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Where to Begin
If your float is for a specific event, check with the Parade Chairman for
the theme so that you can decide on an appropriate design for your float.
The first step in planning any float is to thoroughly read all of the
information concerning entry fees, deadlines, transporting the float, parade
rules and regulations and most importantly, safety requirements. |
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Try to find a
trailer with a wood bed. A hay trailer or Utility trailer/Low-Boy is
ideal for float building. |
HAY TRAILER
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Designing your Float
The next step is to build or
borrow a float trailer, (see sketch below), which will determine the size of your float.
Floats have been built on trailers, jeeps, cars, even boats and barges. However, most
floats are built on trailers that are 8 feet or less in width to allow for travel to and
from the parade route. |
If you're using a Low-Boy Trailer or a Utility Trailer click here! |
| After you choose your float
size, try to determine what message you want to convey, staying within the parameters of
the parade theme. If your theme is humorous, make sure that no one will be offended by it.
Always use good taste and remember that no one likes a blatant advertisement so try to
keep your message subtle and positive.
*Some parades do not allow gas-powered engines or generators on the float
itself. Always consult the Fire Marshall and Parade Chairman |
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Another
important design consideration is the capabilities of your float builders. If your
planning on having elaborate props or woodwork, make sure that you have access to someone
who is a capable technician, with proper tools and equipment. If you have electrical
requirements, consult a qualified electrician*. Animation's and prop movements can also be
human-powered. Simple pulleys and rope can be used to make props rotate and move. |
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There are a few items you will want to have on hand before building your float. A staple
gun, nails, wire, chicken-wire, 1" X 1" and 2" X 2" construction grade
wood and plywood can be purchased at your local hardware store |
*Float entry's often must be
approved by the Parade Chairman before allowed into the parade.
Build a skirt frame and attach with hinges
to the deck of the float.
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Beginning Construction
Once you
have an approved* float design and all of the necessary materials you are ready to begin
construction.
First, build a skirt frame from 2" X
2" pieces of wood and fasten the frame to the trailer bed with hinges,
(so that the sides can be folded onto the bed of the trailer for ease of transportation to
and from the parade). The skirt frame is used to hide the wheels and undercarriage. Be
sure to terminate the skirt frame approximately 16" from the ground and
allow for tongue movement at the front of the float. |
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Decorating the float
Deck and side skirts: Calculate the floral
sheeting requirements in square yards by multiplying the length times the width of each
differently colored area, (floral sheeting comes 36" wide by 10 yard lengths).
Cut the floral sheeting into strips and attach
to the bottom of the skirt and staple to the deck of the trailer. |
Attaching floral sheeting strips to the skirts and
deck |
Attachment of fringe and festooning. |
After attachment of the floral
sheeting strips, use a staple-gun to attach our decorative fringe to the bottom of the
2" X 2" frame. Then use our petal festooning to hide the seam line between the
floral sheeting and fringe. You can calculate the amount of fringe and petal festooning
you will need by adding the total running length of the perimeter of the float. |
Topside: The amount of floral sheeting needed for covering curved areas and props is
determined by visualizing these areas as if they were boxes. Make sure you order enough
material to cover the box. FBSI's floral sheeting can be attached to the props by using
nails, staples, hog-rings, twist-ties etc. |
The finished product! |
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