Volunteers put final touches on Rose Parade floats

PASADENA, Calif. - High above the State of Mississippi float, retired high school music teacher Paul Sims glues a mix of corn meal and cinnamon onto Elvis' Presley's hand while others like these 13-year-olds (two from a set of triplets) do their magic gluing leaves on the float that also has jazz great BB King. 

Yolanda Clay-Moore heads up this effort of promoting their great state. She says, "We have a vibrant culture in Mississippi from food to people and we just want to celebrate that."

That's the Pasadena City College band... one of over 20 that will be in the parade proudly showing off their talent and uniforms at the BANDFEST in Pasadena City College. 

And, for the first time.. Jackson State... from Mississippi... came off the buses and talked about how proud they are to be here.

One band member says, "I'm excited I just know everybody is here." 

Another says,"I'm very happy to have this opportunity because essentially, this is the first time to be on the West Coast of the United States.

The parade is New Year's Day!