WELCOME! The purpose of this presentation is to give you the necessary information for designing, constructing and entering a creative and entertaining float in the Homecoming parade. We’ll walk you through the float building process, show you examples of good and bad floats, and provide examples of local businesses that you can use.
RULES & REGULATIONS • If your entry is a float, you must have at least one fire extinguisher readily available on it. You will be required to show the extinguisher before entering the parade. • A maximum of 10 people are allowed on any one float during the parade. • No float may exceed 10 feet in width, due to clearance through the gates located along the parade route. Any deviations need prior approval. Remember that the power-lines along the route are about 15 feet in height.
RULES & REGULATIONS • You must maintain a distance of 20 feet between floats. • Each entry may pause in front of the judges’ stand for a maximum of 15-20 seconds. • Once the parade has begun, no one is allowed to get off a float unless the parade has come to a complete stop. Once a participant gets off a float, he or she may not get back on at any time for the duration of the parade.
RULES & REGULATIONS • NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES allowed in the parade. If a member of Bobcats Senior Honorary finds alcohol on a float, the organization will immediately and unconditionally be pulled from the parade. • No participants in the parade shall display vulgar, offensive, or unsafe behavior along the entire parade route. • No participants in the parade shall throw or spray anything into the crowd along the parade route. If candy is to be distributed, please ensure that it is handed to parade spectators. • Note that a violation of any of these rules will result in disqualification from this year’s Homecoming as well as next year’s parade.
WHERE TO BEGIN?? -
Don’t leave it up to your pledges!!!
- Newer members may have some good ideas for themes, but they typically lack the skills and experience to construct a good float.
FLOAT DESIGN: 1)
Brainstorm ideas that relate to the Homecoming theme, Red, Blue & Bold, as well as your organization’s accomplishments and values
2) Determine the size and type of float you wish to build (keep in mind width and height restrictions) 3) Consider what materials you may need to implement your design, the tools and resources you have available, and the individual abilities of your float committee 4) Come up with a budget
BRAINSTORM
• Red, Blue, & Bold can be displayed in many different ways. Think about what it means to your organization and your tie to UofA. • Also think about the diversity of UofA and the accomplishments of its alumni. • We are playing the University of Utah • Remember, the more Wildcat spirit, the better! • Please keep in mind that there are many families and young children in attendance at the parade; please make sure that you use good taste. • Try to incorporate the UA Alumni Association’s tag line into your float (Wildcat for Life).
Types of Floats SELF PROPELLED – Float that is built over a single vehicle i.e. The float propels itself
TWO PART FLOAT – Float that is built with a tow vehicle and a trailer. This float is propelled by the external vehicle.
PUSH FLOATS – Float built on large caster wheels or four-wheel cart platform. This float is propelled by human work.
SELF PROPELLED FLOATS
TWO PART FLOATS
PUSH FLOATS
RECOMMENDED BUILDING MATERIALS • Flatbed truck • Trailer • Wood • Plywood • Plastic tarps • Foam board
• Steel • Cardboard • Chicken wire • Styrofoam • Pipe insulation • Paper maché
POSSIBLE DECORATING MATERIALS • • • • •
Floral sheeting Festooning Fringe Paint Floral arrangements
• • • • •
Crépe paper Tissue paper Fabric Outdoor carpeting Party decorations
Remember that floats should be colorful and eye-catching
Where to get Materials • Valley Decorating – 1-800-245-2817
• Home Depot
– 3515 E. Broadway Blvd. – 327-3050
• Grant Road Lumber – 2543 E Grant Rd. – 795-4160
• ACE Hardware
– 2884 N. Campbell Ave. – 325-2432
• Tucson Store Fixtures – 500 W Grant Rd – 623-0064
• Tool Rent Shop
– 4620 W. Ina Rd. – 744-6333
• Nation’s Rental
– 930 E Fort Lowell Rd. – 624-6601
• UHAUL
– 4655 N Oracle Rd Tucson. – 575-5373
You can also use STUMPS – an online party store
Examples of GOOD Floats!
Examples of BAD Floats!
Don’t Forget your Fire-Extinguisher
Define the shape with the foam board or chicken wire.
Pomp or add paper maché
This is the most time-consuming part so get everyone involved.
Add Paint where needed
Finished Product
FINISHING TOUCHES • Don’t forget the skirting and finishing touches to perfect your float. • Costumes for people on the float. • Music • Candy for kids
RESOURCES For more information about 2011 Homecoming, please visit the website: http://www.uahomecoming.com
For online float building instructions, Please visit www.valleydecorating.com/howto.html
BUDGETING • Establish a budget for construction materials. • Many local businesses are sympathetic and may contribute to your club’s cause. • Don’t forget about alumni donations.
AWARDS Grand Marshall Best Overall Float Award 1st place: $200 cash prize 2nd place: $100 cash prize 3rd place: $50 cash prize
PROGRESS MEETINGS • You are required to schedule a date and time for a Bobcat representative to check on the progress of your float construction and to make sure you adhere to your original sketch/description, as well as follow all the rules and regulations • These meetings will take place during the week of October 31 – November 3 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM
IMPORTANT DATES • Parade application, signed contract, parade drawing and payment for entry are all due no later than Friday, October 14, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. at the Swede Johnson Building • When you turn all forms in you will be asked to sign up to have your float checked by the Bobcats the week of October 31, 2011. • During the check of your float, you will receive an envelope containing a map of your entrance station, your VOTE THE FLOAT number as well as any other prevalent information.
CONTACT INFORMATION Bobcat Senior Honorary Parade Chairs: Kevin Cayton
[email protected] 847-501-0846
Jessica Regan
[email protected] 928-254-9004
Leo Yamaguchi
[email protected] 971-221-4154
Have FUN & GOOD LUCK!!! The Bobcats would like to thank Theta Tau Professional Engineering Fraternity for the use of several of the photos in this presentation.