One float idea is to have the float celebrate school spirit. This idea works well for celebrating the elementary school itself or even the high school associated with the same school district. One example is to have the elementary children dress up as football players to highlight a winning high school football team. Make sure the float is decorated in school colors and have the school or school district mascot represented on the float. If a sound system on board the float is available, make sure to play the school anthem as the float makes its way through the parade route.
Elementary age children can celebrate the holiday season by having their parade float depict the time of year during which the parade is held. During the fall season, the float could depict Thanksgiving and have a variety of fall colors, leaves, pumpkins and corn along with a large cornucopia to represent the Thanksgiving season. For parades during Christmas and Hanukkah time, make sure to have the float decorated in traditional winter colors and use silver, blue and white as the primary colors and use plenty of sparkling snowflakes to set the tone. Children can sing carols and songs while the float is in motion, provided they are tethered to the float for safety purposes.
Though most large school-wide events occur in high school, elementary schools also have their own reasons for celebrating success. However, certain elementary events could be used as float themes. For example, if the school participated in a fundraising event and met their goal, the float could celebrate the success. Alternate ideas include having a replication of any school plays recently performed, top students on the float with a straight-A student theme or even a float dedicated to elementary school children moving on to middle school.
Though many elementary schools do not always have in-house sports teams, many school sanctioned activities occur. Using a parade float to focus on the success of students through such programs can help raise awareness of the students and their achievements. To make this idea work best, have students wear their uniforms and stand on the float with any and all awards, medals, honors and trophies received. So as not to let any group out, make sure to use all programs including both sports related and academic clubs. Make the float a mixture of all groups and have as many members of each group participate in the parade.