Conference misery::feline_v1

1313.0. "FLAG DAY PARAGE " by NHL::DALEY () Thu Apr 28 1988 12:56

    I have a question but first I have to explain briefly what I am
    doing......
    
    The Framingham Humane Society is putting a float into the Flag Day
    parade (Sunday - June 12). The purpose of
    entering the float is for publicity - alot of people don't even
    know we exist so... because last year over 10,000 people saw the parade
    this year I suggested we enter a float. Well, the result is
    that since I suggested it, I am the chairperson.
    
    The theme:   "We Are Here To Help"                            
                   
    So far this is what I have:  
    
      -	a "donated for the day" flat trailer, with a person to drive the
        truck pulling the trailer.   The trailer is actually used to
        haul two snowmobiles so you can see it isn't overwhelming -
        but can be gaily decorated.
      
      - donated decorations - crepe paper cannot be used as it will
        rip, run, and sag. Special materials are used, and a person
        has donated the material.
    
      - the banner fabric has been donated.
      
      - the music and amplifier have been donated.
    
      - we plan to make the float look like a giant dog house, and
        have people (adults and kids) dressed like animals -
        dogs, cats, birds, rabbits - animals which a humane society
        could help. (By the way - Dr. Nord who has been mentioned
        in other notes has also volunteered to be an animal - if
        she doesn't have to work that Sunday). The animals can get on/off
        the float when they get tired of sitting or walking.
    
    Anyway, everything seems to be going along quite well - except for
    costumes and here is my question (at last) - does anyone
    know the best place to rent costumes which will either give 
    a discount to a non-profit organization, or who rents their costumes
    at relatively low prices. We need about 8 - 10 costumes for adults
    and about 5 costumes for kids. The number of adult costumes can
    be lowered if necessary. I called around and have found the costumes
    to run about $ 60 for adults (altho I did find a rabbit for $ 20).
    I also thought about using just "noses" for some kids or adults
    but that really wouldn't be much fun. The places I have called are
    Boston Costume; J&S Smoke Shop in Waltham; Taylor Rental on
    Franklin Street in Framingham; and Waverly Rental in Framingahm.
    
    Any sugestions? I will appreciate all of them.
    
    Thanks,
    Pat 
    
    
                                                                      
    

    Why don't you get some volunteers to make some costumes...  Patterns
    can be purchased at any fabric store.  I know the fabric, etc. could
    get expensive, but from the sounds of it not any more expensive
    than renting.  And this way, you would be able to use them again
    next year!!!  
    
    Having a float in the parade is an excellent idea!!!  Good luck
    with the costumes!!!
    
    Lesa

    I notice that one reply was deleted but wanted to thank that
    person, as well the the first person to reply, for their suggestions.
    (I have been out of the office for most of the past two weeks and
    have not been able to get on the system for any great length).
    What I have decided to do is make some of the costumes, and
    take the suggestion of the second noter and make some paper/
    cardboard ears as well as make a tail. (Thank you for you offer of
    the ears and tail but I think I might actually have it under control.)
                                
    Then we can paint on the faces - and get the noses from the local
    joke shop.
    
    Thanks again to both of you for your suggestions.  I am sorry I
    didn't respond sooner.
     
    Pat
    

    Well the parade happened - it was alot of things- fun, time-consuming,
    patience-trying, - but an experience I would not have missed. 
    
    I got two companies to sponsor the costumes - 3 dogs, 3 cats, and
    had 4 teenagers, and two Humane Soc. members wear them. The costumes
    were extremely hot - but the kids especially were great. They really
    played up to the crowd. There was a Garfield costume and the little
    kids on the curbs kept asking Garfield to come over. Well the float
    moved on and at times Garfield was a 1/4 mile behind still
    hugging the kids. There was also a snoopy and a shaggy dog. Everytime
    the parade came to a halt, little kids ran over to hug the characters.
    It was great.
    
    It was estimated that 25,000 people saw the parade - so the Humane
    Soc. got plenty of publicity.
                                                                 
    Well - we had a good day and accomplished what we set out to do
    - that is make people  aware that the Homane Society exists, and
    to show that we needed a shelter.