Vanessa Manjarrez, the 95th Rose Queen and her court at the start of the Tournament of Roses. Photo by Dennis J. Freeman
The excitement of the annual Tournament has come and gone. But every year the prestigious event that is seen by millions of viewers across the globe, never fail to deliver in glamour, creativity and astonishment. This year was no different. From the reign of Vanessa Manjarrez, who served as the 95th Rose Queen to the many award-winning floats that dazzled audiences with their visual presentation, to the spectacle of the Rose Bowl, this was a week filled with wonderment and pageantry. Manjarrez, who attends Mayfair Senior High School in Pasadena, led the Queen’s Court in dignity and class and that personification was followed all down the Tournament of Roses and the events surrounding the festive event. “I’m so honored to be Rose Queen, and representing the Tournament of Roses has already been amazing,” said the newly crowned queen. “Now that we have these beautiful dresses and our crown and tiaras, the whole experience of being on the Royal Court is even more special.”
The Shriners Hospital float at the 2013 Tournament of Roses. Photo Credit: Ronald Jenkins
Wisconsin Athletics Director Barry Alvarez coached the school’s football team in the 99th Rose Bowl presented by Vizio. Photo Credit: Ronald Jenkins
Two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin attends the 2012 Rose Bowl Hall of Fame Luncheon. Photo Credit: Ronald Jenkins
Members of the Delta Sigma Theta Soroity Inc. celebrate being the fist African American Greek organization to sponsor a float in the annual Tournament of Roses Parade. Photo Credit: Ronald Jenkins
The Donate Life float makes its way in the Tournament of Roses. Photo Credit: Ronald Jenkins
Dr. Seuss…Photo Credit: Ronald Jenkins
Brian Griese, Ron Yary and John Cooper are the 2012 Rose Bowl Hall of Fame inductees. Photo Credit: Ronald Jenkins
Carolyn Henry Glaspy holds up a artistic likeness of her son, former NFL player Chris Henry at the 2013 Tournament of Roses Parade. Photo Credit: Dennis J. Freeman
Stanford running back Stepfan Taylor at the Rose Bowl Media Day. Photo Credit: Ronald Jenkins
Wisconsin running back Montee Ball is hoping to lead the Badgers to a Rose Bowl win against Stanford. Photo Credit: Ronald Jenkins
Hall of Fame broadcaster Keith Jackson, the voice of college football, moderated the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame Luncheon at the Pasadena Convention Center. Photo Credit: Ronald Jenkins
Stanford and Wisconsin square off in the 99th Vizio Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. Photo Credit: Ronald Jenkins
Dennis has covered and written about politics, crime, race, sports, and entertainment. Dennis currently covers the NFL, MLB, NBA, NCAA, and Olympic sports. Dennis is the editor of News4usonline.com and serves as the publisher of the Compton Bulletin newspaper. He earned a journalism degree from Howard University. Email Dennis at dfreeman@news4usonline.com
