SeeCalifornia.com

While millions of people are sitting in their cozy living rooms sharing holiday memories with friends next to a decorated tree, at least one family plans to spend Christmas with a miniature tree fastened to the dashboard of their truck as they make their way from Spring Mills, PA to Pasadena, CA. It’s a long journey–2,600 miles–especially when you’re hauling 7 prized Percherons weighing around 1,000 pounds each. These magnificent draft horses will march down Colorado Blvd. in the Tournament of Roses 124th Parade on Jan. 1, 2013. The prize-winning champs impress all ages with their massive size, dark shiny coats and pronounced gate.

The well known owners/breeders of Windermere Farms (windermerefarmspercherons.com) were invited to participate in the parade, an honor not soon forgotten. Gerald & Melissa Allebach and son Hammer have worked with the horses to assure they don’t get spooked by crowds and noise (more than a million people attend the parade.) A veteran mare brought out of retirement will lead the team which pulls a decorated wagon adorned with 480 (40 dozen) of the finest yellow roses. The parade is broadcast throughout the world and is the top viewed annual TV broadcast internationally.