The new Fourth of July parade organizers are encouraging Brattleboro groups and organizations to join in this year's parade, and there are many ways to participate. I like helping people with creative projects, so I thought I'd contribute some tips for building a classic parade float.

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A float is a specific type of parade element, a decorated platform that appears to "float" down the street, usually by hiding the wheels with fringe. On top can be simple or elaborate scenes that relate to the theme of the parade. Floats can feature bands or other performers, demonstrations, and animated sculptures, and designs are often are constructed of flowers. They can be pulled by trucks, tractors, people or horses.

Building a float is a team effort. You may need builders, painters, and electricians for elaborate designs, but many floats can be created with simple materials and a staple gun. Gather your team and assess your skills and resources.

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Begin by reading all rules for participating in the parade. There may be forms to fill out, deadlines to meet, or limits on length, width or height. Can you toss or hand out candy? Blow off confetti cannons? Now is the time to find out. (Well, not right now in January... the rules haven't been announced yet.)

Have the group meet to come up with a design. The design should support the theme of the parade as well as promote your organization. Keep weather in mind; think about the route; think about safety.

In the past, some organizations have demonstrated rock climbing, rescue missions, baseball games, gymnastics, dancing, and other activities atop their floats. Is there something dramatic or memorable you can do with your float?

Think of the parade as an entertaining show and try to avoid blatant advertisement. Some floats for the 4th of July feature decorations such as flags, statues of liberty, firework decorations, eagles, red, white and blue, balloons, or Uncle Sam. Be creative and express the personality of your group's effort as well as the parade's theme.

The design will guide your budget, which will determine what fundraising needs to be done. Floats can be made of recycled and found objects or can be built of high-quality materials, so budgets can range from almost nothing to hundreds or even thousands of dollars if a group has elaborate plans.

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Divide up the work to be done. Put volunteers in charge of the trailer and platform, props, signs, frame-work, and funding. It can be helpful to create a schedule for completion, especially if some room for error is included.

Find a location to build that is protected from weather and begin to collect materials you'll need for decorating the float.

Picking a float platform will determine the size. Floats can be built on trailers, flatbeds, cars, trucks, carts, or other improvised machinery. Some platforms may need structural elements built to support the decorations and props. Your group may want a stage platform or unique float shape. Make sure people riding on the float have handrails.

The frame-work and props can be made of wood, paper mache, chicken wire, or any other sturdy material. Hot glue and staple guns, heavy tape, twist ties, wire, rope, and other art supplies can come in handy for securing props to the platform.

Animated elements are props that move. Ropes and pulleys can be used to make them move and rotate. These can be human or machine powered.

You might want to add a flashing lights, fog, a bubble machine, or sound system. After the platform is ready, set up any electronic equipment or special effects. A portable generator can be used to provide power. Be sure to secure all wires carefully and leave nothing dragging on the ground.

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To decorate the completed platform and frame, a number of options exist. The deck of the platform can be covered with a floral sheeting, carpet, fake grass, or paint. A rose parade effect can be created by stuffing colored tissue paper squares into chicken wire. Be sure to leave time for glue and paint to fully dry.

A classic float calls for fringe around the perimeter to hide wheels and give the important illusion of "floating." You can buy this from parade supply shops (yes, there are such places), or you can get a long roll of paper, cloth, or foil and create your own. The goal is to have the fringe dangle from the top edge of the platform to just above street level. As the float moves down the street, the breeze should make it look like your platform is hovering.

Some float makers use a garland to hide the seam between the platform and the fringe. You could also decorate this with ribbons, crepe paper, or tissue paper flowers.

You can give your float some 3-D lettering by cutting letters from styrofoam or foamcore. Remember that your audience sees the sides of your float the most, and that a few big words are easier to read than many small ones.

Make sure objects on float are secure. You don't want anything falling off along the parade route.

If time allows, take your float on a test run to see how it handles. Is it turning well? Does anything need to be better secured?

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The final step is to use your float in the parade. In Brattleboro, this usually means a leisurely journey from the high school staging grounds, down Canal Street, up Main Street, and to the Common.

There you have it - a guide to a simple, classic parade float. (Photos are of the BUHS Alumni Parade, which I felt always had very creative participation.)