On New Year's Day the 2007 Tournament of Roses Parade will feature a 'Star Wars Spectacular' with George Lucas as Grand Marshal, two Star Wars floats, the famous Grambling State University Tigers marching band dressed as Imperial officers, and 200 storm troopers from the 501st Legion.

The 501st Legion has 3,300 members worldwide who create their own costumes and appear at fundraisers and charity events. It was Lucas' idea to invite the Legion as a sign of his appreciation for the group's activities and support.

700 members supplied audition tapes, and of those 200 were chosen by Lucasfilm Fan Relations. The Legion has been working with a U.S. Army drill instructor who helped develop an instructional video to ensure that participants from all over would have consistent training and who will be running the in-person drills for the five days leading up to the parade.

The Forest Moon of Endor float will have several ewoks and the Naboo: The Garden Planet float will carry two Jedi protectors for three Queens of Naboo, each wearing a different Queen Amidala dress from the Lucasfilm Archives.

Milestone Products will be offering two collectible souvenir pins for the 2007 Rose Parade; one features Lucas as grand marshal and the other says 'Star Wars Spectacular' with a storm trooper image.