Sorry thheller for the delay in getting back with you on this. I actually did look up information for you. Here is a Hotline number that you can call if you're interesting in taking part in the decorating of a float.
The number is (626) 388-1839, this is the number for Festival Artists Decorating. In the city of Pasadena itself you can view the floats for a fee, (not sure how much), at 835 South Raymond Ave.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.