How to Build a Christmas Parade Float

Making a float for your local Christmas parade may seem like an overwhelming project, but it's probably easier than you think to build a float the crowd will love. You can really get creative with the design and decorations and save money by using inexpensive props.

Things You'll Need

• Trailer
• Lumber
• Hammer
• Nails
• Staple gun
• Floral sheeting
• Fringe
• Petal festooning
• Props

Instructions

1. Get information about the parade. Read about entry fees and rules and regulations. Find out what the theme of the parade is. Determine whether your float design needs to be approved.

2. Buy or rent a trailer as the base for your float or use a Jeep, trailer or car. Build a base for the top of the float with boards. Build a skirt frame for the bottom from 2-inch by 2-inch pieces of wood.

3. Multiply the length times the width of each colored area to find out how much floral sheeting is needed to cover the platform. Pull the sheeting across the deck and skirt. Staple into place.

4. Attach fringe to the bottom of the frame. Use petal festooning to hide the space where the fringe and sheeting meet.

5. Brainstorm design and decoration ideas that relate to the theme of the parade. Incorporate the product or service that your organization provides into the theme, too. Write down ideas and draw sketches for decorating the float. Decide on a design.

6. Think about Christmas scenes and props to incorporate into your float design, like Christmas trees or Santa's workshop. Use artificial trees with faux snow. Dress up children as elves and recruit a volunteer to play Santa. Wrap large boxes with wrapping paper to create gift props.

7. Use inexpensive classic float decorations, like balloons, crepe paper, tissue flowers and Christmas lights. Use holiday and winter colors. Create snow from flame retardant materials, like stuffing.