Float from Illinois Office of Tourism to be featured in Roses Parade

Posted on December 18, 2023
Daniel Thomas, deputy director, Illinois Office of Tourism, announcing Illinois’ 2024 float in the Tournament of Roses Parade, says the inaugural entry in 2023 was a success. (Photo courtesy: Illinois Office of Tourism)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ entry in the 2024 Tournament of Roses Parade will sound like we’re in the “Middle of Everything.”

The Illinois Office of Tourism says the “Illinois: The Middle of Beats & Blues” float depicts some of Springfield’s Route 66 attractions as well as the Blues Brothers, appearing on a drive-in screen.

The men’s a capella group Straight No Chaser will perform a medley of songs from the 1980 film, perhaps the best-known movie made in Illinois.

Office of Tourism deputy director Daniel Thomas says the 2023 float was a success. “One of the things we were looking at was our marketing mix right across the globe, and coming out of the pandemic, Illinois wanted to position itself that we are reopen to visitors.

“We see 50 million impressions and eyeballs on” the 2023 float.

Thomas says the money for the Rose Parade comes from the tourism marketing budget.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].

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