Past participants and newcomers prep their floats for the big parade
By Alana Cerrone
acerrone@abc6.com
@Alana_Cerrone
Float designers are just days away from their big reveal at the Bristol 4th of July Parade.
ABC6 News got a sneak preview of two of this year’s floats, starting with the one being crafted over at Roger Williams University.
There are 43 students, 240 decorative stars, and five weeks of work behind their float.
Float Committee member Bri Hardy describes this year’s piece: "You can expect to see 240 stars which represent 240 years of independence…people such as Uncle Sam we have Betsy Ross…as well as the big Declaration of Independence."
To top it off – a surprise project that will only be revealed on Monday.
They’re hoping that will give them the edge to reclaim their title…they’ve won awards several years in a row…except last year.
Alex Campbell, also part of the committee, says there’s "a little bit of pressure here and there…but it’s more fun than anything else."
But not all the floats will be this big.
Parade newcomer Anna Thompson is turning toys into tiny pieces of history.
What started out as a used power wheels car will later morph into a mini replica of the Providence Ferry.
"I thought it would be nice if they were historical New England boats…because of the variety of types of boats that there are…and they translate well from the power wheels vehicles."
The vehicles were donated by a local business – K’s Kustom’s – and of course will be driven down the parade route by kids.
Thompson’s in Rhode Island for the summer as the artist resident at Avenue Concept in Providence.
She’s never actually seen the Bristol Parade. In fact, this will be the first parade she’s ever seen.
And it’s a long one…the mini floats have to last the entire 2.5 miles of parade. But luckily, she’s got a pit crew.
(C) WLNE-TV 2016
