Rhythm of Paradise payed special homage to Dole's Hawaiian heritage and roots, while celebrating the company's long-standing commitment to hunger relief, sustainability and giving back to local communities. The whimsical float was led by Lono, the Hawaiian deity associated with agriculture and god of music and peace. The float also included lush floral gardens, a cascading waterfall and live-fire tiki torches.

This year's Rose Parade theme, 'The Melody of Life,' celebrated music – a universal language that has power to bring people together. Dole Packaged Foods is committed to bringing communities together through hunger relief and stocking local food banks with more sunshine. The company donates 1.5 million pounds of healthy food each year to support families in need through school drives, product donations and employee volunteerism.

"We are honored to receive the Wrigley Legacy award for our Rhythm of Paradise float this year," said David Spare, Vice President of Marketing, Dole Packaged Foods. "The Rose Parade allowed us the opportunity to emphasize the importance of staying hopeful and united; our local California community has experienced a lot during the last half of 2018 and through Rhythm of Paradise, we were able to share a bit of sunshine."

Created by Fiesta Parade Floats, Rhythm of Paradise stood at 55 feet long, 15 wide and 26 feet high. Fiesta Parade Floats and Dole employees also designed and built previous award-winning entries for the floats: 2018 "Sharing Nature's Bounty" (Grand Marshal Trophy), 2017 "Spirit of Hawaii" (Sweepstakes Trophy), 2016 "Soaring Over Paradise" (Directors' Trophy), 2015 "Rhythm of Hawaii" (Sweepstakes Trophy), 2014 "Sunrise at the Oasis" (Sweepstakes Trophy), 2013 "Dreaming of Paradise" (Sweepstakes Trophy), 2012 "Preserving Paradise" (Sweepstakes Trophy) and 2011 "Living Well in Paradise" (Sweepstakes Trophy).