Parade

Float Ideas

Introduction to Parade Float Ideas
Parades are a long-standing tradition, with nearly every town, city, and community hosting its own vibrant parade that celebrates civic events, holidays, and special causes. Themed parade floats make a parade even more memorable, offering a creative outlet for everyone involved. In this article, we’ll explore some of the creative and fun parade float ideas that can make your celebration extraordinary.

Before You Create Your Parade Float

Creating a memorable parade float doesn’t need to be complicated. However, there are a few things to consider before you get started on your project.

• Outline a Budget: Creating a parade float can quickly add up, so it’s important to have an idea of your budget ahead of time. Many cost factors come into play and outlining a budget will help you keep costs in check.

• Planning and Design: Crafting an eye-catching float is all about coordination and design. Think about the overall theme of the parade, colors, materials, and other elements you’ll want to incorporate.

• Assemble Your Group: Float-building can be a fun group project — just make sure to have enough help to move and assemble materials.

Parade Float Ideas

The possibilities for parade floats are seemingly endless, with lots of unique and eye-catching entries possible. Here are a few ideas to get your wheels spinning:

• Theme Park Float: Construct a miniature theme park on wheels, with a roller-coaster, Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and other small-scale carnival rides.

• Sports Float: Incorporate your team colors, mascots, and logos to cheer on your favorite sports team.

• Movie Float: Re-create a fun movie scene with characters, props, and costumes.

• Glow Float: Illuminate your float with lights and glow-in-the-dark decorations.

• Music Float: Create a portable stage and add a live music element to your parade float.

• Dance Float: Put on a show-stopping dance performance with costumes, colors, and sequences.

• Nature Float: Celebrate nature with a scenic float full of living plants, flowers, and trees.

• Color Float: Pick a color palette and create a color-blocked masterpiece.

• Art Float: Bring your canvas to the parade and paint a mural on the side of the float.

• Balloon Float: Decorate your float with decorative balloons and make a real impression.

• Christmas Float: Add festive holiday touches like garlands, lights, and a Santa sleigh.

• Historical Float: Create a display of a specific historical moment or event.

• Animal Float: Let a live animal star in your float for a one-of-a-kind parade entry.

Decorating and Building Materials

With the concept for your float in place, it’s time to think about which materials you’ll need to create the look you imagined. Depending on the scale of your project, you’ll likely need a variety of materials to pull it off.

• Lights: LED or battery-powered lighting options can add an extra element of theater and drama to your float design.

• Fabric: Neon and metallic fabrics can make your float stand out, as well as adding an extra level of sparkle or texture.

• Glue Gun: A trusty glue gun is often a go-to tool for attaching fabric, decorations, and props to the float.

• Decorations: Decorations like colorful ribbons, flags, pom-poms, pinwheels, and windmills can help put the finishing touches on your parade float.

• Pallets: Reclaimed pallets offer a blank canvas for creating parade floats. You can paint it, attach fabric and decorations, and even use it as a mini-stage for a live performance.

• Paint: Consider using both spray paint and hand painting to lend depth and color to your float.

• Hardware: Nails, screws, and other hardware pieces are important for attaching decorations securely to a float.

• Greenery: Live plants and trees can bring nature into the parade and create an unforgettable look that stands out from the rest.

How to Set Up Your Parade Float

After you’ve gathered all the supplies you’ll need to create your parade float, it’s time to start building. Understanding how to put all the pieces together is key to creating a successful entry.

• Secure the Base: Secure the base of the parade float with sturdy stakes or large rocks on each corner. This will ensure that it’s sturdy and won’t shift around while it’s in motion.

• Layout Materials: Start with a flat surface, such as a large sheet of plywood, and use it as an outline for what you’re building. Place materials for the body of the float, such as pallets, fabrics, and lumber, and begin to connect everything.

• Add Height and Dimension: Start creating layers and dimensions to your parade float. This can include attaching ladders and columns to hang decorations on, or repurposing old furniture pieces to create a scene.

• Attach Decorations: Now it’s time to bring the float to life by attaching decorations, fabrics, and lights. Hang flags, mobiles, and banners, and affix pom-poms and other lightweight decorations.

• Test It Out: Before you take your parade float to the streets, make sure to test it out. Check that your decorations are properly secured and all hardware pieces are fastened, as well as run through one or two test drives to ensure that the float is in working order.

Creating a memorable parade float is a fulfilling way to celebrate a community, holiday, or event. When crafting your float, it’s important to consider the materials and decorations you’ll be using, as well as the overall design. If you’re ready for your parade float to take center stage, use the ideas and tips in this article to craft a plan and bring it to life.