Christmas float concept
Combine Santa, reindeer, gifts, trees or arches into a holiday scene. Agree the combined footprint and viewing angles before developing the individual decorative modules.
Explore Christmas decorations
Illuminated Scenery for Local Float Bases
Lighted Parade Float Construction
Star Factory Lantern builds illuminated figures, scenic frames and decorative modules for locally supplied parade vehicles and trailers. We plan the theme, dimensions, lighting and transport sections around your route and base.
Carnival float design concept
What We Supply
Illuminated scenery for your locally prepared float base
Turn a mascot, character, boat, animal or holiday theme into a coordinated scenic package. Start with the finished size and the local base, then agree how the figures, surfaces and lighting will fit together.
Our scope can include concept development, steel scenic frames, fabric or sculpted surfaces, LED lighting, optional movement, modular packing and installation guidance. Your local team normally arranges the vehicle or trailer, permits, power supply, route crew and event-day operation.
We develop boats, animals and cultural themes into illuminated scenery, with the overall dimensions and mounting points planned around your local parade base.
Explore the theme
Christmas, Halloween and carnival float concepts
Explore Christmas, Halloween and carnival themes, then work with our team to adapt the scene, dimensions and lighting to your local vehicle or trailer. The examples below are design concepts.
Halloween float concept
Choose pumpkins, characters or a haunted-house silhouette to suit the audience. Review the overall height and lighting before adding movement or other effects.
Explore Halloween displays
Carnival float concept
Use masks, flowers, animals or cultural forms to build a recognizable theme. Plan the arrangement for the way spectators will view the passing float.
Explore event decorationWhat We Build
Illuminated scenery designed for your local parade base
Plan the scenery as a set of connected parts: scenic structure, figures, surfaces, lighting and removable sections. Confirm the interfaces with the local base supplier before fabrication.
Steel scenic frame
Review the finished outline, base footprint, attachment positions and removable sections against the dimensions supplied by the local base team.
Fabric or sculpted surfaces
Choose translucent fabric, sculpted figures, decorative panels and character details for the viewing distance, theme and daytime appearance.
Lighting, controls and movement
Specify lighting zones and controls. If parts need to move, list the actions, range and timing, then coordinate power and clearance with the local team.
Transport sections and assembly records
Agree section identifiers, joint details, cable labels and packing records for the order. Match the section sizes to the shipping route and site access.
What We Build in the Factory
From workshop pieces to a coordinated scenic package
At our Zigong factory, we coordinate the scenic frames, lighting and surface finish. Before production, we agree the section sizes, connections and mounting points with your team and the local base supplier.
Figures, structure and lighting
Specify the scenic frames, figures, surface finish, lighting zones, optional movement and removable sections in the quotation, together with packing and installation support.
Agree the checks and records
Confirm which dimensions, lighting effects and moving parts will be checked before shipment. Agree the photographs, test recordings and assembly information your receiving team needs.
Local vehicle and parade operation
The destination team normally provides the vehicle or trailer, towing and braking systems, power source, permits, engineering review, installation crew and event-day operation.
Coordinate before fabrication: route width and height limits, base dimensions, mounting interfaces, driver sightlines, section weights, cable connections and assembly order. Local operators can consult IAAPA safety resources alongside the venue’s requirements and local operating plan.
A Useful Starting Brief
Six details that help us prepare a practical quotation
Send the theme, approximate size, event date and destination to begin. Add base drawings, route limits and reference photographs as they become available so the scenic package can be reviewed with your local team.
What will visitors see?
The character, mascot, holiday story, boat, dragon, animal or branded scene. Include reference images, the number of floats and the quantity of each scenic design. List different sizes or finishes separately.
Where will the float operate?
Country, city, route width and height limits, turning restrictions, weather exposure and spectator viewing distance.
What base is available locally?
Base dimensions, usable deck area, mounting positions and drawings from the local vehicle or trailer supplier.
What lighting or movement is needed?
Lighting zones, controls and any physical movement or sound. Include the available power supply and intended operating hours.
When and where is it needed?
Event date, destination port or city, shipping deadline, installation window and rehearsal schedule.
Who will handle installation and operation?
The local base supplier, installation contractor, lifting access, electrical support and parade operations contact.
SizeOverall dimensions and how many sides need a finished appearance.
DetailCharacter complexity, surface detail and choice of materials.
EffectsLighting zones, controls and moving mechanisms.
LogisticsSection count, packing volume and installation support.
Four-Step Process
Agree the drawings and records before shipment
Set out the approval stages and handover documents in the quotation. The receiving crew needs information that matches the physical sections, packing and local mounting arrangement.
01 / Define the packageConfirm the theme, overall dimensions, local base and route limits. Identify the scenic pieces, lighting and optional movements to include.
02 / Confirm fit and connectionsReview the layout, mounting positions, transport sections, power and cable connections with the local base supplier before production.
03 / Check and packAgree the lighting and movement checks, section numbers, packing photographs and crate contents. Match the labels to the assembly drawings.
04 / Assemble locallyUse the agreed joint details, cable labels and assembly order to mount the sections. Confirm remote or on-site support, final checks and rehearsal responsibilities.
Parade Float FAQ
Questions to settle before starting a parade float project
What does Star Factory Lantern supply for a parade float project?
Star Factory Lantern supplies the illuminated scenic package: decorative steel frames, figures, fabric or sculpted surfaces, LED lighting and agreed optional movement. Specify the removable sections, packing records, assembly information and installation support in the quotation.
Does Star Factory Lantern provide the road-legal vehicle or chassis?
For international projects, the vehicle, trailer or platform is normally prepared locally. The destination team arranges the chassis, towing and braking systems, power source, permits, engineering review and event-day operation. Coordinate the scenic mounting interfaces with that team before fabrication.
What affects parade float construction cost and lead time?
Finished size, sculptural detail, surface finish, lighting zones, movement, section count and packing volume all affect the quotation. Design approvals, shipping destination and the local installation window also affect the schedule. Share the event date at the first discussion.
How are modular parade float sections shipped and installed?
Plan the section sizes around the delivery route and site access. Agree section and crate labels, packing photographs, joint details, cable references and the assembly order. The local crew mounts the scenery on the prepared base, with remote guidance or on-site assistance as agreed in the quotation.
If the parade is part of a larger night event, explore our light festival planning service to coordinate the themed zones and visitor route.
Parade Float Brief
Tell Us About Your Parade Float
Send the theme, dimensions, number of floats and quantity of each scenic design. List different sizes or finishes separately. Add the event date, destination, local base drawing or public reference link, route limits and any lighting, movement or installation requirements.