Rose Parade 2018: Start time; Gary Sinise is Grand Marshal

Are you ready for the Rose Parade 2018? It’s one of the traditions for ringing in the new year, and we have a feeling that there are plenty of people out there who are going to envy some of the weather that is going on in Pasadena.

So what’s happening at the Parade this year? Let’s start with giving you some of the necessary programming information — the Parade starts at 11:30 a.m. Eastern time (8:30 a.m. Pacific) on NBC, and it will be hosted by the one-two punch of Al Roker and Hoda Kotb. Hopefully for Roker this goes better than the one time he didn’t remember who the singers from The Voice were even though that show airs on his own network. Meanwhile, the Grand Marshal this year is none other than CSI: NY and Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders alum Gary Sinise.

For a little bit more information, just take a look at the official press release via NBC:

The fun kicks off with an exciting opening celebration by Honda featuring “Power of Dreams Express,” the colorful lead float entry bringing together volunteers and philanthropic organizations working to make a difference in the lives of children. Other parade highlights include a majestic floral monument of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the AIDS Healthcare Foundation float saluting the iconic civil rights crusader, a lively entry from the Los Angeles Forum celebrating the music and entertainment venue’s 50-year anniversary, Lucy Pet Foundation’s “Paws for Life” entry honoring heroic service animals from around the country, the UPS Store’s whimsical sea monster float titled “Books Bring Dreams to Life” and Dole’s “Sharing Nature’s Bounty” entry featuring dazzling floral animals and a cascading waterfall.

Adding to the fun will be 18 equestrian teams, including the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales as well as miniature horses, as well as 22 incredible marching bands from the U.S. and as far away as Australia and Japan. This year’s Rose Queen and her court will also appear.

The Pasadena Police Department estimates that more than 700,000 spectators will line the five-and-a-half mile parade route. Tens of millions of people worldwide watch the telecast every year.

Sound like a fun show to anyone else? We’re going to be covering the show as it happens with some more highlights that take place! It’s an event like no other — it’s bright, it’s pleasant, and hopefully it helps to give you a little more hope moving into the rest of the year. (Apparently, there is no Bachelor float this time — sorry, Bachelor fans.)

Are you planning to check out the Rose Parade this week? Be sure to share in the comments below!

Meanwhile, you can like CarterMatt on Facebook in the event you want some more TV news on everything we cover. (Photo: NBC.)