Parade Float Safety Tips

Parades are a blast. There are decorations, treats, costumes, music, and always something to celebrate. But with celebration also comes responsibility. Parade safety is extremely important. You want the parade to be an event that people remember for all the right reasons- not because something went horribly wrong. Make sure you’re well-prepared when it comes to parade safety.

Choosing Safe Decorations

While sparkle and pizazz are what make some floats better than others, you have to draw the line somewhere. Never allow any sort of flame to be a part of someone’s decorations in the parade. Even a sparkler gone awry could cause a catastrophe if it comes in contact with a paper streamer. All parts of the parade float should be flame resistant or fire retardant. There are multiple sprays and coatings that can be used on the float to make sure it is safe from fire.

Make sure each float is given a thorough inspection before the start of the parade. If anything looks unsafe, have it removed or do not allow the float to be in the parade. There are plenty of ways to be creative with paint and floral sheeting without involving fire.

Still, have fire extinguishers ready in case something goes wrong.

Safe Costuming

Costumes mixed with machinery are a potential for disaster. No costumes in the parade should extend more than a few feet from the person wearing the costume and definitely shouldn’t drag on the ground. Things like long scarves or dresses could get caught in wheels.

If you’re parade is at night, make sure none of the costumes are dark colors.

Flat Bed and Car Safety

First of all, every driver in the parade must have a valid driver’s license. Make sure they know that drinking, smoking or texting/talking on a cellphone is strictly prohibited while driving in the parade.

Children on floats or in trucks should always be seated and under adult supervision. Anyone standing should have some sort of support that will prevent them from falling. Do not allow people to jump on and off the float while it is in motion.

Set a speed limit for your floats. There’s typically no reason any vehicle or float should go faster than around 5 mph.

Distributing Favors and Candy

Most parades and/or communities have outlawed throwing candy or favors to the crowd in a parade. It’s just too dangerous and unfortunately the act has resulted in injuries and even death. If you insist on passing out goodies, make sure your parade participants literally walk up to people in the crowd and hand them the treats. There’s no reason to give anyone in the crowd a reason to run into the street.

Be Ready for the Worst

As they say, “Better safe than sorry!” Have first-aid kits available at various spots along the parade route. It’s also not a bad idea to make sure law enforcement is aware of your parade and will help with crowd control. They may even suggest an EMS be nearby in case of an emergency.

Law enforcement can also fill you in ahead of time of local parade rules and regulations.

Whether you’re in the parade or running it, make sure you put safety first. Here is a checklist to help you remember these safety tips:

Parade Safety Checklist

Entertain Crowds on Your Parade Floats

Everyone loves a parade! In order to have a parade float that entertains the crowds you not only have to think about making sure the float fits the parade theme, but that the people on the float are entertaining.                          

Start by creating a float that catches people’s eyes.  It’s no good to have people watching another float – make your float the center of attention!  Use colorful metallic fringe and vinyl twistees in bright colors.  To make it easy, try a spirit decorating kit in order to transform your trailer.  Vinyl or metallic festooning will further attract attention and show your support by using school colors.

People will be watching and cheering if your parade float includes a football float component.  A six foot high football is enough to get everyone excited about that big game.  Add some helmet balloons and the crowd will be ready to go!

The people on the float can attract the crowd’s attention by singing, shouting cheers through a megaphone, or by using noisemakers like a cow bell or an inflatable bam bam stick.   These sticks could be basic, imprinted, metallic or wavy.   You will really get the crowd’s attention by using a  light up bam bam stick!

If the parade rules allow, have the participants toss candy to the audience.  Try tossing a wide variety of candies in order to please and excite the crowd.  Another crowd pleaser is the black clapper necklace – a stylish way to make noise and support your team.

Tips for Organizing a Better Parade

Organizing a parade can be a big responsibility. Poor planning can lead to chaos on the day of the parade. Don’t be unprepared for the parade or you could be facing more stress than necessary.

Find Helpers

You shouldn’t go at it alone. Planning a parade is best done with a committee. Decide who you will work with best and invite them to help. A committee can help things run smoothly before the parade and on the actual day of the parade.

Decide on a Theme

A parade with no theme has little purpose. Give your parade entries some direction by choosing a theme. It might go with a holiday, a specific event, or even a sports team. Be sure the theme is something you are comfortable working with and that it will be broad enough that the floats in the parade won’t all look the same.

Encourage People to Participate

A parade can’t happen without people to participate. Spread the word about your event weeks, or even months, ahead of time. Consider hanging personalized banners around town to encourage people to participate. Make sure the banner lists the date and time of the parade, the theme, and a way to contact you should participants have any questions. It is also a good idea to contact your local newspaper to get some coverage of the event ahead of time.

Get Help from Guides

If you’re the organizer of the parade, people will likely come to you for advice on how to create their float. Make sure you are a bit of a float expert so you can answer questions. How to Build a Float is a great resource for parade organizers and float builders.

Decide on the Rules

Set the rules early and make sure participants are well aware of them. Will candy be thrown at your parade? What’s the limit in size for floats? How many people from each organization can participate? Make a list of rules and stick to them. Make exceptions for no one.

The Day of the Parade

Don’t let your participants just show up and line up. Have a set lineup in place ahead of time and make sure each participant is aware of where their float will be in the parade. Also make sure the floats will be in place at least an hour before the parade is scheduled to start. This will cut back on stress the day of the parade. When it’s time to begin, send your floats on their way and enjoy the parade!