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Some float building ideas..
Parade Rules define a float as, "any manually powered entry which has been constructed in such a manner that the individual components create a unified whole," so there is a lot of room to come up with creative interpretations. These are just some suggestions: 1. Some very interesting things can be done with a grocery store cart. 2. One of the easiest floats can be constructed around an electric golf cart. 3. And of course, a flat bed trailer is always a standard. Where to begin -
The Base of the Float 1. The first step in building a float is to read all of the information concerning the parade and make contact with the Parade Chairman for any special safety requirements and rules. 2. The second step is to determine a base structure upon which your float will be constructed. Floats can be built on anything with wheels. ? ? I hope someone can come up with a "fab" float built on a grocery cart.? ? Make a list of what resources that you have available to you and how they could be utilized for your float. 3. Other important design considerations are your equipment and the capabilities of your float builders. If you plan to include elaborate props or woodwork, make sure that you have access to a capable technician who has the proper tools and equipment. If your float has electrical requirements, make sure you have consulted someone who is a qualified electrician.
Float Materials: Now you'll have to buy, rent, or borrow the materials needed to execute your plan. You'll need several items before you start. ? ? Be sure to have tools handy for your volunteer workers – power circular saws, electric jigsaws, screw guns or screwdrivers, electric drills, staple guns, hammers, and stepladders. ? ? You will need chicken wire, 1" x 1" and 2"x2" construction grade wood strips, plywood and other float decorating materials such as floral sheeting, rope festooning and fringe skirting. ? ? All Vinyl floral sheeting takes the place of old fashioned "toilet paper" and other types of cloth that was placed into chicken wire on the old high school floats. It comes in rolls that are 3 feet wide by 10 yards long. It also comes in dozens of colors. It is about $65.00 per roll. ? ? The rope festooning is a petal type rope that is 4" wide and 48 feet long. Again, it comes in dozens of colors. We used it to drape the sides of the float last year. ? ? The fringe skirting hangs along the bottom sides of the float and sweeps along the street. It moves with the breeze and adds to the over all effect. It comes in metallic colors also. ? ? The floral sheeting and skirting are the most important items because with very little work and time they make your float look professional. ? ? Pick an appropriate spot for constructing your float. There should be enough room for both your float and off-float work areas. Make sure you can use a nearby garage or another covered space. After you put in a lot of work, the last thing you want is to have your float ruined by a quick and unexpected five-minute rainstorm. Flat Bed Trailers: The same principles apply for trailers. For most trailers however, people can be added. Make sure there are handrails or posts for each person to hold. Note that the side frame is usually on hinges to lift up during transport and is at least 16" from the ground. The 8" fringe will lower the effect. You can use special mats for the floor of the float or spray paint the plywood. You can make the props on the float with cutout plywood and chicken wire. 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.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. 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. 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. Try to find a trailer with a wood bed. A hay trailer or Utility trailer/Low-Boy is ideal for float building. Designing your Float The next step is to build or borrow a float trailer, 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. 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