PASADENA, Calif. - A Burke, South Dakota florist’s work has received a national award. Dave Engelmeyer helped create the “Carved in Stone: A Legacy of Teamwork” float for Travel South Dakota in the Pasadena Rose Parade on New Year’s Day. The float, which featured more than 40,000 flowers and plants, won the Americana Award. 

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“This is my third year working on floats. You can’t imagine how much goes into the final product. We put in lots of long hours, but I feel fortunate that I was able to do it,” said Engelmeyer.

The float highlighted Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the Dignity: Of Earth & Sky sculpture, along with scenes of South Dakota life, including a cowboy on horseback, bison, waterfalls, pheasants and corn. Floral elements included corn, wheat, sunflowers, light blue iris petals and palm bark used to create the texture of a bison’s coat.

“The most exciting part is doing all of the arrangements on the float and working with the product to match their expectations,” said Engelmeyer.

 

Engelmeyer began hands-on work Dec. 26, though planning for the float started almost a year earlier. The design was created by Artistic Entertainment Services in collaboration with Travel South Dakota.

“This year was extra special because of the South Dakota float, and I had the best supervisor,” said Engelmeyer.

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Engelmeyer and his late wife, Bev, owned and operated Jungle of Flowers in Burke for 42 years. He continues to do freelance floral work for shops across the state.

The 2026 parade marked Travel South Dakota’s second appearance in the Rose Parade, following its first entry in 2016.

“As we kick off a new year and our nation’s 250th birthday, our goal is to share the bold spirit that defines South Dakota with millions of viewers around the world,” said James Hagen, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Tourism. “This award is a testament to the incredible teamwork behind the float and to the iconic landmarks and cultural treasures that make South Dakota an unforgettable destination.” 

South Dakota’s presence in Southern California extended beyond parade day. During Decorator’s Week in Pasadena, Travel South Dakota gave visitors a taste of the state through locally inspired treats and interactive experiences.

“It feels incredibly meaningful to engage with people who have yet to discover that South Dakota is their favorite road-trip getaway,” said Hagen. “We hope that this time next year, Californians and those who may be viewing the Rose Parade are reminiscing about their own experiences in South Dakota.”