Can a giant Rose Parade seahorse become the largest ever animatronic fish? The UPS Store hopes so

The tallest float in the 137th Rose Parade is aiming for another superlative en route to New Year’s Day. “Sharing Skills for Success,” The UPS Store’s eighth entry into the parade will measure 34-feet-tall, thanks to a colossal seahorse figure made out of corn husk, sesame seed, orange slices, whole and ground lentil, and red carnations.

The seahorse figure will be judged at the Rosemont Pavilion in Pasadena on Dec. 31, in hopes of setting a Guinness World Record for “Largest Animatronic Fish.”

The father seahorse is the centerpiece for The UPS Store’s entry, which will also include a carousel of swimming baby seahorses (called frys, for the most exacting). The coral reef scene celebrates teamwork and youth entrepreneurship through a collaboration with the nonprofit Junior Achievement USA and The UPS Store Start Small, Grow Big program.

Four students from Dominguez High School in Compton will ride on the float, representing Junior Achievement participants who train in entrepreneurship and work readiness. The UPS Store’s Start Small, Grow Big program, which collects donations from store franchise customers, has given more than $6.7 million to Junior Achievement since 2022.

Designed by Charles Meier and executed by Artistic Entertainment Services, the float hopes to bring to life this year’s parade theme, “The Magic in Teamwork” down the 5.5-mile parade route.

“We’re making waves once again at the Rose Parade with our eighth float—a colorful celebration of community and the strength that comes from working together,” said Sarah Casalan, president of The UPS Store, Inc. “This year’s float is all about lifting each other up, navigating challenges as a team, and inspiring the next generation of small business owners to dive in and lead with confidence. It’s our way of honoring the entrepreneurial spirit that drives us—and the communities we proudly serve.”

The record-breaking hopeful is one of 15 floats produced by Artistic Entertainment Services for this year’s New Year’s Day celebration.

“Collaborating with The UPS Store to craft this mesmerizing underwater journey has been exhilarating,” said Craig Bugajski, CEO and president of AES. “We treasure the opportunity to tell a story that celebrates the beauty of teamwork both in nature’s wonders and within our communities through unforgettable design.”