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Types of Parade Floats and Their Benefits



Celebrating festivities and gatherings, parades hold a special place in our hearts, uniting communities with displays of culture, history, and pride. At the core of these vibrant processions lie parade floats, which not only exude fun but also serve as a medium for storytelling, business promotion, and crowd-pleasing entertainment.


Within this article, we will explore the diverse array of parade floats and delve into their different advantages that enrich parades of all types.


Types of Parade Floats


Manual-Powered Floats


Powered by the concerted efforts of individuals who manually propel them forward, push floats offer a cost-effective option for parade organizers, without of the need for vehicular assistance.


A bright and creative float for the University of Calgary, showcasing a giant jar labeled “Dreams” filled with colorful stars and floral decorations. Marchers in red shirts walk alongside with vibrant banners.
University of Calgary Dream Jar Float

A float in the shape of a giant birthday cake celebrating 100 years of Mount Royal University, being pulled by university members in cowboy hats.
Mount Royal University Centennial Parade Float

Vehicle-Driven Floats


Constructed atop vehicle chassis such as trucks or trailers, car-driven floats possess the mobility and power required for seamless movement along the parade route. Concealing the vehicle within the float's design allows for versatility and facilitates more elaborate displays.


A country-themed float for Red Deer’s Westerner Days featuring cowboy and cowgirl sculptures in front of a colorful Ferris wheel. The float has intricate Western details and fringe decorations.
Westerner Days Red Deer Float

A lively float with cartoon-style bees, flowers, and butterflies under the banner “Cenovus – Together We’re Better.”
Cenovus Energy Parade Float

Towed Floats


Lacking internal propulsion, towed floats rely on separate towing vehicles, such as trucks or tractors, to navigate through the parade. These floats, often sizable and built on flatbed trailers, boast significant presence during the procession.


A whimsical float with a large bear sitting beside a stream and a fish, with a child posing in front, under the banner "Crowsnest Pass."
Crowsnest Pass Parade Float

 A colorful parade float for SkipTheDishes featuring oversized food items like an ice cream cone, burger, fries, and hotdog in every colour of the rainbow.
SkipTheDishes Pride Parade Float

Performance-Incorporated Floats


Featuring live performers such as dancers, musicians, or actors, these floats inject dynamism and interactivity into the parade, transforming it into a captivating spectacle. Safety measures, including specialized safety equipment and seatbelts, ensure the well-being of participants.




Benefits of Using Parade Floats to Promote Your Cause


  1. Parade Floats Provide Fantastic Visuals: Parade floats command attention with their vivid hues, intricate designs, and thematic motifs, leaving a positive impression on spectators.

  2. Floats are Perfect for Creating Narratives: Functioning as storytellers, floats convey tales, cultural legacies, and brand narratives effectively, forging emotional connections with the audience.

  3. Parade Floats Create Community Engagement: Fostering a sense of unity and pride, parade floats encourage community involvement as individuals and groups collaborate to craft and showcase their creations.

  4. Parade Floats Boost Marketing and Outreach: For businesses and organizations, parade floats serve as potent marketing instruments, amplifying brand visibility and conveying messages in an engaging manner.

  5. Floats Provide Pure Entertainment: Above all, parade floats enhance the festive ambiance with their creativity, performances, and sheer presence, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees.


Tips for Crafting a Successful Parade Float


  1. Thoughtful Planning and Theme Selection: Opt for a compelling theme resonant with your audience and brand identity.

  2. Budgeting and Resource Allocation: Strategically manage your resources and explore avenues for cost-effective material sourcing and support.

  3. Expert Design and Construction: Enlist the expertise of experienced companies such as Imagination Design Studios, boasting three decades of float-building prowess.

  4. Adherence to Safety Protocols: Prioritize safety by adhering to regulatory guidelines and implementing necessary precautions for participants and onlookers alike.

  5. Strategic Promotion and Community Engagement: Harness the power of social media and community involvement to generate excitement and ensure the enduring impact of your float.


Parade Floats: A Boon for Businesses


Central to the spirit of parades, floats epitomize storytelling and entertainment, enriching celebratory occasions. Let us marvel at the magic and ingenuity that parade floats infuse into festivities, reaffirming their status as an asset to any outdoor celebration.


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