The 123rd Rose Parade will be held Monday, Jan. 2, starting at 8 a.m. in Pasadena. Since 1893, the parade has been held on Monday when New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday.

Sponsored by Honda, the parade’s theme this year is “Just Imagine,” which “celebrates the power of imagination, inspiration and determination to encourage people to reach higher and try harder.”

The grand marshal is J.R. Martinez, an Iraq War veteran who sustained burns over 40 percent of his body when his Humvee hit a land mine in Karbala in 2003. After 33 surgeries and 34 months in recovery, he used his experience to help others as a motivational speaker and recently took first place on ABC’s “Dancing with our Stars.”

If you plan to make the trip to Pasadena, the nonprofit Tournament of Roses Association has some pointers:

How long does the parade last?

2 hours from any given point.

How do I get there from Santa Clarita?

Take Interstate 5 south to the 210 Freeway east toward Pasadena. Take the Lake or Hill exit and turn south (right).

Where does the parade start?

Green Street & Orange Grove. It then continues North on Orange Grove then East on Colorado Blvd. to Sierra Madre Blvd., then north on Sierra Madre Blvd. to Paloma Street – a total of 5 1/2 miles.

How soon can I arrive?

Curbside camping on the parade route is allowed beginning at noon the day before the parade.

What are the rules and regulations along the Parade route?

– Grandstand ticket holders will not be allowed to bring backpacks, coolers or large bags.

– There is a curfew law for those under 18 in effect from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. There must be a parent of guardian present.

– No public, curbside parade viewing on Orange Grove Blvd. from Del Rosa to Colorado Blvd. and on Colorado from Orange Grove to Terrace. Grandstand ticket holders only.

– Overnight camping is permitted only on the night before the parade. Do not arrive before noon the day before the parade.

– All persons and property such as blankets, chairs, etc., must remain on the curb until 11 p.m. on the night before the parade. At that time spectators may move out to the blue honor line.

– Small, professionally manufactured barbeques elevated at least one foot off the ground are allowed on the parade route.

– Do not bring tents, sofas, ladders, scaffolding and boxes of any type.

– Unoccupied chairs are not allowed.

– Bonfires are strictly prohibited.

– No items may be sold along the parade route without a permit.

– No public areas (sidewalks, curbs, gutters, streets) may be cordoned or roped off.

– Throwing any item onto the parade route is prohibited.

– Vehicles obstructing emergency lanes will be towed.

– Walking in the street is not permitted.

– Prohibited items along the Rose Parade route include:weapons, sticks, poles, glass bottles and any items which may cause injury or interfere with the parade or spectators’ enjoyment of the parade.

How can I watch the festivities?

You do not need tickets to the Rose Parade unless you are looking for a grandstand seat. The official seating company, Sharp Seating, can be contacted at (626) 795-4171.

In addition, the Rose Parade is broadcast live by eight networks: ABC, NBC, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, RFD-TV, Tribune, Univision, and Sky Link TV.

Who are the people in the white suits and what do they do?

The life blood of the Tournament is its 935 active volunteer members – the “white-suiters.”

These volunteers are assigned to one of 35 committees and collectively spend more than 80,000 hours planning and executing every facet of the Tournament of Roses.

Members are men and women of all ethnic backgrounds from all walks of life who live or work in a fifteen-mile radius of Pasadena’s city hall and who are willing to devote the necessary time and energy.

Responsibilities range from selecting the Parade’s participants and directing visitors on New Year’s morning to serving hamburgers to band members at the Parade’s end or giving presentations about the Tournament to community groups.