OCTOBER 5, 2021 - This has been quite the year for Star Trek: The Next Generation’s LeVar Burton. He launched an online book club, lent both his voice and children’s story to the Toniebox audiobook speaker for kids, offered up a MasterClass in storytelling, and his show Reading Rainbow was announced as the subject of a new documentary film. And of course there’s the little matter of Jeopardy! and the huge public outpouring of support for his bid to be the next host of the popular game show, which ultimately did not end in his favor.

Now it looks like 2022 is shaping up to be a great year as well for the man behind Geordi La Forge, as the Tournament of Roses announced on Tuesday that Burton will serve as the Grand Marshal for next year’s edition of the iconic Rose Parade, on January 1st in Pasadena, California. Tournament of Roses President Bob Miller had this to say about Burton’s selection:

“LeVar Burton perfectly epitomizes this year’s theme. The 2022 theme is ‘Dream. Believe. Achieve.’ and celebrates education and the determination of those who travel the path from dream to reality. I am proud to represent the 935 volunteer members in welcoming LeVar to share in the joy and promise of a healthy new year.”

As Grand Marshal, Burton will both ride in the parade down Colorado Boulevard and then participate in the pre-game celebration at the Rose Bowl. It will be the 133rd Rose Parade and the 108th playing of the Rose Bowl.

You can watch the entire Grand Marshal announcement on the official Tournament of Roses YouTube channel, and the parade itself will be broadcast on multiple TV networks on January 1st, 2022.