Coming up with just the right parade float for your business or
organization can be confusing and troublesome. CRS Enterprises can
help with your current parade float ideas, or work with you on some
new parade float designs.
Click on any of the trailers listed above for available PDF files
you can print to assist you with your trailer decorating needs.
»
First and foremost you need a
trailer...
Find a
trailer platform that is sturdy, safe and legal to tow. Hay-rack
trailers at least 12' - 16' long are recommended with their level &
sturdy trailer deck but may be difficult to find in your area,
low-boy trailers are available at most local rental outfits and work
just as well... ATV or snowmobile trailers can be used but are not recommended
because of the limited size and the single axle has stability issues
which reduces overall safety for the participants to ride on the
trailer during a parade.
» How do I decorate my parade float?
Decorations for a parade float can be done in many different ways,
float beds can be covered with indoor/outdoor carpet or with glitter
and paint, both will take a lot of time, patience, and money.
Floral sheeting, festooning and fringe for your parade float is the
most consumer friendly approach when it comes to the amount of time
spent decorating and the overall professional appearance of the
finished parade float. The only tools you really need are some
staplers, scissors and a few decorating volunteers. Click on the "how
to decorate" trailer in
the box listed above for further directions. Looking for
parade float materials click here!
»
Safety First in a Parade...
Keep your riders and parade float driver safe... Build stanchions
for your riders to hold onto, many parades require seatbelts for
children who ride in the parade. Make sure your driver can see all
the riders and have clear visibility of the parade route. If you are
running a generator for lights or sound make sure it is properly
ventilated and always have a fire extinguisher nearby, and always
make sure your decorating materials are fire retardant.
*Note: Never
enclose the generator with riders inside the same space, generators
produce carbon monoxide in an enclosed space.
*NOTE:
All CRS Enterprises parade
float material is fire retardant!
»
How can I power lights
or music on my parade float?
1).
Generator
A generator is a
great way to produce a lot of power on a parade float,
however... even today's generators create noise when running
and are unsightly. Hiding the generator at the rear of the
float with trees or props reduces the sound level . A small
well ventilated box can also be built around the generator.
*Note:
Never
enclose the generator with riders inside the same space,
generators produce carbon monoxide in an enclosed space. Make
sure the generator is properly ventilated and away from any
flammable materials, always have a fire extinguisher nearby.
Available for rent at most local rental
outfits or your local hardware stores.
2).
12 Volt Batteries
Any auto or marine
battery can be used as a power source for lights and/or a
sound system.
*Note
you need to use DC (12volt) lights or a car stereo when just
using a battery as a power source. The number of batteries you
will need is dependant on the power needed.
*Note:
Power converter listed below will work with batteries allowing
for direct AC hook ups.
Batteries are available at
any auto store, Battery's Plus, Wal-Mart, Sears, etc.
3). Power Converters
12 volt converters are used
with any auto/marine battery to
convert DC to AC power upon which
you can plug your lights directly into the converter box.
Converters are available at
any auto store, Wal-Mart, Target, Sears, Kmart etc.
»
How much float material
will I need?
Use the sketch below as
a reference to help determine an estimate
of the material you will need to decorate your trailer and your approximate cost.
The reference float is 8' wide x 16' long with 2' high sidewalls.
The above
trailer measurements would require the following:
»
3-
10 yd rolls of
floral sheeting
~This would cover the
deck & sides of float.
(30 total yds)
»
5- 10' rolls of
vinyl fringe ~ (48 ft. total) This is enough to go
around the bottom perimeter of the float.
NOTE:
Fringe should hang 1/4" from the
ground giving the unit it's floating appearance.
»
2- 25' bags of
vinyl twist festooning~
This is enough to go around the
perimeter of the float and is used to hide the seam
between the sheeting & the fringe on the bottom edge of
the float.
*Approximate price for materials
listed:
$ 267.60
S/H not included. If you
have any unused materials be sure to store them safely
for repairs or future events.
»
Still Need
Help? We
understand, E-mail
us at:
info@crs-enterprises.com
with your parade floats dimensions and we
will figure it out for you, or you can call us direct
at: 218-724-2635 and we will help with the total
amount needed.
ATTENTION:
When purchasing
any metallic materials be aware of the suns affect on the
product. Prolonged periods of exposure to direct sunlight will
result in fading of the metallic materials and the loss of
the metallic finish. To ensure your
floats original appearance, cover your parade float or store
indoors when not in use. DO NOT
store your parade float outside exposed to the elements.