Rose Parade Floats 2013: Many Hands Needed To Make Tournament Of Roses Tradition Reality (PHOTOS)

Preparations for this year's Tournament of Roses parade started almost a year ago, as builders and designers began dreaming up new floats soon after the 2012 parade's completion.

Today, those efforts came to life when Pasadena paradegoers were treated to more than 40 beautiful, flower-covered floats that made their way along the over 5-mile-long parade route. The 124th Rose Parade carried a whimsical Dr. Seuss theme of "Oh, The Places You'll Go."

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The Los Angeles Daily News reports that many of the frames for the flowered behemoths were built in the summer. Oftentimes, pieces from old floats are used in the construction. Because the floats are decorated with dried flowers and plants, that leg of the process generally begins after Thanksgiving, with the final touches being applied right up until Jan. 1.

In the days leading up to the main event, KTLA reporter Gayle Anderson gave viewers a behind-the-scenes look at some aspects of the parade, including the float guards, who are responsible for protecting and repairing the floats on the journey to the starting line.

Prior to the festivities, Grand Marshal Jane Goodall said she hopes the parade will inspire viewers to help make the world a better, more environmentally friendly place.

Among this year's many brightly colored creations was Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism float, which as ABC News notes, highlighted the country's culture and featured 10 dancers. Kaiser Permanente's float was made up of more than 25,000 roses, as well as other natural pieces, such as rice and seaweed.

Check out the Examiner for a complete list of the 2013 floats.

Check out photos below from the Rose Parade 2013: