Q: Do we have to use your medical forms?

No, these are provided as quick, easy forms to use for anyone for whom you do not already have a medical. If you have your own medical forms for everyone attending you are welcome to use them. We just ask that you make a copy and have each person carry a copy of their own medical behind their name tag. We do not collect the medicals at headquarters, you are to keep your originals (in your car is best). We ask that each person carry a copy of thier own personal medical so that just in case we need to, we will be able to treat any injury even if we can't find the leader right away.

Q: What is Dry Decorating?

This is the time (before December 26) where we prep materials. It’s a day of (among other things) cutting dry flowers, cutting statis to dry, ironing cornhusks, crushing coconut, filling water vials (you will get wet), and socializing. If you can talk and cut flowers at the same time, this is a good job for you! Also a great start for 1st timers, the pace is more relaxed and friendly and you really need to do the prep work to appreciate exactly how valuable the material is so you won’t waste it when applying it to the float!

Q: Can Juniors participate?

Yes. 5th and 6th Juniors are welcome to do Dry Decorating (Dry Dec) and may sign up for either half days or whole days. Those that show good work ethics, follow directions and are not a discipline problem may receive an invitation to participate after December 25 (Floral Decorating). I’m very sorry, but due to age restrictions and insurance issues, Brownies MAY NOT participate.

Q: I'm not in scouting, can I still participate?

Yes! Fiesta Parade Floats contracts with Girl Scouts of the San Fernando Valley to provide a decorating crew for a given amount of floats every year. While a large portion of this crew does indeed consist of troops from this council, we have even more troops which come from councils all over California and even neighboring states. Over the years, this event has grown in popularity, size, and recognition. For these reasons, we have allowed Boy Scout troops, youth goups, marching bands, families, and even individuals who want to help out sign up to decorate with us...and (for the most part) we have had great sucess!! If you would like to help out and are willing to make a firm commitment to the dates you register for, we welcome your participation! Click here to sign up!

Q: Why must we wear names and numbers on our back?

The names need to be there (big and bold!) so that we can call you by name to get your attention when you are up on the float. PLEASE, make sure the name (first name only) is LARGE enough to be read from a distance. The numbers tell us how much training you need. 0 – 1 means you need more training. A low number does not mean that you will not get a chance to work on the float and a large number does not mean that you don’t have to do prep-work or running. For more info on job placement please re-read the information on the General Information page.

Q: Where do we park?

Before December 26, parking in the lot at the tent is OK. At the building all parking is on the street, NEVER park in the lot across the street, that is for Fiesta employees only. From December 26 to December 30, ALL decorators should park on the street. Please observe all posted signs. After December 26, If you choose to park in the lot at the tent you will be charged a parking fee EVERY time you enter. Last year the fee was $6.00.

Q: We're traveling from Timbucktoo, is there someplace nearby to stay overnight?

It takes a dedicated "float junkie" to drive so far that you need to stay overnight. There are actually scout houses and campgrounds in the area that are affordable enough for even a girl scout troop's budget. (as low as $40 a night for your entire troop!) The Spanish Trails Girl Scout Council has a list of places it allows out-of-council troops to rent overnight, but you need to reserve your spot at least 2 weeks in advace. If you know of any other places to stay or have stayed in such places in years past, please e-mail Erin and let her know!

Q: What do we do for lunch/dinner?

You may bring your lunch/dinner, but be aware there is NO storage space on site, you need to leave your cooler(s) in the car. Threre is a nearby park you may eat your sack lunch at if you wish. You may also purchase your lunch/dinner at numerous fast food chains up the street on Huntington Blvd. Re: Food/Drinks on site. Food and drinks may be brought on site and consumed AWAY FROM THE FLOATS. The issue after 12/25 is storage: there is none.

Q: How much do we get paid?

Juniors receive no pay, just wonderful experience and may count the hours as Community Service hours. Cadette & Senior troops earn anywhere from 30-50 cents, per person, per hour with the possibility of bonuses of 3 to 15 cents, per person, per hour for things like; working Dry Dec, working December 26 (any shift), working the overnight on Dec. 30, and for working multiple shifts. The more of these bonus days you work, the bigger the bonus. You may choose, as a troop, to take Community Service hours instead of payment, let us know when you register.

Q: When do we get our check?

The check, made out to the troop/group, is usually mailed the following February. If you have not received it by mid-March, please contact Candy (not before then please).

Q: Do we get anything else, like t-shirts or pins?

IF the vendor provides us with either of these items, they are usually given to the troops who work 3 or more shifts. The one exception is on vendor party night when whatever troop is there must wear a shirt IF one is provided. Vendor party night varies from year to year and we do not know what night it will be this year.

Q: I heard there's a patch my girls can "earn" and one for participating, tell me more.

Girl Scouts of Mount Wilson Vista has designed a patch program around the Rose Parade. There are varying requirements for different levels of Girl Scouting, many of which can be earned by helping to decorate a float. To view the patch program requirements, click here. We have also gathered information that will help your troop to earn the patch, including a page illustrating how a float is built from head to toe and a page about female grand marshals.

Spanish Trails Girl Scout Council also offers an Interest Project based around the Rose Parade. For more information and IP requirements please visit the Spanish Trails Council website.

We also sell a Rose Parade Float Decorator patch to commemorate your troops experience decorating a float. To view the patch, prices, and ordering information, click here.

Q: That disclaimer of yours... it's pretty harsh. Are you serious?

Actually yes, we are. Quite serious. That's not so say that decorating isn't tons of fun, it is! Otherwise we wouldn't still be doing this year after year. But that being said, it's the most fun when you go into it with the right attitude. If you're a returning participant, you most likely could relate to at least one or two points in the disclaimer ... but then again you're sitting here reading this website now, planning to sign up this year. How bad can it be. ;) So bottom line: yes, we are serious about needing to be flexible. But we are also serious about having a great time down at the floats!