# Best parade float? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 6, 2011, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-parade-float/591772 "2011-08-06T20:43:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 10\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![fisha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/da6949/32.png) [@fisha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fisha)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-parade-float/591772/1 "2011-08-06T20:43:25Z")
My company (a residential remodeling company) is going to be in a parade in the next month. We are looking for memorable ideas for a float. It doesn’t need to tie into construction, but it certainly can. We are open to any ideas, and have employees that are pretty game for anything. So, 'dopers, what are some of the best floats you’ve ever seen, or an idea that is completely awesome? Additionally, what are some of the best things you’ve seen handed out? Suggestions so far is Planet of the Apes, Pro Wrestlers, 80’s hair band. ---
**Author:** ![chacoguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/50afbb/32.png) [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-parade-float/591772/2 "2011-08-06T20:56:36Z")
Do that one from Animal House. ---
**Author:** ![Baker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-parade-float/591772/3 "2011-08-06T21:50:53Z")
> [@chacoguy](#): > > Do that one from Animal House. I second the motion! Got any employees that could pass for a piratical John Belushi? Candy is always a favorite for throwing, or the cheapest strings of beads, like from Mardi Gras. It might cost too much, but if you threw out candy with the wrapper having your company’s name, that would be cool, and would tie in to the company. Maybe someone could make up a slogan for the side of the float that said “We could even make this House look respectable!” or something similar that’s actually funny, ---
**Author:** ![fisha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/da6949/32.png) [@fisha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fisha)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-parade-float/591772/4 "2011-08-07T14:43:01Z")
The Animal House float is a serious contender, great idea. One of my guys would be an awesome John Belushi. We plan on handing out candy, freezies, beads and misc company swag (pens notepads, etc.) but any other suggestions are welcome. ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-parade-float/591772/5 "2011-08-07T15:03:19Z")
Since you do construction, how about a little on-site float assembly. It can only be so big to get to the start line (ie no wider than a tractor trailer) in order to drive it on the road, but nothing says you can’t have some hinges to fold down &/or swing out once you get to the staging area & make it a reaaaalllly big float. On the other hand, I like the idea of _removing_ the screws from the back half in staging - of course, if you do that, you might end up on double-secret probation. :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![Harmonious\_Discord](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/74df32/32.png) [@Harmonious\_Discord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harmonious_Discord)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-parade-float/591772/6 "2011-08-07T15:41:27Z")
A pirate ship with an air canon that shoots candy. ---
**Author:** ![Serenata67](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/serenata67/32/10646_2.png) [@Serenata67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Serenata67)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-parade-float/591772/7 "2011-08-07T18:23:43Z")
> [@Spiderman](#): > > Since you do construction, how about a little on-site float assembly. It can only be so big to get to the start line (ie no wider than a tractor trailer) in order to drive it on the road, but nothing says you can’t have some hinges to fold down &/or swing out once you get to the staging area & make it a reaaaalllly big float. > On the other hand, I like the idea of _removing_ the screws from the back half in staging - of course, if you do that, you might end up on double-secret probation. :dubious: I was thinking something similar… You could have half the float constructed to look like a real house, then have the other half partially assembled. You could be “building” the rest of it as the float travels. Also, is there a theme for the parade? Like “the future” or “summer fun?” You could always find a way to incorporate the theme into the float with building, like “building summer fun” (constructing a large beach ball) or “building the future” (building a space ship). ---
**Author:** ![fisha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/da6949/32.png) [@fisha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fisha)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-parade-float/591772/8 "2011-08-07T18:51:23Z")
No theme for the parade itself. The construction of a house is a good idea, need to think of how to implement it. My sister in law just suggested Beverly Hillbillies. I think she might be implying something. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-parade-float/591772/9 "2011-08-07T18:59:08Z")
What about building a shed? Manageable pre-built pieces and could actually be done in a parade’s time. ---
**Author:** ![Nawth\_Chucka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/c57346/32.png) [@Nawth\_Chucka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nawth_Chucka)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-parade-float/591772/10 "2011-08-07T20:00:55Z")
I have to go with root beer. How many people? Too many to do a Village People float?