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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.
Another important design consideration is the capabilities of your float builders. If
you're 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*. Animations and prop
movements can also be human-powered. Simple pulleys and rope can be used to make props
rotate and move.
*Some parades do not allow gas-powered engines or generators
on the float itself. Always consult the Fire Marshall and Parade Chairman before
finalizing your float design.
Beginning Construction
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 entries
most often must be approved by the Parade Chairman
before allowed into the parade.
Once you have an approved* float design and all of the necessary materials you are ready
to begin construction.
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Utility Trailer floats /
Low-boy trailers are great for float building! |
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Low-boy type trailers usually have rails around the perimeter.
The instructions below will show you how you can create a great
looking basic float for your next parade! |
CLICK TO ENLARGE |
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Pallets can be used to build a partial
or full sub-structure
to elevate the platform of the float. |
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CLICK TO ENLARGE |
It is a good idea to build a partial deck that
will be even with the top rails of the float. You can use good quality pallets to make a
platform. Make sure the pallets are firmly fastened to the bed of the float. |
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Next, lay
sheet plywood over the pallets. Now you will have a platform for
your props and an area in the bed where float riders can stand or sit.
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If your float riders will be standing, make a stanchion/pillar and
secure it to the
trailer bed so that they have something to hold onto while traveling the
parade route. Remember...
Safety first! |
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Attachment of skirt frame and sheet
plywood.
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After
the plywood is laid over the pallets, build a skirt frame using
1" X 1" or 2" X 2" pieces of wood and fasten the frame to the
trailer rails and the plywood. |
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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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The
skirt frame is used to hide the wheels and undercarriage. Any
number of items can be used to fasten the skirt frame to the
rails: plumbers tape or construction U-shaped brackets are ideal
for attachment of the skirt frame to the trailer bed rails |
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CLICK TO ENLARGE |
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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).
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Cut the floral sheeting as needed and attach
to the bottom of the skirt and staple to the deck of the trailer. |
CLICK TO ENLARGE |
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Next, apply
FBS INDUSTRIES floral sheeting by stapling it to the wood skirt frame
as shown above. |
Attachment of floral sheeting to the skirt
frame.
CLICK TO ENLARGE |
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Additionally, you can use our floral sheeting to cover the
deck-platform as well as on the bed of the float. |
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Attachment of fringe to the floral sheeting and wood skirt frame |
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Next, staple
"Fringe" into the wood skirt frame at the bottom of the frame.
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CLICK TO ENLARGE |
It is ok to
staple through the decorating material and into the wood frame. This
will give your float the "floating" appearance. |
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Using Twists to hide the seam
between the floral sheeting and fringe |
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To hide the seam between the float fringe and floral sheeting, use FBS INDUSTRIES Twists(a stiff-wire "christmas
tree like" garland comes in 25' lengths). |
CLICK TO ENLARGE |
The twist color/s you choose allows you
to add even more color to your float! Twists can be stapled through
the fringe and floral sheeting materials and into the wood frame. |
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Attachment of twists to top of
fringe panels.
Whether you use floral sheeting or fringe-panels on the sides of your
float, it is a good idea to use Twists ing to finish the edges of the float. You can use
Twists in a color other than your fringe panels to add more color to your float! |
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An
alternative to using floral sheeting, you can also use "fringe panels" |
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This sketch uses a longer
fringe-skirt instead of a floral sheeting product. This skirt is
30"x12ft and is designed to give the float a taller "floating"
appearance. |
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Many float builders like to use
our fringe-panels because of the ease of decorating. |
Here it is!
The Finished Product!
This float concept uses the longer fringe panels and pallets
across the entire trailer bed to create a level deck area. |
