The world-renowned annual Rose Parade in Pasasdena will have a float from China for the first time in its 119-year history, organizers said on Monday.

The float, jointly sponsored by Pasadena-based label maker Avery Dennison Corp. and the Roundtable of Southern California Chinese-American Organizations, is being designed and built by Festival Artists Worldwide.

According to publicist Barbara Casey, the float, which will have an Olympic theme to promote the Beijing Summer Olympic Games in 2008, "has the blessing" of Chinese officials, who were in Pasadena, about 20 km northeast of Los Angeles, to help announce the first-ever entry from China.

She said the Chinese guests will also contribute to the float's design.

"I'm thrilled about Beijing's entry in the Tournament of Roses Parade, which is a long-time dream of the China Committee of Pasadena Sister Cities," said Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard.

"On Jan. 1, as history is being made by the float spotlighting the 2008 Olympic Games, Pasadena will be viewed on a global stage as a city that understands and celebrates the spirit of the Olympics," the mayor said.

To celebrate the float and the Summer Olympics, Avery Dennison and the Roundtable will also sponsor a group of Beijing-based performers at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on Aug. 9, and two more performances entitled "Approaching the Beijing Olympic Games" will be held at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles on Dec. 28 and 29.

"Avery Dennison has been doing business in China for over 15 years and we are proud to co-sponsor a float that will highlight the economic success of China of the 21st century and the first Olympic Games ever hosted by Beijing," said company president and CEO Dean Scarborough.

He said having China participate in one of America's most famous new year celebrations would demonstrate the important link between the two countries.

Source: Xinhua