Parade Inspiration

You Can Build a Parade Float. Really.

Choosing a trailer

Your float must be built on a trailer at least 12 feet long. Two kinds work well.

A low-boy trailer sits closer to the ground and has side rails to build against.

A flat hay trailer gives you an open deck and more room for a tall structure.

Building the deck

1. Set your pallets

Pallets build a partial or full sub-structure that raises the platform of the float. Fasten them firmly to the bed of the trailer before anything goes on top of them.

2. Lay your plywood

Sheet plywood over the pallets gives you a platform for props and an area in the bed where riders can stand or sit.

3. Apply the sides

Attach sides to the deck using L-shaped brackets, available at most hardware stores. Leave 14 inches from the bottom of the side deck to the ground.

Decorating materials

Fringe — long cut strands that hang from the bottom edge of the float.

Festooning — twisted garland used to trim edges and hide seams.

Pomps — paper tufts stuffed into chicken wire to build up color and texture.

Vinyl floral sheeting — opaque, matte finish. Cheaper, and it holds its color in direct sun.

Metallic floral sheeting — reflective foil finish. Reads better from a distance and photographs well.

Building a structure

A float needs more than words on the skirting and people standing on a trailer. Build something.

• Frame the object out of wood, PVC pipe or chicken wire.

• String chicken wire across the frame to fill out the shape.

• Cover it with cloth, papier-mâché, paint, pomps or tissue paper.

• Fasten the frame securely to the base.

Chicken wire and papier-mâché

Shape chicken wire into the form you want. Blend flour and starch, dip strips of newspaper or butcher paper into the mix, and paste them onto the wire. Let it dry completely, then spray paint it.

Tips

• Movement catches people’s eyes — moving parts, sound and smoke are all encouraged.

• Balloons are cheap and fill space fast.

• Make it colorful, and use original decorations: umbrellas, music, anything unexpected.

• Have your members dress in theme and walk in front of and behind the float.

Supplies you might need

• Staple gun

• Nails

• Wire

• Chicken wire

• Construction-grade wood and plywood

Final reminders

• Plan ahead.

• Organizations can team up on a single float.

• Reserve the armory for build space — a deposit is required.

• Use your advisers and the people you know.

• Be creative and have fun.