How to Build a Float

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Last Updated: May 29, 2024

Building a float for the local holiday parade is one of those projects which require careful planning, teamwork, design, and lots of effort. Get your materials and helpers together before you dive into the project for a successful venture.

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Many times, the parade committee will have resources to help you build your float. They should also have entry information (time to be at the formation area, insurance waivers, vehicle or decorating requirements) and the rules and regulations to ensure a safe parade.
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Choose the theme for your float. This will depend on the type of parade or venue you will be displaying it in. A sports theme or Christmas float will not fit in well at a Mardi Gras parade.^{[1]
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- Be realistic in the scope of your project. If you have a certain message you hope your float conveys, whether it is Christmas greetings or a patriotic theme, think small for your first venture into this type of project.
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The complexity of the project may require painters, model builders, carpenters, and the like. Having someone talented or skilled in these areas will make the job much easier.
for the project. Crepe paper, craft paper, flame retardant Floral Sheeting, poultry netting, paint, lumber, and all the other materials you may find you need are not cheap. Some local businesses like craft shops and hardware stores may be willing to donate, especially if their name can be incorporated as advertising in some non-obtrusive manner.
Usually, this is a flatbed trailer of some sort, and it needs to be available for a fairly long period, and be in good condition. No parade master appreciates a broken down float in their show. Make sure your platform's axle is rated for the amount of weight you putting on it.
You will need room to fabricate the details of your float, as well as to set up your trailer for the actual installation of them.
If you are in a club, school class, or other organization, schedule work times and try to get commitments from the volunteers who sign on to help. This is where good leadership will come in handy.^{[2]
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Many floats are skirted with either plywood with fringe stapled on the bottom edge; extra-long fringe or table skirting; or poultry netting, a.k.a Chicken Wire with 1" holes wrapped around the base of the trailer hanging down close to the ground. Tissue paper "pomps" can be "gathered" to tuck into the holes in the poultry netting to make colorful designs, spell out messages, or form other artwork.^{[3]
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If you are building a multilevel float, you will want to build frames to support each "stage", or deck. This can be done using 2x4 lumber framing with a plywood decking and should use material strong enough to support anything which will set upon this deck or be built above it. You could also stack pallets and secure them together and to the deck. Usually, each tier, or stage, will have its skirt or wall of sorts around it.
Sometimes, a small portable generator can be either concealed in the framework of your float or carried in the back of the truck towing the float with an extension cord running to the electrical devices that you need power for. You may want to ask the parade organizers if they have a qualified electrician to ask questions or take a look at your work. All cord and cables should be secured to prevent pinching, dragging and disconnection. The generator should be well-ventilated, far away from the passenger compartment, as quiet as possible, and operated where there is no risk of fire or fumes accumulating from it.
Ideally, you can find an out of the way place to make a practice pull of your new float. This will give you a chance to see if all of the decorations are securely attached and find out how it handles. Depending on how large and elaborate your float is, you may find you need a more powerful vehicle to tow it.

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Where can I purchase a 7 ft. wire butterfly frame?

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You could order it online (after a lot of searching) or ask around town to find someone who may be able to make one for you.

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It is our centennial family reunion in 2017 and I am looking for themes or ideas. Any suggestions?

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Try a circus theme.

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What is a simple float idea for a Veteran's Day parade?

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Cut out stars in red white and blue then put flags on the side so they wave in the wind and buy red white and blue colored candy for some kids and then play some patriotic music and have bubble machines.

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Tips

Use bright, vibrant colors, and seasonal motifs where appropriate.

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Getting people to commit to the long hours of work, and getting them to act as a team is a big step toward success.

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Use a flatbed trailer. They are much much easier to decorate and work with.

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Warnings

Keep a fire extinguisher & first aid kit within easy reach for emergencies.

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Never throw anything off afloat! If you want to distribute something, have walkers alongside hand them to the crowd (check with parade committee first)

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Have adults to supervise if small children are riding the float. If children are allowed to ride, they should be seated and belted - no legs dangling over the edge of the float.

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People riding on your float should have a safe place to sit, or clear areas to stand and have stanchions or hand-holds in case of sudden braking. even brakes at 5 mph (8.0 km/h) can send riders tumbling.

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Handrails can be incorporated in the design of your float if they are needed for safety, especially if you have high stages for riders.

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Make sure the driver has visibility to the street in front and sides to see any children that may dart out in front of the vehicle. If not, have a spotter or two walks alongside the driver.

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Follow instructions from the parade master or grandmaster carefully.

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Plan your route to & from the parade - dips in driveways can break plywood skirting & overhanging trees can snag a corner of your backdrop. Give yourself enough time - Your float should travel at 25 mph (40 km/h) or slower to keep decorations from flying off.

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Things You'll Need

Some type of trailer and tow vehicle.
Workers and artists.
Paint, cardboard for backdrops, etc.
Flame retardant tissue pomps or floral sheeting, festooning and fringe for props, skirts, etc.
Lots of tape, scissors, regular and T50 staples & staple guns, and the like.
Wood screws with Plumbers' tape, hinges, or "L" brackets can secure props/backdrops/skirting to the deck