Demonstrators carried hand-made signs and held upside down roses on the same day that seven teenagers were selected to be part of the Tournament of Roses Royal Court.

Criticism has been mounting since the Tournament of Roses announced earlier this year that it will include a US$400,000 (euro284,000) float celebrating the Beijing Games.

The float is sanctioned by the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee, but is being paid for by a group of wealthy Chinese American donors and a Pasadena-based label maker that has business ties with China.

“It doesn’t have to be a political organization for the Chinese government to utilize you for its political goal,” protester Shi-zhong Chen told KNBC-TV.

Tournament of Roses officials have said they believe the float is apolitical.

The 119th Rose Parade will be held on Jan. 1, 2008. The Rose Queen, who will be chosen by the seven-member court will be announced Oct. 16.