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Valley Decorating

Build a Parade Float Using a Low-Boy Trailer

Floating Youtube Chrome

After you choose your float size, try to determine whatmessage you want to convey, staying within the parameters of the parade theme. If yourtheme is humorous, make sure that no one will be offended by it. Always use good taste andremember that no one likes a blatant advertisement so try to keep your message subtle andpositive.
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 someonewho is a capable technician, with proper tools and equipment. If you have electricalrequirements, consult a qualified electrician*. Animations and prop movements can also behuman-powered. Simple pulleys and rope can be used to make props rotate and move.
*Some parades do not allow gas-powered engines orgenerators on the float itself. Always consult the Fire Marshall and Parade Chairman beforefinalizing your float design.
Beginning Construction

There are a few items you will want to have on hand before building your float. A staplegun, nails, wire, chicken-wire, 1' X 1' and 2' X 2' construction gradewood and plywood can be purchased at your local hardware store.
Once you have an approved* float design and all of the necessary materials you are readyto begin construction.
*Float entries often must be approved by the ParadeChairman before allowed into the parade.

Low-boy trailers are great for floatbuilding!

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Low-boy type trailers usually have railsaround the perimeter. The instructions below will show you how you can create a greatlooking basic float for your next parade!

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Pallets can be used to build apartial or full sub-structure to elevate the platform of the float.

It is a good idea to build a partial deck thatwill be even with the top rails of the float. You can use good quality pallets to make aplatform. Make sure the pallets are firmly fastened to the bed of the float.
Next, lay sheet plywood over the pallets. Now you will have a platform for yourprops and an area in the bed where float riders can stand or sit. If your floatriders will be standing, make a stanchion and secure it to the trailer bed so that theyhave something to hold onto while traveling the parade route. Remember...Safety first!

Attachment of skirt frame and sheetplywood.

After the plywood is laid over the pallets,build a skirt frame using 1' X 1' or 2' X 2' pieces of wood and fastenthe frame to the trailer rails and the plywood. The skirt frame is used to hide the wheelsand 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 skirtframe to the trailer bed rails. Be sure to terminate the skirt frame approximately16' from the ground and allow for tongue movement at the front of the float.

Decorating the Float

Deck and side skirts:Calculatethe floral sheeting requirements in square yards by multiplying the length times the widthof each differently colored area, (floral Sheeting comes 36' wide by 10 or 25 yardlengths). See Float Decorating Products Page for moreinformation on Valley's float decorating supplies.

Cut the floral sheeting as neededand attach to the bottom of the skirt and staple to the deck of the trailer.

Attachment of floral sheeting to theskirt frame

Next, apply Valley's floral sheeting by stapling it to the wood skirt frame as shown above. Additionally, you can use ourfloral sheeting to cover the deck-platform as well as on the bed of the float. To see our complete line of float decorating products visit our Float Decorating Products Page

Attachment of fringe to the floral sheeting and woodskirt frame

Next, staple 'float away fringe'into the wood skirt frame at the bottom of the frame. It is ok to staplethrough the decorating material and into the wood frame. This will give your float the'floating' appearance.

Using Festooning to hide the seambetween the floral sheeting and fringe

To hide the seam between the float fringe and floral sheeting, use Valley's petal festooning (a stiff-wire petal garland). The festooning color you choose allows you to addeven more color to your float! Festooning can be stapled through the fringe and floralsheeting materials and into the wood frame.

An alternative to using floralsheeting, you can also use 'fringe panels'

The above sketch uses a longer fringe-skirt instead of afloral sheeting product. This skirt is approximately 30' tall and is designed to givethe float a taller 'floating' appearance. Many float builders like to use ourfringe-panels because of the ease of decorating.

Attachment of festooning to top offringe panels.

Whether you use floral sheeting or fringe-panels on the sidesof your float, it is a good idea to use festooning to finish the edges ofthe float. You can use festooning in a color other than your fringe panels to add morecolor to your float!

Youtube Float On Modest Mouse

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.

Youtube Float On Floaters

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