SSSSSO YO YO YO YO YOU WOU WOU WOU WOU WANT TANT TANT TANT TANT TO BO BO BO BO BUUUUUIIIIILD A FLLD A FLLD A FLLD A FLLD A FLOAOAOAOAOAT?T?T?T?T?

Congratulations! You will soon discover the joy of creating a wonderful thing – a parade float.Floats can be built from just about anything, by just about anybody. Trailers, trucks, golf carts,tractors, boats and barges have all been decorated to make a memorable parade entry. Evenyoung children can decorate shopping carts or wagons for a parade. It’s all about adding to thespirit of your community, spreading smiles and laughter among the spectators on the way.

At Valley Decorating, we take pride in making the finest professional decorating products thatwill allow you to create your own award-winning float in the least amount of time. Valley wasknown for designing and building floats for the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. We havebuilt upon this experience to become the leading manufacturer of high quality float decorationssince 1946. Our innovative concepts and superior materials make it easy for you to turn yourideas into reality.

The most frequent question we are asked is how to get started. We have created this FloatBuilding Manual and Product Supply Catalog to help you make a spectacular float. You findeasy-to-follow instructions, pictures for design ideas, and products that can make your float awinner.

Have fun…and happy building!

Parade float photos courtesy of:· Associated Attractions…………………………………..…… Chicago, IL· Baylor Chamber of Commerce………………………..…… Waco, TX· Carnival San Francisco…………………………………..…….San Francisco, CA· City of Key Largo………………………………………..……… Key Largo, FL· Green Float Company…………………………………..……. Garden Grove, CA· June Huntsman………………………………………………..… Byron, CA· Othello Community Festivals……………………………….Othello, WA· Parade Float Builders…………………………….……………. Navarre, OH· Presentations……………………………………………………… San Antonio, TX· Rojee Decorating…………………………………………………Medway, MA· Southwest Parades………………………………………..……. San Antonio, TX· Tahoe Arts Festival………………………………………..…… Lake Tahoe, CA· Texas Cavaliers………………………………………………..…. San Antonio, TX· Three Rivers Festival…………………………………………... Fort Wayne, IN· Upbeat Parade Productions………………………………….San Jose, CA

© VALLEY DECORATING COMPANY11111

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Introduction.............................................................. 1Float Building Guide................................................ 3Step-by-Step Instructions........................................ 5Decorating a Vehicle................................................ 9Holiday Floats............................................................ 10Homecoming Floats.................................................. 13Float Decorating Products........................................ 15

A grand prize winner from Valley Decorating Company, past builders for the Tournament of Roses™ Parade.

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GGGGGeeeeettinttinttinttintting Sg Sg Sg Sg StttttararararartedtedtedtedtedBegin by gathering information from parade officials. Find outabout rules, entry fees deadlines, etc. Make sure youunderstand what is not allowed in the parade. Some paradesdon’t allow semi-trucks because of size restrictions. Some allowonly self-propelled floats. There also may be rules prohibitingthrowing items off the float, such as beads and candy. Ifapplicable, find out the judging categories and the parade’stheme so you can adapt your design accordingly.

DDDDDeeeeesisisisisigningningningningning Yg Yg Yg Yg Yooooour Fur Fur Fur Fur FllllloaoaoaoaoatttttCreative brainstorming is the first step in float design. As a warm up, think of things that a child wouldenjoy doing: going to a circus, skateboarding, riding in a submarine, space travel, etc. Then come upwith a list of strange, funny, or interesting animals, people or creatures. Pirates, dinosaurs, spacealiens, giant bugs, angels and clowns are examples. Can you combine these ideas to make your entrymore memorable? How about clowns on a submarine with polka-dot shorts flying from the periscope!

From your list of ideas, can you incorporate the parade’s theme? If your parade falls on a holiday, thinkof symbols that represent the holiday. As an example, for Valentines Day, how about a float with candyhearts as props that say LUV YOU and BE MINE? You can use flags, fireworks, or Uncle Sam for theFourth of July. If your parade is part of a county fair, get creative with food, vegetables or animals. Playwith the sizes of them: giant turnips? OH MY! How about using a play on words such as “Fair or Fowl,”“My Fair Lady,” or “Fair Weather Friends?”

Plan ahead to draw people’s attention. Things that move, such as wheels, windmills, flags, and costumedcharacters will add life to your unit. Flashing objects such as metallic decorations or mirrored surfaceswill also attract your audience’s eye. Recently, the cost of special effects have become more affordable.Fog and smoke machines, confetti cannons and bubble machines wll add a new dimension to yourfloat.

Dont’ limit yourself to just the visual aspect. If you can, incorporate all the senses. Use music andsound effects. Even peppermint scent can be sprayed from a Christmas float! You may also want toinvolve your audience. Get them to sing along with your music, do the Chicken Dance or doThe Wave.”

While designing your float, keep your message in good taste. If your theme is humorous, make sure noone will be offended. If you are using your float as a way to gain exposure for your business, a clevermessage will be remembered much longer than a blatant advertisement.

After you have chosen your concept, make a sketch using ¼” graph paper. A scaled drawing will helpyou know how much material you need to purchase.

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SSSSSafafafafafeeeeettttty Fy Fy Fy Fy FiririririrssssstttttParades are a wonderful experience, but it is your responsibility to keep your float’s riders and driverssafe. If riders will be standing, build stanchions for them to hold onto. Some parades require seatbeltsfor children on floats. If there will be a generator on board, be sure to allow for proper ventilation. Youmust also allow ventilation for any enclosed area of your float that contains drivers or riders. Makesure the exhaust can escape and the engine receives airflow to prevent overheating. Keep a fireextinguisher handy and make sure your decorations are flame retardant.

MMMMMaaaaateteteteteriririririal Sual Sual Sual Sual SuggggggggggeeeeessssstititititiooooonsnsnsnsnsHere are items commonly used in float construction:

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· 4’ x 4’ Plywood· 2 x 4’s and 1 x 2’s· Construction staplers and staples· “L” Brackets

· Nails & Drywall Screws· Plumber’s Tape· Tape Measure· Scissors· Wire & String

· Flexible Board· Spray Adhesive· Cordless Drill with Screwdriver Attachments

MMMMMeaeaeaeaeasurinsurinsurinsurinsuring Cg Cg Cg Cg CooooorrrrrrrrrrectlectlectlectlectlyyyyyFFFFFooooor thr thr thr thr the te te te te tooooop dp dp dp dp decececececk ank ank ank ank and sid sid sid sid sidddddeeeeesssss: To cover the float with Floral Sheeting, Grass Mat, or Sequin Sheeting,mulitply the length times the width of each area to be covered, then add the totals together. This willgive the total square footage. In the example below, the top deck is 128 square feet (8’ x 16’) and thesizes are 72 square feet (2 sides of 8’ x 1.5’ and 2 sides of 16’ c 1.5’). Always add an extra 10% toyour material to overlap seams and fold over edges for a better appearance.

FFFFFooooor thr thr thr thr the trime trime trime trime trim: To decorate around the float with Fringe and Petal Festooning, measure all the sides andadd them together to get linear feet (8’ _ 16’ + 8’ + 16’ = 48’) and add 10% when ordering.

The trailer in this example, and in the “Step-by-Step Instructions” section, is 8’ x 16’ and measures48’ around the perimeter.

FFFFFooooor pr pr pr pr prrrrrooooopppppsssss: Imagine each prop as if it were inside a box. Using the formula to fund the area, multiplythe length by the width of each side and the top of the imaginary box, and add them together.

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GGGGGeeeeettinttinttinttintting Sg Sg Sg Sg StttttararararartedtedtedtedtedFind a float platform that issturdy, safe, and legal to tow.

Low-boy style trailers likethis are ideal for floatbuilding.

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Float building is easy and fun...when you know how. We have created these easy step-by-step guidefor building a basic parade float with Floral Sheeting, Festooning, Fringe, Sequin Sheeting andLetters.

SSSSStetetetetep 1p 1p 1p 1p 1Find well-made pallets thatare approximately the sameheight as the trailer’s rails. Youmay need to stack them. If thereare no pallets available, usevertical wood supports. Anchorthe pallets or supports of the bed.

If necessary, use thin pieces ofwood to “shim” the pallets to theproper height. SSSSStetetetetep 2p 2p 2p 2p 2

Check for proper height bylaying 4’ x 8’ x ½” or moreplywood over the securedpallets. Make sure there isadequate clearance for thefenders and tires. Center theplywood, then secure it tothe deck or pallets withscrews or nails.

Continue forward with thepallets and the plywood tocomplete the deck.

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SSSSStetetetetep 4 Fp 4 Fp 4 Fp 4 Fp 4 FlllllooooorrrrralalalalalShShShShSheeeeeeeeeetintintintintingggggGive your float a professionalfloral appearance by rolling outour 36” wide Floral Sheeting.Use a construction stapler toattach it to the wood top deckand wood side skirts. Be sureto pay extra attention aroundthe edges and corners to makesure they are secure.

TTTTTip: ip: ip: ip: ip: Run Floral Sheetinglength-wise along thetrailer to cut down onseams.

Note the white cottonheader on the 14” Fringe.Staple through this cottonheader, through the FloralSheeting and into theplywood sides.

SSSSStetetetetep 5 Dp 5 Dp 5 Dp 5 Dp 5 Decoecoecoecoecorrrrraaaaatintintintinting with Fg with Fg with Fg with Fg with FrinrinrinrinringggggeeeeeFringe hides the undercarriage and gives it a “floating”appearance. Shown here is 10’ wide x 14” drop MetallicSilver Fringe on the sides. 3’ wide x 30” drop MetallicSilver Extra-long Fringe decorates the front of the float.

SSSSStetetetetep 3 Sip 3 Sip 3 Sip 3 Sip 3 Siddddde Skire Skire Skire Skire SkirtststststsUse “L” shaped brackets, availableat your local hardware store, toattach wood side skirts to the topdeck of the float. If you will betowing your float to distantlocations or multiple parades, wesuggest attaching the side skirtswith hinges. This way, you will beable to fold the side skirts backonto the deck. This can preventdamage to the decorations duringtransit.

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SSSSStetetetetep 6 Pp 6 Pp 6 Pp 6 Pp 6 PeeeeetttttalalalalalFFFFFeeeeessssstttttooooooooooninninninninningggggPetal Festooning is a great wayto accent curves and edges ofyour float. It can be used towrap the trailer hitch area orshaped to form letters. It is also used to hide seams wherematerials come together.

Use a construction stapler to staplethrough the Fringe and Festooningand into the wood sides.

SSSSStetetetetep 7 Lp 7 Lp 7 Lp 7 Lp 7 LeeeeettettettettetterrrrrsssssMeasure down from the top of the skirt equally on bothends to get a straight mark for your letters and numbers.Shown here are 8” letters.

The sides of a float are a great place to put yourorganization’s name. Remember, your main message willbe on top of the float.

Tip: Lay out your letters along side of the float to get thecorrect spacing between letters.

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SSSSStetetetetep 8 A Wp 8 A Wp 8 A Wp 8 A Wp 8 A Wooooorrrrrd Ad Ad Ad Ad AbobobobobouuuuutttttPrPrPrPrProoooopppppsssssYour props help to convey the visualmessage you will send to people watchingthe parade. Props can be made from avariety of construction materials.Sonotube™ from a local hardwarestore is perfect for pillars andcolumns. Flexible sheet-board willallow you to make wide circularobjects. Good old-fashioned chickenwire works very well for molding a curvyshape. Papier maché is another wonderfulconstruction material that is easy to work with.“L” brackets or plumber’s tape can be used to secureprops to the deck. When decorating areas of detail, use SequinSheeting along with Floral Sheeting to add interest and dimension to your design. Bright colors orshiny materials will catch your audience’s eye. Remember, an entertaining float is a memorablefloat. It’s important to cover your props with flame retardant materials, such as the luster vinyl ormetallic decorating products from Valley Decorating.

Our “cake” uses two flexible sheet-boards stapled atone end and then bent back over and stapled at theother end. This makes a fat, round tube the shape of acake.

The “Frosting” is white Floral Sheeting and PinkFestooning attached with a construction stapler.

Sequin Sheeting is versatile and easy towork with. Scissors or a razor knife willcut it easily. It is perfect for athree-dimensional look, which can makeyour candle flame “flicker”.

Sonotube™ wrapped by metallic red FloralSheeting gives a glittering look to yourcandles. Simple 12-volt motors in each tubewill turn the flames, creating a “flickering” look.

DDDDDEEEEECCCCCOOOOORARARARARATTTTTIIIIINNNNNG A VEHG A VEHG A VEHG A VEHG A VEHIIIIICLECLECLECLECLE

It’s easy to quickly convert your own vehicle into a parade sensation.

To secure Festooning and Fringe, use ties or wrap the decoratingpieces around anchor points of the vehicle (such as exteriormirrors,door handle, bumper, etc.). You cancarefully tape Festooning and Fringedirectly onto a clean surface, providingthe surface will not exceed 90º.Masking tape will leave the leastamount of residue, which can beremoved with WD-40© or similar product.

For a more finished appearance, attach FloralSheeting, Festooning and Fringe to a wooden frame and hangby cloth straps. The Floral Sheeting covering the vehicle is pinned to the cloth straps and thenpinned at the seams. Be sure not to scratch the vehicle’s finish when applying the pins.

You can also glue the Floral Sheeting to a contoured cloth or vehicle cover. Just cut out the pieceover the driver’s window and door, so the driver can get in and out. The Fringe can also be stapledto a wooden frame, using Petal Festooning as a trim. A second layer of Fringe can be taped aroundthe bottom of the vehicle, so that it just clears the ground and leaves the wheel wells exposed. Besure the frame is wider than the vehicle to allow room for the wheels to turn properly.

In addition, make certain that there is adequate ventilation and that the driver’s vision is notimpaired; if it is, walkie-talkies should be used. In many cases, the exhaust pipe must be extended

out from the decorations, to prevent fumesfrom gathering. Care should be taken to trim the Fringe and Festooning so that it never comes in direct contact with a hot

surface, such as the exhaust pipe.

Remember to avoid placing decorations directly on the hood of your vehicle if it is

likely to heat up during the parade. If necessary, keep he front grill of the vehicle exposed to avoid over-heating.

If the vehicle is being used to tow a float, make sure the tow ball extends behind the decoratingframe, or allow space in the frame so the tow bar can be easily attached and move freely.

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Holidays and parades gohand-in-hand. The MayDay float uses a contoureddeck to make it appearless “box-like” andbeautiful bright colors thatrepresent springtime.Because there is limitedvisibility, the driver has aspotter, walking alongsidethe float, to help himmaneuver. The Cinco deMayo float is alive withdancers in costumes thatbring the spirit of Mexicoto life.

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The traditonal colors of red,white and blue, are used withmetallic gold trim on the“Eagle” float (left) toemphasize the patriotic feel.The eagle, stars & stripes,waving flags, Betsy Rosssewing, and the fife and drumcorps are all symbols ofAmerican independence.

Firecrackers can be made from anycylinder-shaped object (see theChristmas Candle Float, top of nextpage). Sparks are made with flexiblemetal rods wrapped with Valley’sMetallid Gold Festooning.

Having trouble coming up with atheme for your float? Think ofsymbols associated with the holiday.This excellent entry leaves no doubtin the viewers’ mind that nothingsays Thanksgiving like a turkey.

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The HolidaySeason is amagical time topromote yourorganization.Here a televisionnetwork used itsmascot and tiedit into aChristmas themeto promote itselfin a politivelight.

The “Frosty the Snow Man/ChristmasOrnament” photos (left), show thatthe front and back should look goodcoming and going.

The Candy Cane float (below) showshow a tow vehicle can be hidden andincorporated into the design. Noticehow the white Floral Sheeting was cutto look like snow.

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HHHHHOOOOOMEMEMEMEMECCCCCOOOOOMMMMMIIIIINNNNNG FLG FLG FLG FLG FLOAOAOAOAOATTTTTSSSSS

These homecoming unitsdemonstrate how you candeliver a clever message. The“Elvis” float (top left) showsthe king of bump and grinddoing the same to anopposing mascot. The schoolthat built the “Pig on a Stick”float (top right) was playingthe Arkansas Razorbacksfootball team forhomecoming. They usedanimation on their giantrotisserie to roast the pig.The “Bulldozer” float (left)had the theme “Bulldoze theCompetition.

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These two river boats show how thesame type of float can have a differentmessage. They each use a different playon words. The float shown above says:“Paddle the Frogs”, and the float on theright says: “Steamroll the Hogs”. The useof animated paddlewheels and fogbillowing out of the smokestacks add tothe realism.

The school that built the SWC(Southwest Conference) Iceberg float(right) was playing a school from rivalconference, the SEC (SoutheastConference). The theme of this float is aplay of words: “Into the S.E. Sea.”

All of the floats on this pagedemonstrate modes of travel whichimply motion. The “PIgs in Space”float (left) is ejecting a“Razorback” out of its payloaddoors.

FLFLFLFLFLOAOAOAOAOAT DT DT DT DT DEEEEECCCCCOOOOORARARARARATTTTTIIIIINNNNNG MAG MAG MAG MAG MATERIALTERIALTERIALTERIALTERIALSSSSS

Beautiful Floral Sheeting is designed to simulateflower petals. It’s rain proof, flame retardant and,with care, reusable. It’s easy to use, too. Justroll it out, staple it down, and the biggest partof the job will be done. Curved edges are easilydecorated on props, decks, side skirts, etc.

Floral Sheeting is the most labor-saving productavailable to cover your float cost effectively.Available in metallic and vinyl luster colors.

FFFFFlllllooooorrrrral Shal Shal Shal Shal Sheeeeeeeeeetintintintintinggggg(36” wide x 10 yd. or 25 yd. rolls)

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10 yd Vinyl Luster 1-41013 10 yd Metallic 1-4102325 yd Vinyl Luster 1-41033 25 yd Metallic 1-41043

Valley’s Red,White and Blue Floral Sheeting is alsogreat for decorating patriotic events, political rallies,fireworks stands, and stage fronts.

Note: Actual colors may vary from shades shown below

MMMMMeeeeetttttalliallialliallialliccccc

VVVVVinyl Linyl Linyl Linyl Linyl Luuuuusssssteteteteterrrrr

Flame RetardantMETALLIC

Flame RetardantVINYL

White035

Flame RetardantVINYL

Yellow036

Violet034

Sand033

Red032Shock

Pink030

Pink029

Orange027

Orchid026

049Red

Blue

White

Brown017

Fucshia018

SkyBlue016

Lt.Blue013

DarkBlue012

Dk.Green

020

GrassGreen

021

LightGreen

023Black010

Gold050

Silver051

Red052

Black058

Purple057

Teal056

Cerise055

Green054

Blue053

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Make your designs “float” with Valley’s vinyl and metallic Fringe. Stapled around the skirt base, fringeattractively conceals the wheels and undercarriage of your float. Available in vinyl luster and metalliccolors.

FLFLFLFLFLOAOAOAOAOATTTTT-AW-AW-AW-AW-AWAAAAAY FRIY FRIY FRIY FRIY FRINNNNNGGGGGEEEEE TM(10’ wide x 14” drop)

EEEEEXXXXXTRA LTRA LTRA LTRA LTRA LOOOOONNNNNG FRIG FRIG FRIG FRIG FRINNNNNGGGGGEEEEE (30’ wide x 30” drop)Extra Long Fringe is perfect for decorating flat-bed trucks, semi-trailers, etc.The 3’ wide x 30” long sections make it easy for one person to apply. It’s also facetedfor a shimmering effect. If fringe is too long for your application, simply trim to theproper length. Available in METALLIC colors only.

Metallic 1-41083 Vinyl Luster 1-41073

Metallic 1-41084

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Petal Festooning looks like a fluffy rope of flower petals. Use it to accent edges, wrap poles, createcanopies, drape from ceilings, or form letters in any script. Simply braid it to create candy canes,barber poles, spiral effects, etc. Available in luster vinyl and metallic colors.

PPPPPEEEEETTTTTAL FEAL FEAL FEAL FEAL FESSSSSTTTTTOOOOOOOOOONNNNNIIIIINNNNNGGGGG (48’ long)

Put your message out front with durable pressed-board letters & numbers. Valley’s letters & numberscan be covered with glitter, confetti, paint, Sequin Sheeting, or other decorative materials. Attacheseasily to float with nails, adhesive, screws or staples. Available in 4½”, 6”, 8”, 12” sizes.

LELELELELETTTTTTERTERTERTERTERS & NUMBERS & NUMBERS & NUMBERS & NUMBERS & NUMBERSSSSS

1-41093

1-41103

1-41113

1-41123

4½”

6”

8”

12”

Luster Vinyl 1-41053 Metallic 1-41063

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Sequin Sheeting will add extra sparkle to your decorating project. It has raised dots giving a brilliant“3-D” effect and displays different colors when viewed at different angles. Use it to create dragon orfish scales, jeweled treasure chests, shimmering water, banners and pennants, even costume trim.

SESESESESEQUQUQUQUQUIIIIIN SHEEN SHEEN SHEEN SHEEN SHEETTTTTIIIIINNNNNGGGGG (8” wide x 10 x 25 yd. rolls)

111110 yd M0 yd M0 yd M0 yd M0 yd Meeeeetttttallialliallialliallic 1-46200c 1-46200c 1-46200c 1-46200c 1-4620025 yd M25 yd M25 yd M25 yd M25 yd Meeeeetttttallialliallialliallic 1-46c 1-46c 1-46c 1-46c 1-46400400400400400

Orient the dots to givemaximum reflaction toyour creations.Sequin Sheeting

is perfect to usefor accessoriesand costumes.

GGGGGRARARARARASSSSSSSSSSMAMAMAMAMATTTTT(3’ wide x 10 yd. long)Valley’s Grass Mat looks better than thereal thing. It’s perfect for sports, garden,Easter or Hawaiian themes. Display usesinclude grass huts, signage, producedisplays, etc. It’s made with the same rollout, staple-down ease of use as FloralSheeting. Available in grass green vinylluster and for more “glitz”, metallic goldor metallic silver.

111110 yd V0 yd V0 yd V0 yd V0 yd Vinyl Linyl Linyl Linyl Linyl Luuuuusssssteteteteter 1-4r 1-4r 1-4r 1-4r 1-4111111111133 133 133 133 133 10yd M0yd M0yd M0yd M0yd Meeeeetttttallialliallialliallic 1-4c 1-4c 1-4c 1-4c 1-411111111115353535353