Enter contest for chance to ride city’s Rose Parade float

Want to see Huntington Beach’s float in the 2009 Tournament of Roses Parade up close — really close?

The city’s Centennial Committee is holding a contest to ride on the float, marking Huntington Beach’s hundredth year, on New Year’s Day. To sign up for a chance, go to www.hb100years.org and enter your name by Sept. 3. The site also explains how to volunteer to decorate the float and describes the city’s centennial festivities.

Winners will join the mayor and other city representatives, riding on a stand mimicking Huntington Beach Pier amidst waves, surfboards, and even depictions of a family barbecue.

Eligible riders will be Huntington Beach Residents who will be older than 12 by Sept. 3, and who can check in at the float barn in Pasadena by 6 a.m. on the day of the parade, Jan. 1. Riders must commit to the whole parade, which takes six hours — there are no stops along the way.

— Michael Alexander