Elements

• The platform and base are the foundation that can set the stage for the finished float. Farm wagons or trailers provide a good starting place for any float. Floral sheeting can be used to cover the floor of the trailer. This colorful, weatherproof, textured vinyl covering is sold by the yard. Metallic fringe added to the sides of the trailer adds interest while covering the wheels. Yards of red, white, and blue bunting can be attached to the edges of the trailer with a staple gun and can be arranged to drape over the fringe. Props are important parts of any float. These features could include large American flags, over sized USA letters or red, white, and blue balloons. Online suppliers such as Shindigz.com offer a number of items that can serve as float props, including lighted patriotic arches, star burst columns and over-sized Styrofoam stars.
  
  

Color

• The color scheme for a traditional Fourth of July float is already established, so the real trick is using color creatively to make your float stand out in a sea of red white and blue. Floral sheeting can be a good way to introduce complementary golds or metallic silvers into the color scheme and can be used to break up some of the bolder color elements. Cardboard rolled into large cylinders and painted red, white and blue can be made to look like giant firecrackers. Simply cut a round lid out of cardboard for the top of the cylinder and paint to match. Next, extend dowel rods that have been spray painted silver and adorned with glittery stars out of a hole in the center of the lid. Battery powered lights can be add some sizzle, particularly if they can be programed to twinkle or light in a pattern. Never use lighted sparklers on a parade float, as this can present a serious fire hazard.
  
  

Story

• The best parade floats tell a story or express an important sentiment. Fourth of July floats can be used to capitalize on the patriotic fervor that the holiday represents. Scenes such as the signing of the Declaration of Independence or Washington crossing the Delaware could be depicted using simple props and costumed participants. Another option would be to create replicas of American landmarks such as Mount Rushmore or the Statue of Liberty using a chicken wire frame that has been covered in paper mache and painted.