Homecoming Float Rules

Categories

Category 1 – Campus organizations or groups

Category 2 – Off-campus commercial business

Category 3 – Off-campus non-profit organizations

These rules apply to all three float categories.

The Homecoming parade is at 10 a.m. the Saturday of Homecoming week.

Entry deadline

Float entry forms, including a sketch or design with details for approval, are due by noon the Wednesday before Homecoming. Submit your entry online or mail to NWOSU J.W. Martin Library, Attn: Shannon Leaper, 709 Oklahoma Blvd., Alva, OK 73717.

Using the Armory

  • The old Armory, loaned by Alva Public Schools, is open for float building from noon Tuesday until noon Sunday of Homecoming week.
  • A $100 cleaning deposit is required to use the Armory. It must be a check — no cash — made out to “NWOSU Homecoming Committee,” and it must be attached to your float entry form or brought to Dr. Shannon Leaper at the J.W. Martin Library.
  • Your float and all building materials must be out of the Armory by noon Sunday after Homecoming. Clean your area completely — bring brooms and dust pans. If your area is clean, your check will be voided and destroyed. If it isn’t, or if your float is still there after noon Sunday, you forfeit the deposit.
  • All trash goes in the Armory dumpster, with large items piled beside it, or the Alva Trash Department will not pick it up.
  • No smoking or drinking of intoxicants around floats. Your organization is responsible for returning borrowed items in good condition and for repairing anything lost or damaged to the lender’s satisfaction.
  • Building somewhere else? Your site must be approved by the float chair. Check building doors for height and width so the float can come out without damage, and check street decorations for clearance.

Float requirements

  • The float must be built on a trailer at least 12 feet long.
  • The float can be no taller than 16 feet.
  • The float must follow the theme.
  • Display your organization’s name, preferably on the front and back of the float. Judges must be able to identify your float as it moves, or you forfeit any chance at prizes.
  • The float must have a design, and your group must actually build something — a structure on the trailer made from chicken wire, cardboard or similar.
  • The float needs more than words on the skirting and people standing on the trailer.
  • The float should be pomped with napkins, weaved with tissue paper, or covered with floral sheeting, fringe or similar material.
  • Skirting is required. The trailer’s wheels should not show.
  • Moving parts, sound and smoke are encouraged.
  • Encourage your members to dress in theme and walk in front of and behind the float.

All exceptions must be approved by the Homecoming Float Committee. Don’t let these requirements limit your creativity — if you have an idea, ask whether it will work.

Candy

Do not throw candy from floats. Children may run toward the float. If you hand out candy, it must be given out by someone walking alongside the float near the crowd.

Line-up

Floats line up on Third Street starting at Third and Flynn (Marshall’s Funeral Home), facing south and working back to the north. Line-up is first come, first served, after the Ranger Royalty float, which goes first. Traffic gets congested — get in line early, and check the gas in your tow vehicle before the parade.

Floats must be complete and in line by 9 a.m.

Judging and prizes

Judging takes place before the parade, based on theme presentation, originality and construction. Each category awards:

  • 1st place – $200

  • 2nd place – $150

  • 3rd place – $100

Every group that enters the float competition receives a $200 incentive per float. To receive it, your float must be judged — walking groups, meaning a vehicle with signs or walkers but no float, are not eligible.

All floats are also considered for two sweepstakes awards:

President’s Award

  • $100 + engraved plaque, for the best overall float

Alumni Association Award

  • $100, for an exceptional display of Ranger Spirit

The President’s Award and Alumni Association Award are announced before the parade begins. All other winners are announced by the master of ceremonies during the parade. Prize checks are mailed after Homecoming.

Reimbursement — Categories 1 and 3 only

Campus organizations and off-campus non-profit groups can be reimbursed up to $200 per float.

Commercial businesses (Category 2) are not eligible.

Only the first five organizations that file for reimbursement receive funds.

To qualify, your organization must review the Float Building 101 workshop and turn in a float entry form by the deadline.

Submit itemized receipts to Tara Hannaford, Financial Aid Office, Herod Hall room 113, Alva campus, by noon the Tuesday after Homecoming.

Staple all receipts to a sheet of paper with your organization’s name on it. You may spend more than $200, but your organization is responsible for anything over that amount.

Permanent items such as hammers and saws, and candy, are not reimbursable.

Questions

Dr. Shannon Leaper, float chair
J.W. Martin Library, Northwestern Alva campus
580-327-8570 | seleaper@nwosu.edu