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The noun “FLOAT” is like “parade” in that it can mean many things: A regulating device, a fishing bobber, a life preserver, a barometer gauge, a buoyant dock, a brewing vat, a plasterer’s tool, a harrow, and so on. Looking down the list of definitions you will also find: “A flat-topped vehicle without sides for carrying displayed exhibits or objects in a procession; also, such a vehicle with its displayed exhibits or objects.”
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In the business of building floats, a float is often called a “production.” The word “float” was probably first used to mean a parade car because that’s what a float should seem to do— “float”. And it achieves the appearance of floating through its special construction and its embellishments, including the all important fringe, which hides the wheels and gives it the look of being suspended in the air, gliding along without support. There are schools that offer credits to members of manual training classes for their work in building floats for the hometown parade. Many small business owners build their own float in their garage, keeping it carefully hidden until the day of glory. Some of them have become very adept at this do-it-yourself construction. Clubs have made wintertime projects of building floats. Private individuals with a flair for form and color have made a hobby of designing them. A float is a personal creation. |
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