This Year’s Theme: Holidays
Build a Float. Bring the Chaos. Celebrate Every Holiday.
The 3rd Annual Krewe of Shoe-Be-Boozie Shoebox Parade is rolling through Downtown Gulfport — and this year, we’re celebrating every holiday on the calendar.
Pick one holiday or mash up a few for maximum fun.
Yes — “Hallow-Thanks-Mas” is absolutely encouraged.
This Year’s Theme: “HOLIDAYS!”
The 3rd Annual Krewe of Shoe-Be-Boozie Shoebox Parade is rolling through Downtown Gulfport — and this year we’re celebrating every holiday on the calendar.
Pick one holiday or mash up a few for maximum chaos (yes, “Hallow-Thanks-Mas” is absolutely encouraged).
About the Theme
“HOLIDAYS!” is your excuse to go all-in: glitter, tinsel, pumpkins, fireworks, Cupid arrows — if it screams “holiday,” it belongs on your shoebox float. The funnier the mashup, the better.
Pick Your Holiday
- One holiday theme (classic + clean)
- Holiday mashup (maximum Boozie energy)
- Local twist (Gulf Coast inside jokes encouraged)
Go Big (But Tiny)
- Build on a shoebox base
- Use lightweight materials
- Add movement, lights, or funny props
Bring the Laughs
- Puns win hearts
- Chaos wins crowds
- Creativity wins trophies
Awards & Fun
Expect trophies, bragging rights, and plenty of laughs.
Carnival Crown
- Best Overall Float
- Crowd favorite that nails theme + fun
Shoe-nanigansn
- Best representation of “HOLIDAYS!”
- Big theme energy, tiny float
Chandeleur Cheers Cup
- Judges’ Choice
- Crowd-pleasing throw
Get Inspired
Need ideas? Here are a few easy starters.
U.S. Holidays to Choose From
Pick one. Pick three. Smash them together. You can’t mess this up.
Float Building Rules (Keep It Fair, Safe, and Parade-Ready)
These rules keep every float easy to carry, safe for the crowd, and fair for judging. Build big energy — in a tiny box.
1) Base + Size Rules
- One shoebox base only. No taping multiple shoeboxes together.
- Stay within the size limits listed on this page (L18xW14xH18).
- Up is OK • Out is not. Decorations can go taller, but nothing should stick out past the footprint of the base.
- Carry-friendly: Your float should be comfortable for one person to hold and walk with.
2) Build Quality + Durability
- Secure everything. No loose parts that can fall off during the parade.
- Reinforce tall pieces. Use internal supports (cardboard braces, dowels, sticks) so it doesn’t wobble.
- Stability test: Place it on a table and gently bump it. If it tips easily, lower weight up top or add support.
- Weather-ready: If there’s wind or light rain, use tape/glue that won’t fail (packing tape + hot glue works well).
3) Safety Rules (Non-Negotiable)
- No glass or anything that can shatter.
- No sharp edges (exposed wires, pins, blades, metal spikes).
- No flames, fireworks, or heat sources.
- No liquids, messy gels, or open containers that can spill.
- No heavy projectiles or hard throws attached to the float.
4) Fairness + Theme Rules
- Theme counts. Stick to the year’s theme (or do a creative mash-up) and make it obvious.
- Handmade wins. Store-bought pieces are allowed, but judges reward creativity and effort.
- Family-friendly only. No hateful, violent, or adult-only themes, graphics, or messages.