PASADENA, Calif., June 8 (UPI) -- Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse was named Friday as the grand marshal of the 2008 Tournament of Roses Parade in Southern California.
This year's parade, the 119th, is to have the theme "Passport to the World's Celebrations," The Los Angeles Times reported. The parade on Jan. 1 in Pasadena is the lead-in to the Rose Bowl college football game.
"In my hometown of New Orleans, we are all about celebrating traditions with family and friends," Lagasse said in a statement. "I look forward to beginning 2008 with the Rose Parade, and paying tribute to the festivities and traditions from around the globe."
Lagasse owns nine restaurants in the United States and is host of two shows on the Food Network.
This year's marshal was "Star Wars" producer-director George Lucas.
