That was a cute idea of using a wagon and dog. I don't think size of an entry is paramount, just that everyone enjoys themselves, and that the students and their families can take pride in cheering their school's float entry. Good idea to raise funds too!
Our PTA had a float, really a wagon, in our town's National Trout Festival kid's parade this past April. Our past VP used a wagon pulled by her St. Bernard. We were just launching our "Trouts for Sprouts" fundraising program, so that was our theme. (Our 2 schools' playgrounds are surrounded by chain link fence and in an effort to snazz them up a bit and make money, we sold wood cut outs of trout to the community. They painted them however they wanted and we then attach them to the fences. We are making this a yearly fundraiser and the money is earmarked for playground equipment.)
The float had some of the painted trout on it and three PTA kids walked behind it carrying fishing poles. Attached to the poles were 9x12 fascimiles of a Box Top, Campbell's Soup label, Tyson label, and our local store receipts that I had painted.
It was really nice to get the word out about our group this way and the kids had fun.
I would think that it would be a great way to build school spirit! I checked the web archives for our local newspaper, and I was able to find the school winner for this last fall. When I went to that school's web site, I found the 6 pics. they had of their float. It looks like they used all homeade parts on their float, i.e. no artificial(store boughten)skirting, etc. I think I remember reading in the newspaper that that was one of the rules for the floats.
The newspaper was also the winner in their category so I was able to view pics. of their float as well. Looks to me that both the school and newspaper built their floats HIGH, so I guess it is a good tip to build the floats high, thus making them more noticable!
Our community does a homecoming parade during the weekend of the city's college homecoming in the fall. Many elementary, junior high and high schools enter floats.
Our school has not participated in this event for several years. Do any of your PTO/PTAs participate in any thing like this and if so, how much have you spent for such an event? Have you used auto dealerships to donate a vehicle and driver for the duration of the event? Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.
