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As Southern California's major parade of the year approaches, Tournament of the Roses officials have launched a new feature in which people can text questions through Thursday for an answer. "I saw an article in the paper announcing the text messaging for guests, making people aware that it existed," Acting TofR President Jeff Throop told the Pasadena Star News about his visit to the Calgary Stampede, an outdoor festival in Canada. "And I go, `Wow, that's perfect and we should be doing it for our event. How can we get this done?"'
So here's how it works and it's super easy. Text the word "ROSES" followed by a question to the number 95495. You should hopefully get an answer soon after. "We do want to make sure that people who have quick questions can get them answered," explained a spokesperson to the paper. "If you're on the freeway and want to know what exit to get off on, you can get a text back quickly."
The Rose Parade is at 8 a.m. on Friday, but the activities have already begun. Float decorating can be seen through Thursday and today is Equestfest and Bandfest. Download a visitor's guide here (.pdf).
And don't forget, Metro is offering all-night train and Orange Line service on New Year's Eve to help shuffle the hoards of people attending the event.
