(EMAILWIRE.COM, January 02, 2002 ) Rain Bird Corporation, the leading manufacturer of irrigation equipment, won the Sweepstakes Trophy -- for the second year in a row -- for its 2002 Tournament of Roses(R) Parade entry, "Animal Ambassadors." The Sweepstakes Trophy is awarded to "the most beautiful float" in the world-renowned event. This marks Rain Bird's sixth straight award, and its fourth Sweepstakes win overall since the company first participated in the celebrated event in 1997.

"Animal Ambassadors," in accordance with the 2002 Rose Parade theme, "Good Times," brought a fun-filled outing to the zoo to life. The 55-foot fully animated float was designed by award-winning float designer Raul R. Rodriguez and was built by the Rose Parade's leading builder, Fiesta Parade Floats. Complete with cascading waterfalls, dewy mist and brilliant flora, the impressive depiction featured the powerful and majestic Bengal tiger and its reputation for beauty, grace and intrigue that has fascinated people throughout the ages. Amidst tigresses and their playful cubs were regal cockatoos perched high in the lush vegetation, and whimsical temple monkeys swinging through the tropical aquatic setting.

Each of the float creatures was adorned with vivid flowers and pure natural fibers from the earth. The wild cats wore coats of gold strawflower petals and onion seeds with accents of yarrow, pampas grass and cordon blossoms. Similarly, cockatoo feathers were created from crisp white carnation and gladiola petals, while temple monkeys were artistically crafted using combed palm fiber and buckwheat seed.

The float itself was generously covered with exotic flowers from all over the world. The tranquil surroundings of lagoons and pools were accomplished by a lavish floral presentation of purple Dendrobium and white Cattleya Orchids with Neon, Pavarotti and Ravel bright pink roses blanketing sculpted rock formations and garden beds. Exotic gardens exploded with color from Rainbow Obake and Midori Anthuriums, Cypripedium and hybrid Vanda Orchids, Kimi, Curcuma and Torch Ginger, Birds of Paradise, Angusta, Bihia, Pagoda Heliconia and tropical foliages and ferns.

On board Rain Bird's "Animal Ambassadors" float were animal enthusiasts Jack Hanna, director emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and host of "Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures," and Walter C. Crawford, Jr., founder and executive director of the World Bird Sanctuary. Accompanying them was Xena, a Eurasian Eagle Owl, one of the largest-sized owl breeds in the world. Both Hanna and Crawford brought Rain Bird's important message of wildlife and environmental conservation to the 2002 Rose Parade.

The floating zoo featured six separate waterfalls using over 1,500 gallons of flowing water held within a specially designed chassis capable of supporting over 13,000 pounds of water. To further create the feeling of spending a day at the zoo, the float was equipped with an on-board audio system, further accentuated by realistic animal movements made possible through hydraulics.

"We are so very honored to have won the 2002 Sweepstakes Trophy," said Art Ludwick, senior vice president, Rain Bird Corporation. "Hundreds of our employees volunteered thousands of hours to help realize the vision of Raul Rodriguez, Fiesta Floats and Rain Bird. I am so proud of all of our volunteers who worked day and night to produce such a beautiful float."

Rain Bird has won top honors previously, including the Sweepstakes Trophy for most beautiful entry in 1998, 1999 and 2001, the President's Trophy for most effective use and presentation of flowers in 2000, and the Directors' Trophy for outstanding artistic merit in design and floral presentation in 1997.

ABOUT RAIN BIRD CORPORATION

Rain Bird Corporation, based in Glendora, CA, is the world's largest manufacturer of sprinkler and drip irrigation equipment. Founded in 1933, Rain Bird offers the industry's broadest range of irrigation products to golf courses, sports arenas, amusement parks, farms and commercial and residential developments in more than 120 countries around the world. For more information, visit Rain Bird's web site at www.rainbird.com.

-------------------

Produced for Rain Bird Corporation

Contacts:

The Pollack PR Marketing Group
Will Ostedt/Stefan Pollack,
310/556-4443
818/207-4058 Cell
310/780-2364 Cell

Contact Information:
Rain Bird Corporation
Joseph Nchor
Tel:
Email us


This is a press release. Press release distribution and press release services by EmailWire.Com: http://www.emailwire.com/us-press-release-distribution.php.