MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2025 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Jackson, Frazier, Hickman, Thomas, Horhn, Norwood, Simmons (12th), Sparks, Barnett
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING "VISIT MISSISSIPPI" AND THE MISSISSIPPI TOURISM ASSOCIATION UPON THE OCCASION OF THEIR ROSE PARADE FLOAT WINNING THE "PAST PRESIDENTS AWARD" AT THE 2025 ROSE PARADE IN PASADENA, CALIFORNIA.
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we extend the congratulations of the state to "Visit Mississippi" for winning the "Past Presidents Award" at the 2025 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, on January 1, 2025. It was "Visit Mississippi's" first-ever appearance in the parade; and
WHEREAS, the award recognizes the most outstanding innovation and use of floral and nonfloral materials. The float celebrated Mississippi's cultural legacy as the Birthplace of America's Music, honoring two legendary artists: Elvis Presley and B.B. King, who would have turned 90 and 100 years old in 2025; and
WHEREAS, Country music trio Chapel Hart and award-winning Elvis tribute artist Brandon Bennett performed at the Rose Parade as a crucial piece to the Rose Parade float. The Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South marching band preceded the float along the parade route; and
WHEREAS, "The Rose Parade provided a unique opportunity to share Mississippi's story with a global audience," said Rochelle Hicks, Director of "Visit Mississippi." "This recognition honors not only the creativity of the artists who brought the float to life but also the profound impact Mississippi musicians have had on the world"; and
WHEREAS, "Visit Mississippi" thanks sponsors "Visit Jackson," B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center, Coastal Mississippi, and "Visit Tupelo"; and
WHEREAS, "Mississippi Tourism Association works hand in hand with Visit Mississippi," said Jennie Guido of Natchez who works for the Mississippi Tourism Association. There are several days of activities leading up to the parade. It was the media's opportunity to learn about Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, the JSU Sonic Boom of the South marching band was in the 17th position in the Rose Parade, followed by the Mississippi Float in the 19th position; and
WHEREAS, "We're thrilled to add this award to the long list of recent wins for Mississippi," said Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves. "From record-breaking tourism and economic development to our nationally recognized advancements in education, something special is happening in Mississippi. This award is yet another example of that. Today we extended an invitation to the 850,000 parade attendees and millions of viewers around the country and world to discover all of the awesome things our state has to offer. It was a great day for Mississippi":
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate "Visit Mississippi" and the Mississippi Tourism Association upon the occasion of their Rose Parade float winning the "Past Presidents Award" at the 2025 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, and extend our support for Mississippi's tourism program.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the director and staff of "Visit Mississippi" and the Mississippi Tourism Association, forwarded to the Governor and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.