BATON ROUGE — Louisiana is packing its pots, spices, and plenty of Southern flair for a return trip to one of the world’s most famous parades. State officials have unveiled the design and star power behind Louisiana’s 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade float, marking the state’s fifth consecutive year in the New Year’s Day tradition.
The float, fittingly titled “Gulf to Gumbo,” will roll through Pasadena, California, on January 1, 2026, celebrating Louisiana’s culinary culture while tying into the parade’s theme, “The Magic of Teamwork.”
Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says the float tells a story every Louisianan knows well—how teamwork turns simple ingredients into something unforgettable.
“We’re excited,” Nungesser said. “I think we’ve got about 100 Louisianans coming out to help decorate the float. The theme this year is teamwork. We’re going to have all the Louisiana products—the seafood, a pelican, and a big pot of gumbo. Our teamwork is making a big pot of gumbo.”
The float will feature iconic Louisiana staples, including rice, crawfish, shrimp, spices, and hot sauces, symbolizing the industries and people that keep the state cooking. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain and his wife are among those riding, helping showcase the state’s products to a global audience.
“We’ll be bringing all the Louisiana products out there, talking about those products—everything that goes in a pot of gumbo and all those great things that come out of Louisiana,” Nungesser said. “It’s a great opportunity to get people excited about coming to Louisiana.”
But the float isn’t just about food—it’s about people. Riders will represent every corner of the state, from seafood business owners and cultural ambassadors to festival queens and tourism partners.
“Each of our partners around the state will put a rider on the float,” Nungesser said. “Some will have one of their festival queens. I think the Very Special Miss Louisiana is riding. We want people to see all Louisiana has to offer and highlight what’s special in every community.”
Gonzales, Louisiana is represented in California
One of those community representatives is Presley Womack, the Gonzales Jambalaya Queen, who will ride as Ascension Parish’s representative.
The Gonzales Jambalaya Festival Association called the selection a once-in-a-lifetime honor.
“We are so honored that our queen has been chosen as Ascension Parish’s representative to ride in the Rose Parade,” the association said. “On New Year’s Day, be on the lookout for the 2025 Miss Gonzales Jambalaya Queen, Presley Womack, as she represents the Jambalaya Festival, the City of Gonzales, Ascension Parish, and the great state of Louisiana.”
Adding to the excitement, Louisiana will also provide mid-parade entertainment in 2026. Country singer and American Idol runner-up John Foster, a native of Addis, will perform along the parade route. Foster has already made multiple appearances at the Grand Ole Opry, and now he’ll take his Louisiana roots to a worldwide stage.
The 2026 Rose Parade, presented by Honda, steps off Thursday, January 1, 2026, and will be broadcast live around the world at 10 a.m. Central on networks including ABC and NBC.
From the Gulf waters to the gumbo pot, Louisiana is once again ready to serve up its culture, cuisine, and community—one float at a time.
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