2009 Rose Parade float to feature giant surfboard

The Huntington Beach City Council approved plans for a float in the 2009 Tournament of Roses Parade in honor of the city’s centennial next year.

Council members voted 5-1, with Councilman Joe Carchio voting no and Councilman Gil Coerper absent, to approve a design that includes a giant surfboard on a huge wave, a family at a barbecue, seagulls, and other outdoorsy features meant to complement the city’s “Surf City USA” moniker.

“It’s a very exciting design to showcase Huntington Beach,” said Community Relations Officer Laurie Payne, who presented the design on behalf of the city’s Centennial Committee. “It’s got the fun and the funky and all the great things we have to offer here.”

The float is to be 55 feet long and 30 feet high, and the city budgeted $200,000 to complete it.

About $110,000 have also been raised.

“We’re not all surfers, but I think it represents in one snapshot the best we can why people want to visit Huntington Beach,” Councilman Keith Bohr said of the float.

— Michael Alexander