(605) 835-8089

Dave Engelmeyer fulfills a life-long dream

By Patty Connealy –
  • Engelmeyer got to design the rackettes that went around the float.
    Engelmeyer got to design the rackettes that went around the float.
  • Engelmeyer was part of a five-person floral design team.
    Engelmeyer was part of a five-person floral design team.
  • The two rose spheres contained at total of 1,800 roses.
    The two rose spheres contained at total of 1,800 roses.
  • Today’s floats have come a long way from the original parade entries of horses and carriages covered with roses.
    Today’s floats have come a long way from the original parade entries of horses and carriages covered with roses.
  • Volunteers complete the painstaking work of gluing corn kernels on one at a time.
    Volunteers complete the painstaking work of gluing corn kernels on one at a time.
  • The fleur-de-lis on the front of the float were the only moving parts.
    The fleur-de-lis on the front of the float were the only moving parts.
  • The Louisiana Department of Tourism’s Mardi Gras-themed float had the perfect mix of showmanship and entertainment to win the Showmanship Award in the 135th Rose Parade.
    The Louisiana Department of Tourism’s Mardi Gras-themed float had the perfect mix of showmanship and entertainment to win the Showmanship Award in the 135th Rose Parade.
  • Volunteers poke holes and glue in water-tubed flowers on the float.
    Volunteers poke holes and glue in water-tubed flowers on the float.

Premium Content is available to subscribers only. Please login here to access content or go here to purchase a subscription.

Copyright © 2026 Gregory Times Advocate. All rights reserved.