An exclusive five-day tour provides prime seating and behind-the-scenes experiences. 

By Ellie Howe 

Each New Year’s Day since 1965, Kiwanis members have seen their organization’s float on television during the Tournament of Roses Parade (also known as The Rose Parade) in Pasadena, California, U.S.  

Now you can get firsthand experience of this world-renowned tradition. Exclusively available to Kiwanians and their guests, our five-day tour takes place from December 29, 2026, to January 2, 2027 — providing unparalleled access to the people, stories and connections that make this event unforgettable.  

What to expect
The adventure begins in Los Angeles, California, where registrants will meet with fellow Kiwanians and kick off their New Year experience. Guests who arrive early can even take part in the excitement of float decoration.  

Then it’s time for an exclusive Kiwanis luncheon, featuring a special opportunity to meet and connect with 2026-27 Kiwanis International President Hope Markes. 

The excitement builds with a visit to a Tournament of Roses float barn and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the 2027 Kiwanis International float as it nears completion. Along the way, you’ll explore some of southern California’s most iconic attractions, including Hollywood, the HMS Queen Mary and Santa Monica Pier. 

On New Year’s Day, you’ll experience the legendary parade with premium seating that puts you among the first to view the floats — including Kiwanis International’s as it takes center stage.  

After the parade, Floatfest allows you to stroll among the floral creations up close, taking in the incredible detail and the thousands of flowers that make each float a masterpiece. 

When the five-day tour comes to an end, you’ll return home with new friendships, lasting memories and the shared experience of celebrating the new year with fellow Kiwanians. 

Package and pricing
When you sign up for the experience, you’ll get: 

• Prime seats at the Rose Parade’s starting point 
• A four-night stay at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel 
• Complimentary airport transfers 
• Seven meals (breakfasts and lunches) 
• Hotel taxes and resort fees paid 
• Gratuities for wait staff and drivers 

 Packages start at just US$1,498 per person (double occupancy). 

Kiwanis members can save an additional US$50 per person by using promo code KIWANIS when booking. Optional activities, including the Rose Bowl football game, are available at an additional cost. Round-trip airfare is not included. 

Reserve your spot
Act fast — space for this exclusive Kiwanis International experience is limited! Join fellow Kiwanians from around the world as we celebrate the new year and experience the magic of the iconic Rose Parade.

Ready to start 2027 with a once-in-a-lifetime experience? Sign up today! 

Penn is remembered as an educator and leader.

By Julie Saetre

Alan Penn, president of Kiwanis International in 2011-12, passed away on August 5. He was 77. 

At the time of his passing, he was serving as a member of the Kiwanis International Voices Pilot Program Committee, executive director of the Ohio District Foundation and executive director for the Medina County Community Foundation.  

Throughout his Kiwanis experience, Penn held many leadership roles, including Kiwanis Children’s Fund trustee (2009-10; 2012-13), Kiwanis International trustee (2006-09), and Ohio District governor (1999-2000).  

“First and foremost, Alan Penn was an educator in all aspects of his life,” says Kiwanis International Executive Director Paul Palazzolo. “He believed that Kiwanis members could bridge the gap for young people and children to have bright futures, and he demonstrated this belief in many ways — from serving as Ohio’s Key Club district administrator to leading as our international president. His passion for new ideas and forward thinking will be missed.” 

A Kiwanian since October 1975, Penn was a member of the Medina Breakfast Kiwanis Club in Ohio, U.S., for over 50 years, during which he served as club president and public relations chair. 

He was also a charter member and past distinguished president of the Kiwanis Club of Tombstone, Virginia City, Montana, U.S. — one of Kiwanis’ first internet clubs. He made the motion to pass the “Flexibility Amendment,” which introduced new options such as corporate memberships and satellite clubs. 

“I believe there is room in Kiwanis for a variety of memberships,” he told Kiwanis magazine in 2010. “They may not meet like we do. … But we all serve, and we’re all Kiwanians.”  

In addition, Penn was a member of the Lakewood Kiwanis Club, the All-Ohio Internet Kiwanis Club and an honorary member of the Medina Sunrise Rotary Club. 

He also was deeply involved in The Eliminate Project, a Kiwanis/UNICEF initiative to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus. 

A lifelong commitment
Penn’s service journey began as a child in the 1950s, when he and his parents moved to Honduras for an eight-year missionary experience. The family lived on a farm for orphan boys. While his father modernized the farm, Penn and his mother joined trips into the mountains to vaccinate women. 

Those trips with his mother were even more meaningful after he went to Chamnak, Cambodia, in 2011 as part of a Kiwanis fact-finding tour for The Eliminate Project.  

“In the ’50s, Mom was doing her part to eliminate a cruel disease,” he said. “And here I am, as president of Kiwanis International, continuing her work to eliminate that same disease, forever. I just started to cry. I realized then this is our Kiwanis legacy of service. This is how we’ll change the world.This is what unites us.” 

Among his many Kiwanis honors, Penn was a George F. Hixson Fellow, Diamond-level 3; a Charter Walter Zeller Fellow, Diamond-level 2; a Heritage Society member; Tablet of Honor recipient; and G. Harold Martin Society member (a Service Leadership Program honor).  

He was inducted into the Ohio Kiwanis Hall of Fame in 2010. 

“He had a heart for Kiwanis and showed that fervor regardless of whether he was serving at the international, Ohio District or club level,” says Dave Curry, 2007-08 Kiwanis International president. “You could always depend on Alan to bring his best to the task at hand.”  

A native of Ohio, Penn attended Ohio State University, where he earned a Master of Science in education administration. His career spanned more than 50 years across education and community leadership.  

In the 1970s, during his time at the Career Center, Penn was invited to join the Medina Kiwanis Club by his supervisor, who also was a member. Penn found that the Medina Breakfast Club better met his schedule, and, as he told Kiwanis magazine in 2010, “the rest is history.” 

Penn was a member of the Medina United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife, Jeri; daughter, Jody; son, Randy; three grandchildren; two brothers; and many nieces and nephews.