Local florist to serve as designer for 2023 Rose Parade
This isn’t her first rodeo playing a role in the parade, either!
SYLVANIA, Ohio — Jen Linehan is a familiar face to Toledo TV viewers. As the owner of Beautiful Blooms by Jen here in Sylvania, her work has been seen by thousands. And now, it’s going to be seen on an even larger scale, when she takes up the challenge of being a designer for the 2023 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California — and this won’t be her first rodeo.
“Last year, I just think not knowing what we were getting into was just crazy, but this year I’m going as a designer. So, I think it’s gonna be really, really cool getting to actually add all the flowers, the arrangements, to the floats, because there’s lots of flowers that are just kind of pegged in,” Linehan explained.
Linehan says to look out for the Donate Life float, which is where you’ll be able to see her work on display. She adds that a lot goes into the parade you see, whether on TV or in person.
“When I say working, it’s volunteer. It’s not a paid position by any means,” Linehan said.
So how do you even prepare to get to work on this annual tradition?
“It is very long days in very chilly environments, so I will be packing extra long sleeves and gloves this year,” she said.
Linehan says that she is sacrificing valuable time with family, to offer up both her expertise and experience to the parade, during what’s a bit of a chaotic time.
“It’s really hard leaving your family, like, right after Christmas and being gone. My husband’s a basketball coach, so I’m basically saying, ‘Here are the kids during basketball season and I’m taking a week vacation.’ But it’s not really a vacation, I’m definitely working.”
But just maybe it’s worth the sweet smell of roses.
“You can smell the flowers as the floats go by; it’s just so crazy,” Linehan recalled.
The parade is Monday, January 2nd and will be both aired on TV and streamed.
