TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO SUBMIT YOUR ESSAY
Win a chance to walk alongside the official Rotary float in the Rose Bowl Parade held January 1, 2026!
Rotary District 5340 is proud to announce that our district will participate in the 2026 Rose Parade in Pasadena on January 1, 2026.
This year’s Rotary Rose Parade Float will carry the theme “Unite for Good” which beautifully reflects Rotary International’s global message and the spirit of service that connects us all.
We are inviting our Rotary family from San Diego, Imperial Valley, and Blythe to take part in a very special opportunity. One member of District 5340 will be selected to walk alongside the official Rotary Rose Parade float on New Year’s Day.
We will select that person through a District 5340 Essay Contest.
Who can enter
You must be a current member of Rotary District 5340 as a Rotarian or a Rotaractor, including our club in Blythe.
You must be a current member of Rotary District 5340 as a Rotarian or a Rotaractor, including our club in Blythe.
What to write
Write a short story of up to 500 words that tells about a moment in your life that shows the spirit of our theme, "Don't Miss the Bus."
Write a short story of up to 500 words that tells about a moment in your life that shows the spirit of our theme, "Don't Miss the Bus."
“Don’t Miss the Bus” is about paying attention to the moments that matter. It might be
• the day you said yes to Rotary
• the time you helped someone who did not expect it
• the day you invited a new person to Rotary and it changed their life
• a service project that opened your heart
• a moment when you felt Rotary is family
Your story does not have to be fancy. It only needs to be real and from the heart.
Important dates
The contest was opened last 11/7/2025
Deadline for submissions: November 30, 2025
Winner announced: December 7, 2025
The contest was opened last 11/7/2025
Deadline for submissions: November 30, 2025
Winner announced: December 7, 2025
Prize
Only one winner will be selected. That person will represent District 5340 and walk beside the Rotary Rose Parade float on January 1, 2026. This is a once-in-a-lifetime Rotary experience.
Only one winner will be selected. That person will represent District 5340 and walk beside the Rotary Rose Parade float on January 1, 2026. This is a once-in-a-lifetime Rotary experience.
We may also share other beautiful entries in future district communications, so do not be shy about sending yours.
Please include your name, club name, and whether you are Rotary or Rotaract.
Let us celebrate who we are as a District. Let us tell our stories. Let us not miss the best moment.