How do you load a float so riders can reach their throws?

Your throws are sorted and bagged. Now they have to go on the float. Where you put them makes a big difference. A good plan lets every rider reach their throws without stepping over boxes or leaving their spot.

This guide shares common-sense ideas for planning. It is not a safety rulebook.

Who sets the rules for loading a float?

Your krewe and your parade organizer do. Many parades have their own rules about float loading, weight, riders and what you may throw. Those rules come first, every time.

Before you load anything, ask your captain or float lieutenant for the current rules. Read them. If anything here does not match those rules, follow the rules.

Where should each rider’s throws go?

Start with a simple map of the float. Draw it on paper. Mark each rider’s spot.

Then put each rider’s bags at or near their own spot. The goal is simple: a rider should be able to reach their next bag without walking around.

Some helpful ideas:

• Put the first bags closest to the rider. These are the ones they will open first.
• Put extra bags just behind or below. The rider can reach them later in the route.
• Keep each rider’s bags together. Mixing bags between spots leads to arguments and short hands.

If you labeled each bag with a spot number, this part is easy. Match the number on the bag to the number on the map.

How do we keep the walkway clear?

Riders need to move on and off the float safely. Boxes and bags in the walkway get in the way.

• Keep walkways, steps and ladders free of boxes.
• Do not stack bags where someone could trip in the dark.
• Flatten empty cases and store them out of the way, or take them off the float before it rolls.

Walk the float yourself after loading. Do it once with the lights on and once in low light, if you can. Anything you trip over, a rider will trip over too.

How high can we stack boxes?

Keep stacks low and steady. A tall stack can tip when the float stops or turns. Heavy cases should go at the bottom, with lighter bags on top.

Make sure nothing can slide or fall off the float into the crowd. Check your krewe’s and the parade’s rules about how throws must be secured. If you are not sure, ask.

What if it rains?

Rain can soak cardboard boxes and make paper bags fall apart. Wet throws are also hard to grab and toss.

A few simple ways to plan ahead:

• Use plastic bags or bins for each rider instead of paper.
• Keep a roll of large trash bags or a tarp on the float to cover boxes fast.
• Put the most important throws, like specialty beads and plush, in the driest spot you have.
• Bring a few towels so riders can dry their hands.

Plush toys soak up water. If rain is likely, keep them sealed until it is time to throw them.

How do riders get more throws during the route?

On a long route, riders may empty their first bags. Plan for that before the float rolls.

• Pick one person to manage refills. This might be a float lieutenant. They know where the spare bags are.
• Keep refills close but out of the walkway. A bin under a bench or in a corner works well.
• Decide when to refill. Some groups refill at set points along the route. Others refill when a rider asks. Pick one way and tell everyone.

Refills come from the spare box you made when you were bagging. If you have not done the bagging yet, read how to sort and bag throws first.

What should we check before the float rolls?

Run through a short list:

1. Every rider has their bags at their spot.
2. The walkway, steps and ladders are clear.
3. Stacks are low and steady.
4. Rain covers are on board.
5. The refill person knows where the spares are.
6. Everyone knows the krewe’s and the parade’s rules.

How do we figure out how much to load?

That depends on your route and your riders. The store’s guide to beads for a parade float helps you work out your amounts. For ideas on what to mix in with beads, see the Mardi Gras throw ideas guide.

Order online and pick up at the store in Bridge City or Houma, Louisiana.

A float that is loaded with a plan is easier on every rider. And it means more throws reach the crowd.