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Lyn and Skip Shipman,
owners of Brenda's House of Flowers, recently attended the 114th Tournament
of Roses Parade and the 89th Rose Bowl Game. They had been invited by
Bob Norton, FTD president, because Brenda's House of Flowers is one of
America's largest award-winning florists, as well as one of the most innovative
floral marketers. They were flown to Pasadena, CA and stayed at the Ritz-Carlton
Hotel along with the Rose Parade's Grand Marshals, Bill Cosby, Art Linkletter
and Mister Rogers.
The Rose Parade is a spectacular display
of magnificent floral floats, talented marching bands, and high stepping
equestrian units - a tradition dating back to the 1890s. Early New Year's
Eve morning, Lyn and Skip walked with the judges as they meticulously
reviewed each float. Lyn Shipman said, "I didn't realize all the pomp
and circumstance surrounding the judging of the floats. The judges would
ring a bell to silence the crowd as they viewed each float. At the end
of their viewing, they would ring a bell a second time to signal to the
crowd they had finished judging, at which time the crowd erupted with
cheers and applause! It was so beautiful and exciting." Lyn and Skip also
attended FTD's annual New Year's Eve Ball at the Ritz.
Lyn and Skip were up bright and early on
New Year's Day to take their seats on the parade route. "FTD provided
us with seats so close we could literally reach out and touch the marching
bands as they passed by," Skip said. FTD's entry received "The President's
Award," one of the highest awards given each year by the judges. Next
stop in Lyn and Skip's busy day was to the Rose Bowl. FTD provided a huge
tent in the VIP area just outside the stadium filled with barbeque, side
dishes and refreshments. They also were treated to a pre-game preview
from Merlin Olson, former NFL All Pro, Little House on the Prairie star
and FTD spokesperson.
Lyn and Skip then joined 80,000 fans to watch
the Oklahoma Sooners play the Washington State Cougars in the Granddaddy
of all bowl games.
"The pageantry, tradition and participation
in the Tournament of Roses festivities was a once in a life time event
I will cherish forever," Lyn went on to say.
Brenda's House of Flowers is located at 9010
Main Street in Olde Towne Woodstock. (770) 924-1161.
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