PRIDE PARADE
FLOAT WORKSHOP
Presented by
the Krewe of Olympus, Texas, Inc.
We hope to help you create a float that will enhance the Pride Parade, be a good public presentation of your group, and allow you to have a fun time in the parade.
This will
require some work on your part, but we have discovered that working on the
float can be as much fun as riding in the parade and immensely more fun than
watching from the sidewalk. Our members
get to know each other better and find a real sense of accomplishment and
pride.
We are certainly not professionals at float building. Most of what we have learned has been due to trial and error. You don’t need to be experts, you just need to want to do it. It can be large or small. It may or may not have music. It may be a light show on wheels or strings of Christmas lights. Just do your best.
Pay attention to the
rules: The Pride Committee has
rules that must be obeyed. They are
there for good reasons. There is a
height restriction to keep your head from becoming part of the signal light at
Woodhead. There is a width restriction
to keep you from getting stuck on some corner before the Parade even
rolls. There is a liquor and drug
restriction to keep you from falling off your float. You must have a fire extinguisher because crispy float riders are
most unsightly. Read and obey all the rules.
Work space and storage: You will need to find a location to build your float. It should be secure and protected from the
weather. You may need a power source
for your tools. You should be aware of
the summer heat when working. If you are
working outside, provide shade and cooling beverages. A very large plastic tarp can protect from sudden rains. After the parade, you will need to get the
float back to that location or find somewhere to put it temporarily.
Getting there: Decide early how to get your float from the work location to the
parade line up. Drive the route before
you start building. There may be trees
in the way or corners that your float will not negotiate. Speed humps can be a real problem. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the
line up. Your float must survive the
trip – don’t get there so fast that the wind destroys it before it arrives.
And away we go: You must have sufficient power to pull your float. Diesel trucks can do the job for most
floats. If your float is small and
light or has no riders, a regular pickup should do fine. Keep the hood just barely open (but still latched)
for better cooling. Make sure the
vehicle is in excellent condition and the driver knows what they are doing.
Float bed: Renting a trailer is most common.
Remember to match the type of connections on the trailer and the
truck. Wheels-at-the-corners is great
for stability but hard to find. If you
have wheels in the center of each side, remember to balance the decorations and
people front to back. A big flatbed truck
works great if you can find one.
I’m melting: Due to our weather in June you should plan on rain. Keep tarps handy for those late afternoon
showers. People dry out but sound
equipment and lighting may not. Depending
on materials, you may need to plan on covering the entire float quickly.
I’m late for a very
important date: Get to the line up as early as
you possibly can. Traffic gets worse
the later it gets. Don’t find yourself
trapped five blocks from your site with two minutes until deadline. If you need to put on finishing touches,
like balloons or additional decorations, get there in time to do it. It will take longer than you think.
Mr. Blackwell’s worst
dressed list: It’s hot - dress cool. You should get all your riders and walkers
to dress alike. An overall “look” can
enhance the theme of your float. It can
be simple but effective. If you are in
heavy costume, be sure you don’t get over heated while wearing it. Read the rules about parade attire.
Throw me something
mister: Many float riders will throw
things to the crowd. Be sure that your
throws are approved. You should find
some way of arranging throws before the ride starts. It becomes impossible to sort your beads and still throw a
special set to that cutie in the crowd while the float moves on down the
street. Hangers can be made from coat
hangers or wire. Nails are
dangerous. If you use bead hangers
(especially nails) be sure to place them out of the way of important body
parts. Bead bags and boxes can get in
the way so try to take those away before the parade rolls. When throwing, throw to the back of the
crowd. Most of your beads will not get
that far, but it keeps people from getting in the street. If people do get loose from the barricades
and approach your float for beads, refuse them – it is very dangerous for
people to get near your float. They can
fall under the wheels while bead begging and become road kill. This is why you should have walkers around
your float. They can urge the crowd
back to the sidewalk.
Safety: Be sure to take a good look at your float for
danger. If you have wiring for sound or
lighting it needs to be away from feet.
You need to be sure that all power cords are in good condition. Don’t have sharp things like nails where
they can grab you. Part of good design
is to include something for the riders to hold on to. Riders should wear rubber sole shoes. Take a long hard last look at your float for safety before
rolling.
Water, water, everywhere: Bring plenty of water, juices and sodas. Make a place on the float for an ice
chest. You can get over heated before
you know it.
Be prepared: Have all manner of repair items on the float. Duck tape is almost mandatory. You can count on something falling apart, cracking,
or being torn off by trees. If you
have special equipment, make sure you have spare items for it. If you are using batteries, have back ups.
Other useful items include bandaids, towels, and bug spray.
Trash: Be sure to be good citizens and keep your trash off the
streets. Have some large plastic bags
on your float to collect your garbage. This
is not the French Quarter and the success of the parade does not depend on how
many tons of garbage are left in the gutter.
The cleaner the better for us.
Party, Party, Party: If you are having a fun time on your float, the people watching
the parade will have a fun time too.
It’s contagious. Smile and show
the crowd what fun you are having. If
you are not throwing beads or dancing, then smile and wave. We are there to promote our community. Let the world see how great it can be.
These are the
best two words to remember when designing and creating a float.