NATCHEZ — Jennie Guido from Natchez is once again representing Mississippi in Pasadena, California, as she works on the state’s float for the annual Rose Bowl Parade, set to take place on Thursday. This marks her second consecutive year involved in this prestigious event, where Mississippi’s float will proudly be number 20 in the parade lineup.
Guido, who serves as the engagement and experience manager for the Mississippi Tourism Association (MTA), is collaborating with various organizations to bring the float to life. This effort includes support from Visit Jackson, Visit Meridian, Visit Oxford, Visit Coastal Mississippi, and representatives from the Mississippi Arts Commission.
According to Guido, the pace of the parade may be swift, especially at the beginning due to the presence of dignitaries, with basketball legend Magic Johnson taking on the role of grand marshal this year. The floats will make a notable stop at what is termed “TV Corner,” where they will showcase performances for television audiences.
This year, country artist Charlie Worsham will provide entertainment for the Mississippi float. Guido praised Worsham, highlighting that he is a former CMA musician of the year and hosts the acclaimed “Mississippi on the Map” podcast, which celebrates the state’s rich contributions to music, writing, history, and culture. Adding a whimsical touch to the float, Kermit the Frog will take center stage, honoring the legacy of his creator, Jim Henson, who hailed from Leland, Mississippi. Guido reminisced about last year’s tribute, which featured rock and blues icons Elvis Presley and B.B. King.
The theme for this year’s Rose Parade is “Where Creativity Blooms,” perfectly aligning with Mississippi’s vibrant artistic heritage and the spirit of the float. This participation in the Rose Parade not only showcases the creativity thriving in Mississippi but also helps promote the state’s cultural impact on a national platform.