General Information for Float Entries

What would a parade be without floats? Entering a float in the Stampede Parade has many benefits! National television coverage means you’re seen by millions of people on T.V. as well as by the 350,000 spectators who line the parade route. Your float may even qualify to win a trophy or prize. Most importantly, your group will develop a special camaraderie that comes with the planning, building and completion of a fun-filled, worthwhile project! Several considerations come into play once the commitment has been made to build a float:

• Volunteers: Those who volunteer need to make a time commitment to the project (a float isn’t built overnight). They should possess the necessary skills like creativity, designing, planning and building. If your group is short on volunteers, consider merging with another group with similar interests. Remember that building a float takes time and effort, but it’s a lot of fun. Get the entire group involved and organize volunteer appreciation events like barbecues, dances, etc.

• Planning & Theme: Start the planning process early and develop a theme so your float will deliver a special message (i.e., an anniversary, celebration, etc.) Once the theme is decided upon, plan the best way to visually display it. Remember to be creative and unique!

• Structural Design: Allow adequate ventilation for the cooling system and ensure there are no leaks in the exhaust system (a leak could render the driver unconscious). Drivers must have a 180-degree view of the road at all times and there should be enough space for the driver to make an emergency escape if necessary. Hint: When constructing your float, start with a 45-degree angle from the front of the float.

• Portable Generators: Portable generators must be securely mounted with a minimum of 12 inches between the generator and any combustible materials. They must also be equipped with a securely attached metal exhaust pipe. The exhaust must vent to the side beyond all float decorations.

• Decorations & Symmetry: Floats must look good from every angle, which means they must be decorated on all sides. They must also stand up to any type of weather condition and must be covered with a sturdy material, such as floral sheeting or enamel paint. All float materials must be fire retardant. Note: Flame-proofing can be determined by holding a sample of the material in the vertical position, then placing a flame one-half inch below it. If the material ignites, it must extinguish itself when the flame is removed.

• Construction and Storage: Each group is responsible for finding a place to build and store the float.

• Float Riders: Choose only those who add to the float’s theme. All riders must be dressed appropriately. Seated riders must wear a seatbelt and standing riders must have suitable body support. Note: Floats featuring riders who are dancing, moving, etc. must have a sturdy 36-inch handrail with an intermediate rail.

• Float Dimensions and Movement: Floats must meet the following requirements:

  • Height – 12’ maximum
  • Length – 40’ maximum
  • Width - 8.5’ maximum as regulated by the Highway Traffic Act
  • The width may be extended to a maximum of 14’ through foldout sides, attachments or out-riggers only at the form-up area
  • Ground clearance – 6” minimum
In all cases, the float dimensions must allow it to safely clear the Plus 15’s and LRT wires, and to make the two 90-degree turns required on the parade route.

• Floats can be either towed or self-propelled:

Towed Floats: Must consist of a trailer bed, hay wagon or utility trailer with a suitable flat bed measuring seven to eight feet wide and 14 to 18 feet long. If the deck needs to be evened out or strengthened, the deck can be constructed of 1 x 6 inch (or larger) boards. It can also be covered with plywood if the surface is not level or it needs to be strengthened. Tow units must be powerful enough to handle the weight and size of the float (i.e. a small tractor). They must also be completely decorated to match your float’s theme and design.

Self-propelled Floats: Must consist of a chassis that is mechanically sound. A half-ton or three-quarter ton truck chassis is ideal as they provide a low profile, heavier frame and suspension.

• Float drivers: Float drivers have a number of responsibilities prior to the start of the parade, and they must ensure all parade regulations are met. All float drivers must check the following:

  • Tire condition and pressure
  • Brake fluid level
  • Steering linkage condition and operation belts
  • Engine drive
  • Instruments and gauges
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Battery condition
  • Ensure equipment and props are secured
  • Crankcase oil level
  • Fuel level
  • Radiator fluid level
  • Sound system
  • Power steering fluid
  • Automatic transmission oil
  • Emergency tow-strap connection points
  • Emergency driver escape route(s)

Important note! All float drivers must arrange for an escort to the Parade form-up area (police or other) as early as possible. This should be discussed with your section coordinator. Float drivers should also practice driving the float to familiarize themselves with its handling.

You may have the opportunity to display your winning float at Stampede Park for the 10 days of Stampede. This can give your entry additional exposure to potentially 1 million people!

S A F E T Y  C H E C K

Safety is extremely important for the success of our parade!

  • Rubber tires must have sufficient air and wooden wheels must be in good condition.
  • Drivers require proof of experience.
  • Drivers must have an experienced assistant either riding or walking alongside.
  • Drivers must have a clear 180-degree view of the road at all times

Parade Officials reserve the right to remove any entry, at any time - whether as a result of concerns for safety, interference with the parade’s progress or any other reason that the official deems appropriate. Failure to comply with an official will result in removal from the parade and may jeopardize future participation.