Local Parade Ideas
A successful parade begins with the planning months ahead of time. The local committee should advertise for ideas and suggestions and design a plan. Use incentives to gain participation. Offering prizes for the best in show in different categories encourages groups to spend hours putting a float together. Pick a theme, such as Christmas, as a theme will narrow the focus and balance the parade from start to finish.
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Fundraisers
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Conduct a fundraiser at the start of the parade planning, such as special T-shirts sales. Print the T-shirts with a parade design and the year. Sell the T-shirts in local stores and city hall. During the parade, volunteer workers and parade participants can wear the shirts showing unison for a cause. Sell shirts along the parade route. Pick a non-profit that participates in the parade to reap the funds from the T-shirt sales.
Inflatables
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The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a holiday icon for decades. A distinctive eye catcher in every parade is the inflatables. They fly high above the parade and crowd designed as characters from famous comic strips, children's shows, movies and animals. Add inflatables to your next local parade. They range from large-size balloons to floats.
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Music
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Employ several bands. Get the local high school and neighboring communities. Contact music schools or local talent to join the celebration. Offer a prize for the best band at the end of the parade. Space the bands and music floats so they do not interfere with each other. Fill in with fire trucks and ambulances in parade sections that are quiet.
Floats
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Encourage participation by creating a packet for potential participants that will show how to put a float together and ideas for different types of parades. For example, an Easter parade can include a float draped in holographic metallic fringe around the bottom of the trailer. Use tissue paper to design colorful flowers around the edge of the trailer for trim. Cover the floor of the trailer in green sheeting or outdoor grass carpeting. Make large daisies and group them together with colored balloons. Include a park bench where the Easter bunny can sit. Make large baskets full of candy that the Easter bunny can toss at audience. Include a large banner on the side to announce the Easter Bunny Float.
Safety is important during a parade. Choose one person to be the safety officer for your float. If people will be standing during movement, be sure there are sturdy rails to hold on to. Keep a fire extinguisher on board. Review safety plans with all involved.
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References
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