Yesterday's Rose Parade was easily one of the best in recent memory. From dragons that breathed fire, to a Louisiana marching band that showed the world what soul was all about, to American Idols singing, to even a dude in a jet pack literally flying down the parade route, it almost felt like everyone knew that they had to knock it up a notch this year because of the Grand Marshal and his invited guests.

The Marshal was USC alum George Lucas and his pals were the Star Wars gang. We loved all the storm troopers and the environment-lovin' float, as well as the use of the Grambling State marching band to perform some of that great John Williams music, which had us humming all day.

But our favorite participant was the majorette who twirled her baton in a wheelchair, pictured below.

After the jump please enjoy more from a nice collection of photos snapped by flickr user jmb1977, who has over 200 great images on his Rose Parade photostream.

all photos by jmb1977