Tournament of Roses Announces 2015 Float Judges

-Photo by Terry Miller

The Tournament of Roses has selected Els Hazenberg, Steven Wood Schmader and Eddie Zaratsian to be float judges for the 126th Rose Parade presented by Honda. The judges will grant awards in a variety of floral and design categories that emphasize fantastic floral presentations (especially in the use of roses), creativity, imagination, beauty, use of theme, humor, dramatic impact and entertainment value.
Tournament of Roses President Rich Chinen will announce the winning floats the morning of January 1, 2015, at Tournament House. “The Rose Parade float judges bring diverse skills to the judging process that will greatly assist them in the difficult task of judging each of the incredible floral masterpieces that are designed, built and decorated by teams who put heart and soul into each presentation,” said Chinen.
Els Hazenberg, internationally known Dutch freelance floral designer, instructor and judge, has travelled all over the world teaching the art of European floral design and promoting the use of flowers at seminars and floral events.
She now continues her lifelong interest in flowers by studying botanical drawing and painting with Dutch, US and English artists. Hazenberg is a member of the Dutch Society of Botanical Artists and American Society of Botanical Artists. Her artwork is shown at galleries and art museums.
For 30 years, Hazenberg and her late husband, George, decorated the official vehicles in the Rose Parade. This will be her third time serving as a float judge for the Tournament of Roses – Hazenberg was a float judge in 1984 and 2005.
Steven Wood Schmader, CFEE, is the President and CEO of the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA World), which celebrates 60 years supporting and enabling event professionals worldwide in 2015. He also serves as the publisher and editor of “ie: the business of international events” magazine.
Early in his career, Schmader spent 12 years working for the international, educational and performing organization, Up with People, as their Director of Special Events.
In 2002, Amusement Business Magazine recognized Schmader as an “Industry Difference Maker” and in 2004 was featured as a “Profile in Event Leadership” in Special Events: Event Leadership for a New World. Schmader serves as the Director of the Event Management School at Oglebay National Training Center in West Virginia and architect of the IFEA World Festival & Event City Award, recognizing and encouraging positive city-event partnerships worldwide.
Eddie Zaratsian, the creative director for Tic-Tock Couture Florals and Eddie Zaratsian Custom Florals and Lifestyle, is one of the most sought after floral designers internationally. One of the youngest inductees into the American Institute of Floral Designers, his consistently beautiful designs and undeniable talent continue to amaze his impressive list of clients and fans.
The London Financial Times named Zaratsian as the top five leading floral designers in the world. A showcase of Zaratsian’s talents can be seen in his book, Eddie Zaratsian: Custom Florals and Lifestyle.

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