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December 29, 2025
For spectators around the world, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade is a breathtaking display of floral engineering and pageantry. But for the musicians marching the 5.5 miles down Colorado Boulevard, there is another tradition—smaller than a float but far more personal. It’s the tradition of Rose Parade trading pins, the unofficial currency that fuels the social heartbeat of Bandfest week.
Today, custom marching band pins aren’t just souvenirs. They are collectibles, fundraising tools, and symbols of identity. Here’s why every band attending the Rose Parade needs well-designed trading pins—and why timing, design, and production quality matter more than ever.
Since music first joined the parade in 1891, student performers have shaped the spirit of the Tournament. Alongside that legacy, an informal but deeply rooted trading culture has emerged—connecting students, directors, and volunteers through pins that carry meaning and memory.
These pins aren’t mass-market merchandise. They’re tied to specific schools, years, and experiences, which is why they hold high emotional and collector value.
The Tournament of Roses Association includes more than 900 volunteers, known as White Suiters for their iconic all-white uniforms. They coordinate logistics, guide performers, and uphold parade traditions.
They are also serious pin collectors.
When a student offers a White Suiter a well-made band pin, the exchange becomes more than a gesture—it becomes a moment of recognition. Their pins are considered “rare” because they’re not sold anywhere; they’re earned. A high-quality design increases your band’s visibility and strengthens your connection to the Tournament’s legacy.
Held at Pasadena City College, Bandfest is where student performers truly experience the culture of pin trading.
Bands that arrive without enough traders—especially large ensembles—miss out on one of the most memorable parts of Rose Parade week.
Not all Bandfest pins attract equal attention. Certain elements consistently increase desirability:
Big pins visually dominate a lanyard, giving them higher trade value.
Soft enamel offers depth and a tactile feel students often prefer over smooth hard enamel.
Add-ons that increase desirability include:
Pins with interactive or premium features tend to generate more interest—and sometimes even multi-pin trade offers.
Custom marching band pins are not just collectibles—they're a fundraising powerhouse.
Pins are small, high-perceived-value items that community members love supporting, especially when linked to a national-stage performance like the Rose Parade.
The Rose Parade occurs on January 1, which means shipping delays during the holiday peak pose a real risk. If pins arrive even one day late, they lose their purpose.
PinProsPlus, based in Utah, offers:
For Rose Parade bands, domestic production isn’t just convenient—it's essential.
After the final note is played and the uniforms are packed away, the pins remain. They’re displayed on:
Each pin becomes a permanent reminder of a once-in-a-lifetime achievement.
Don’t let your band arrive unprepared. Give your students the currency, confidence, and community connection that only custom Rose Parade trading pins can offer.
