Designer, Educator; Consultant; Southern California School of Floral Design For more than 40 years, Cathy Hillen-Rulloda has transformed flowers into award-winning artistry, earning top honors in competitions including the Sylvia Cup and California’s Top Ten Design. Her designs have appeared on stages from the 1984 Olympic Games to industry events across North America and beyond, and her work has been featured in InStyle, Modern Bride and Florists’ Review. As a certified floral judge and longtime instructor at the Southern California School of Floral Design, she has mentored countless designers. Returning to the Rose Parade on the 50th anniversary of her first march down Colorado Boulevard as a member of the St. Albans, West Virginia high school band, she brings a lifetime of creativity, dedication and joy in flowers.
