PRESD

 

 

Interview with Anthony L.X. Bettencourt:
Dreamer, Leader, Portuguese-American Community Float Director

Anthony Bettencourt with his wife and children in front of the Portuguese-American Community Float

Anthony Bettencourt had been dreaming about having a Portuguese Community float ever since he saw a photo of an ox-cart adorned with so many flowers you could barely see the cart. The idea came to him 30 years ago and this year (2008), his dream became a reality.

Born in Tulare and now living in Visalia, Anthony Bettencourt is second generation American. His parents came from Terceira, Azores.

Anthony was instrumental in just about every aspect of the Portuguese Community float effort from the initial design, fund-raising, choosing the float designer, advertising, public relations, selecting float riders and outwalkers, coordinating volunteers, etc.

PRESD was able to catch-up with him after the 119th Tournament of Roses parade to talk to him about his experience since starting work on the float over two years ago (2005).

 
Interview Topics
When did you first envision having a Portuguese float in the Rose Parade?   What is the application process like?
     
Filling out the application   Receiving an invitiation to participate from the 2008 Tournament of Roses Parade President
     
What happens after submitting the application?   Were you the float's coordinator?
     
How many donors were there?   How did you choose a float designer?
     
Were you excited when the parade started?   What did the motifs on the float represent?
     
How did you select the queens?   Discovering Cabrilho
     
The Spotter   The Float Driver
     
Meaning of Queens and Selecting Flag Bearers   Putting flowers on the float
     
How many volunteers were there?   Working with Raul Rodriguez
     
Did we win any awards?   Music on the Float/Getting towed
     
How did you feel when it was over?   Don't stop dreaming
     
Would you do it all over again?   Public Acknowledgements

 

Photo courtesy Tawna Canhoto
The Portuguese-American Community float at the 119th Tournament of Roses Parade

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