Children and adults alike enjoy carnivals. Along with the games, food, thrilling rides and bright lights, handmade floats are an addition to the carnivals that can be enjoyed by all. Decorative floats can be made in all sizes, ranging from a toddler's stroller or a Radio Flyer to a flatbed or trailer. Planning, creating and decorating a float can be as much enjoyment as the carnival itself.

1

Patriotic Theme

The Fourth of July, Memorial Day and Veterans Day are holidays when people of all nationalities celebrate and remember the nation's history and those who served this country. A red, white and blue float can be used in celebration for those holidays or to honour the country and the men and women who continue to protect it. Balloons, flags, firecrackers, sparklers, stars and the letters "U.S.A."can be added to the float. Participants should wear patriotic clothing and accessories to coordinate with the float theme.

  • The Fourth of July, Memorial Day and Veterans Day are holidays when people of all nationalities celebrate and remember the nation's history and those who served this country.
  • A red, white and blue float can be used in celebration for those holidays or to honour the country and the men and women who continue to protect it.
2

Clubs, Groups and Organizations

There are many groups, clubs and organisations offered to men, women and children of all ages. These clubs and organisations can create carnival floats to display what its organisation's goals and accomplishments are. The various groups that can participate include the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, American Legion, VFW, Elks Club, Lions Club and school groups. Each organisation can enhance the float using its organisation's colours, flag and symbols. In addition to the enjoyment of the creativity of the float, carnival attendees may be inspired to join the groups.

  • There are many groups, clubs and organisations offered to men, women and children of all ages.
  • These clubs and organisations can create carnival floats to display what its organisation's goals and accomplishments are.
3

Mardi Gras Theme

The Mardi Gras is a bank holiday in Louisiana. In 1873, the celebration included floats that were produced entirely in New Orleans. A Mardi Gras theme float can be decorated with the Mardi Gras traditional colours of purple, green and gold. A larger float can be used to display a jester or dragon standee. Masks, head dresses and beads are popular items during the Mardi Gras celebration. A Mardi Gras float can be an array of these items along with feathers, sequins and metallic fringe. A musical instrument float can be decorated with plastic instruments for a "jazzy" touch.

  • The Mardi Gras is a bank holiday in Louisiana.
  • A Mardi Gras float can be an array of these items along with feathers, sequins and metallic fringe.
4

General Float Ideas

Carnival floats can be decorated to represent life in all forms. Jungle Safari, Life on the Farm, Under the Sea, Tropical Paradise and Wild, Wild West are a few themes that depict areas all over the world. Floats decorated to represent the music and arts industry can include Alice in Wonderland, At the Movies, Rock and Roll, It's Magic and the Circus is Coming.