QUICK GUIDE
TO FLOAT BUILDING
A parade float begins with a basic 4-wheel chassis flatbed trailer.
Trailers of this type are normally seven to eight feet wide and
fourteen to twenty four feet in length. A hay wagon works fine. A
smaller type of trailer such as a snowmobile or utility trailer, four
feet wide by eight feet long is suitable for smaller organizations. If
the surface of the flatbed is not level or has holes in it, you may
wish to cover the top with sheets of plywood to provide a sturdy
and smooth construction surface.
PLYWOOD
1
FLOOR
15”
2
APRON FRAME
APRON FRAME
CONSTRUCTION
FLORAL
SHEETING
3
Once the apron is completed, the next step is to construct the
components above the platform known as the superstructures.
The decks, background supports, seating platforms and major props
are put into place and secured to the flatbed. Remember keep the
superstructures simple and well-placed. Floral sheeting, signs,
and trim will add more detail.
BACKGROUND
SUPPORTS
BACKGROUND FRAME
& FLORAL SHEETING
TWIST
4
The width of the apron which goes around the trailer platform, is
determined by measuring the distance from the trailer bed to the
ground. You will deduct fifteen inches for the fringe drop and the
remaining measurement is the width of the apron framework. The
apron can be made of plywood also and nailed to the trailer bed or
hinges applied for a fold-up version. Sometimes the apron is
extended for elaborate rounded shapes that make the float wider.
FRINGE
TWIST, FRINGE,
& FINAL ACCENTS
The final step is decorating and the range of materials can be as
endless as your imagination. Vinyl floral sheeting is often used to
cover the float. It is sold by the square yard and comes in standard
or metallic colors. Next, vinyl twist is added along the edges,
around a sign or where two colors meet. ALWAYS DECORATE
FROM THE TOP DOWN. Last of all, the fringe and twist is stapled
to the bottom of the apron to conceal the wheels and to give a
floating appearance.
How to make a
PARADE
FLOAT
Parade Theme for 2016:
“Spirit of a Town,
Party of the Summer”
Sunday, June 19, 2016
1:00pm
Downtown Oswego
Build a PrairieFest float?
It’s easier than you think!
Float Materials:
For PrairieFest, a float is any fully decorated structure or
vehicle that depicts the parade theme. (Trailer? Pickup? Golf Cart?)
Components of a Float:
Floral Sheeting
2 Important Criteria for
PrairieFest Float Construction:
 Rolls on four wheels
 Visible surfaces are fully decorated
Use it to cover a trailer bed,
large areas of a prop, or
decorate the tow vehicle.
3’ wide rolls x 10 yards long.
Where to begin...
Fringe
1. Form a float committee
Apron
Covers up the base and
wheels of the trailer to make
the float appear to be floating.
15” tall x 10’ long.
Look for creative and imaginative people to form a group of
four to six members. Appoint a chairperson. It is helpful to
have tradespeople with backgrounds in carpentry, painting,
and decorating.
2. Create a theme
What do you want your float to be about? What is this year’s
PrairieFest theme? Remember, when designing the float,
not to overcrowd it. Select a feature item and two or three
complementary items. Music will draw attention before the
float appears and after you have moved on. Your message
should be conveyed simply yet powerfully. The sales pitch
must be subtle, with the float leaving both an enchanting
memory and a positive message with the crowd.
Twist
Rope-like garland to outline
portions of the float or soften
hard edges. 25’ long x 3”
wide rolls.
3. Plan the colors for the float
Select one main color and one or two contrasting colors.
Use white trim to separate dark colors. Keep it simple.
Select a place for the organization's name and place it high
and unobstructed on the float in large letters—it is your
opportunity to get your name in front of a lot of people.
Letters
These 1/16”rigid wallboard
letters are available in 4”, 6”,
8”, and 12” sizes.
4. Get a trailer
Floats can be built on anything with wheels. Most floats are
built on small trailers, small cars, small pick ups, golf cart,
etc. The tow vehicle should not detract from the float. A
borrowed trailer will dictate the size and shape of your float,
however they are usually available for short periods only. If
you buy a trailer, you can use the float year after year, by
simply changing the design every few years. There are also
collapsible traveling float kits that store and transport easily.
5. Find a place to house the float
Depending on how efficient your committee is, it could take
1—8 weeks to build a float. Find a barn, shed, Morton
building, or a warehouse to house the float during
construction.
Other Materials:
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Plywood sheets & lumber
Astroturf
Skill saw
Jig saw
Hammers
Nails
Scissors
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Markers
Sharpies
Pencils
Staple guns & Staples
Duct Tape
Masking Tape
Measuring Tape
Parade Kits and other materials
can be ordered online;
including these websites:
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www.paradefloatsuppliesnow.com
www.shindigz.com
www.victorycorps.com
www.astroparade.com
www.valleycart.com