Burbank Tournament of Roses Association presents its
65th float entry, "Gone Fishin' ".
On the first warm day of Spring, school is closed. Content
and without a care in the world, the young lad and his best friend head for
their favorite pond hoping to catch "the big one."
Recalling the experience of catching that first fish is a Shining Moment in
Life. Today's children are tomorrow's future. Fond memories encourage our
children in creativity, scholastics and leadership.
The design of "Gone Fishin' " is by Alicia
Steinhaus. Artistry is by Noel Hobson.
Construction of the float is entirely by volunteers.
FLOWERING:
Fresh Cat Tails, Papyrus, Horse Tail Reeds, Leucadendron, Kangaroo Paw and
Limonium latifolium surround the pond where a huge fish causes
ripples and splashes of hundreds of Dendrobium caesar orchids. King and Pincushion
Protea, black with silver Lichen and Reindeer Moss form the aquatic growths
on the pilings under the crushed Walnut Shell pier.
The boy's best friend is and animated young Springer Spaniel
of Pampas Grass and Hyacinth Root.
The young boy holds a natural Bamboo fishing pole.
Behind them, the meadow is ablaze in blossoms of Alstroemeria,
Scotch broom, Larkspur, Daisy Mums, Liatris spicata, Lisianthus, Queen Anne's
Lace and Gypsophilia. Clusters of constructed California Poppies are covered
in orange Straw flower. Butterflies decorated in lunaria,
crushed Oriental lentil, yellow and orange Straw flowers, and Carnation petals
flit about the meadow flowers.
Shingles of California Redwood cover the roof of the ground white rice one-room
school house. The school bell is Silver
Leaf and Lettuce seed. Atop the tower, a blue jay of Larkspur
and blue Limonium sinuata feeds her youngster in the nest
of straw, Uva grass and sheet moss. A rose vine made of grape
vine and hundreds of pink roses over the porch create an inviting atmosphere
when school is open.
Gracing the meadow edge, a sapling of Melaleuca bark, Acacia
and yellow Oncidium orchids provides a shady spot behind the school. Corn,
Pole Beans, Red Cabbage and Carrots grow in the children's vegetable
garden.
Florals of Marigolds, Sweet Williams, blue Hybrid Delphiniums
and Gerberas flank the school house. Spray roses grow at the base of the Carrot
and Niger seed "oak" tub which holds an array of Iris, Tulips, Lilies
and Ivy.
Roses, Sunflowers, Gladiola and Forsythia accent the springtime setting for
"Gone Fishin' ".
ANIMATION:
The young boy uses a bamboo fishing pole as he tries to catch his first really
big fish. The school marm hangs a "School's Closed" sign on the
door. The young girl picks flowers from the meadow.
The body of the Springer Spaniel pup extends and retracts from standing on
all four paws to a playful bow.
A revolving track allows a mother duck and her ducklings to wander through
the meadow and vegetable garden.
The hydraulic system retracts and raises the telescoping bell tower (to avoid
obstructions).
Free animation allows the butterflies to flit about the meadow flowers. Attached
to super thin rods, the lightweight construction and decoration of the butterflies
lets the motion of the float provide the appearance of "fluttering"
wings.
INNOVATIONS USED IN BUILDING THIS FLOAT:
In 1996, for "Gone Fishin", it's a continuation of animation engine
improvements. This includes the relocation of the animation engine's radiator
for better air flow, remote engine control and monitoring on a 30' cord and
an 8,000 watt A/C generator being driven off the same engine generating our
hydraulic pressure. A majority of these improvements were performed by two
volunteers, John Cappi and Paul Yaros, who also build and race stock cars
under the name E-Ticket Racing.
We are in year five of our multi-year capital float improvements. In 1992
("Milestone's in Entertainment"), we acquired the components for
our Animation computer and communications system. In 1993 ("Medieval
Adventure"), we built the new chassis and the City of Burbank's mechanics
installed a new drive system. In 1994 ("Reach for the Wind"), we
built the float extension to increase the length of the float and mounted
the entire animation system into one box. In 1995 ("Dreamflight"),
we started a new hydraulic system. This included a new 90 gallon custom-built
hydraulic tank donated by Hydro-Craft and a new 45 GPM pressure compensating
hydraulic pump. Burbank's local auto parts dealer, Semays Auto Parts, took
our rebuilt 1967 240ci Ford inline six cylinder engine and made it workable
after we acquired donations of a propane converter, carburetor and throttle
body from OHG in Santa Fe Springs, a Woodward engine governor from Gerhardt's
Inc. and an exhaust system from Enoch's Muffler in Burbank.
HUMAN INTEREST ITEMS:
One of only 6 self-built floats, every element of design, construction and
decoration is provided entirely by volunteers. Volunteers work year round
soliciting funds, equipment, advanced technology and methods from local businesses,
and sell souvenirs such as T-shirts, pins and patches to help raise additional
funding.
Increased community involvement continues in the "Backyards of Burbank"
program started 4 years ago. Residents of Burbank and surrounding communities
contributed home-grown grape vines and a variety of greenery. Scout groups
constructed the clusters of California poppies.
"Gone Fishin" is designed by member Alicia
Steinhaus, a computer analyst. Artistry is by Noel Hobson, a free lance artist
and illustrator of children's books.
John Cappi and Paul Yaros, whose main hobby is stock car racing under the
name E-Ticket Racing, provided the expertise for the majority of improvements
to our animation engine.
FLOAT RIDERS:
As the driver's view is obstructed, the lad sitting on the dock, hoping to
catch his first really big fish, is the forward observer. He is the eyes and
ears as he communicates what is in front of the float.
The school marm and the young girl also function as observers as they communicate
with the driver what is on either side.
All three relate critical information on parade progress, float speed, obstructions
(protruding traffic signals, bridges, etc.) and dangers caused by parade viewers
darting into the street.
Their costumes were located in the wardrobe departments and use donated by
Warner Brothers Studios.
All float operators volunteer their time and efforts to building and decorating
our floats.
