Search for Rose Court 2026 kicks into gear at the Tournament of Roses

The search began on Saturday for the seven young people who will comprise the 2026 Rose Court.

Hopefuls for the Court gathered at the Tournament House in Pasadena for a day of first-round interviews in front of the Tournament of Roses’ Queen and Court Committee.

After multiple interviews, the goal was to narrow the group to 25, and after about a month will be narrowed to seven. Of that seven, a Rose Queen will be named in October.

In the weeks leading up to the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game, the Court steps into a high-profile role of collectively being ambassadors for the Tournament of Roses.

Ultimately, they get a prime spot in the parade itself after connecting with community through service projects and appearances for weeks.

It’s a role that Tournament officials say builds self-confidence and experiences for a lifetime.

The seven members of the 2025 Rose Court will each receive a $7,500 educational scholarship.

This year, because of the Eaton fire, the Tournament tweaked the eligibility rules to become a member of the Rose Court.

Traditionally, applicant eligibility is determined by the Pasadena Community College District map along with seven additional zip codes that include Eagle Rock, Highland Park, San Gabriel and Alhambra.

This year, applicants who were displaced by the Eaton fire and do not currently live within the geographic boundaries were able to apply. However, the applicant must attend a school that is within the eligible area, according to the tournament.

Less than a week after the 136th Rose Parade, the Eaton fire destroyed much of Altadena along with parts of Pasadena and Sierra Madre. At least 19 people died in a blaze that burned more than 14,000 acres and destroyed about 9,400 structures.

About a month after the fire, the Tournament of Roses announced that its theme for the 137th parade would be “The Magic in Teamwork,” a nod to community uniting in response to the devastation and loss.

The tournament said it looks for applicants with diverse strengths that can include natural public speakers, youth leaders, academic achievement and community involvement.