Chef Paula Deen named Rose Parade grand marshal

[October 27, 2010]  PASADENA, Calif. (AP) -- Food Network star Paula Deen plans to cook up some fun as grand marshal of the 2011 Rose Parade.

The Tournament of Roses made the announcement Tuesday.

The 63-year-old chef and cookbook author will ride in the 122nd parade and toss the coin before kickoff of the 97th annual Rose Bowl game on Jan. 1, 2011.

Deen says the parade and game have been longtime New Year's traditions at her house, and serving as grand marshal is a dream come true.

Deen has sold millions of copies of her cookbooks and appears on two Food Network shows.

[Associated Press]

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