FOR THE FIRST TIME IN "BACHELOR" HISTORY, ABC'S ICONIC HIT REALITY FRANCHISE WILL TAKE A ROMANTIC VOYAGE DOWN COLORADO BOULEVARD ON ITS OWN FLOAT IN THE126th PASADENA TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADE(C), JANUARY 1, 2015

New Bachelor, Chris Soules, and Bachelor Franchise Host, Chris Harrison, Plus Other Bachelor Married Couples, Will Be Aboard

For the first time ever, "The Bachelor" franchise, a pop-culture staple, will kick off the New Year with a spectacular float representing ABC's hit romance reality stable of series in the 126th Tournament of Roses Parade(R), THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015.

The float will feature quintessential Bachelor symbols - champagne flutes, the Bachelor mansion facade, a hot tub, sculptured wedding bands and hearts - covered in thousands of roses of different varieties, along with a multitude of other types of flowers and seeds. Additionally, corn husks, harvested straight from Chris Soules' Iowa farm, will be incorporated into the float design.

Soules, who also will launch his search for his one true love and soul mate early in January on the 19th edition of "The Bachelor," and Bachelor franchise host Chris Harrison will be on the float, waving to the millions of parade watchers lining the streets in Pasadena and the millions of Bachelor Nation faithful watching at home. Other married couples from the Bachelor franchise, to be announced at a later date, also will be included in the celebration.

The parade's theme of "Inspiring Stories" will be brought to life on the Bachelor float as "Inspiring Love," the foundation on which the franchise was created, encouraging millions of viewers for over more than a decade to aspire to find their own fairytale romances. "The Bachelor" has showcased love stories for over 18 seasons now and "The Bachelorette" for ten.

"Inspiring Love" is set amid floral garden displays of 25,000 red roses and against the backdrop of the Mediterranean arch walls of the Bachelor mansion in Los Angeles, home base for "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette." Chris Soules, will stand upon a wrought iron balcony beside a silver tray laden with roses. Floral champagne bottles flank the garden balcony with sculpted urns overflowing with red roses, framing the float. Chris Harrison will offer a champagne toast to future happy couples from the front of the float.

Hosted by Chris Harrison, "The Bachelor," "The Bachelorette" and "Bachelor in Paradise" are productions of Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television. Mike Fleiss, Martin Hilton and Alycia Rossiter are the executive producers.

For more information on "The Bachelor" visit ABC.com.