Pasadena’s Colorado Boulevard, on a typical New Year’s Day morning, is packed with cold, sleepy-eyed but enthusiastic fans.

Related: Live updates from Rose Parade

On Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, the streets were not nearly so full as time ticked away for the start of the Rose Parade at 6 a.m.

Lots of empty chairs along #roseparade2022 route east on Colorado. pic.twitter.com/1z2xprZaMI

— Ryan Carter (@ryinie) January 1, 2022

“It’s pretty sparse,” said Arthur Rodriguez, perched on a patio chair on Colorado Boulevard near Lake Avenue. “Not that many people.”

Why risk the in-person experience during a pandemic-scarred year? “My grandkids,” said Rodriguez. “They are home in warm beds and I am here holding their spots.”

Rodriguez said the turnout at 6 a.m. was “kind of a good thing” because people could spread out and socially distance.

“We’ve got front row seats,” said Frank Valenzuela of Huntington Park at the corner of Lake and Colorado. “Maybe people are just scared to come out.”

Crowd are thin so far for #roseparade2022 pic.twitter.com/fpBPVHmQSJ

— Sarah Reingewirtz (@sarahimages) January 1, 2022

Some stalwarts still showed up at noon on Friday, the annual drill for the most devoted fans, to camp overnight for the best spots.

But there were many open spots remaining early Saturday. IT remained to be seen if the streets would fill up by parade time at 8 a.m.

COVID-19 caseloads have soared in recent weeks, which may spur many people to watch on TV from home rather than brave the streets of Pasadena.

#roseparade veterans telling me things are strangely quiet for 5:30am before the big event. Lots of room still for walk up seats and a bonus: It’s not cold!!! pic.twitter.com/LvetGql6h6

— Lisa Ann Jacobs (@lisaannjacobs) January 1, 2022

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The reinvigorated coronavirus outbreak had officials placing safeguards in place and vowing to monitor public-health updates until the final hour.

People were urged to wear masks on the route by officials. And people in grandstands were required to show proof of vaccination or a negative test result.

County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said she respected plans for the Rose Parade to go on as scheduled on Saturday, despite the large crowds it traditionally gathers. But she said people at high risk for virus transmission or for severe illness if they become infected should avoid attending.

“This might be the year for some people to be watching this on TV,” she said.

With coronavirus cases almost doubling in just two days, Los Angeles County reported 27,091 new cases on Friday as virus-weary region concluded 2021. The pandemic forced the cancellation of scattered Rose-related events, including public float decorating and the Lawry’s Beef Bowl feast for the bowl game’s beefy participants.

A week of persistent rain also soaked pre-parade activities and cut down on their crowds — including the two-day Bandfest featuring Rose Parade marching bands, and Equestfest, the showcase for equestrian groups.

As the virus news worsened this week — with new cases topping 20,000 in Los Angeles County on Thursday — Kaiser Permanente officials announced they would remove 20 front-line medical heroes as float riders and “out-walkers” from its float, which will roll on without them.  Other changes in the lineup could be possible, but no entry cancellations had been reported at the time this story was posted.

Because of COVID-triggered supply woes and shipment snarls, flowers, seeds and other items needed to cover the fabulous floats became something of a cliffhanger. Parade fans should not fret, officials said. The floats are now complete and were scheduled to move from Irwindale and Rosemead to Pasadena, beginning at 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31.

County and city public officials urged people to mask up, get vaccinated, honor safety precautions and to keep high-risk people away from such large gatherings.

Councilman Tyron Hampton summed it all up: “If you don’t feel comfortable, then watch it on TV.”

And, of course, millions of people will do just that around Southern California — and around the planet.

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