Top 5 Must See Parades this Summer

Sun, summer and parades: A great combination. Nothing screams summertime fun like watching colorful floats move by, with creative themes and energetic participants. The relaxed, social atmosphere is something that parents and children alike can enjoy. (original source: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/5/prweb9467622.htm)

“We love parades,” said Jacquie Downey, Director of Sales and Marketing at Shindigz.com, a leading national party supply and parade float decorations source. “Celebrating with friends at a parade is a great way to spend an afternoon.”

To help find the best to attend this summer, Shindigz scoured the nation looking for the top five must-see parades. The final list includes everything from mermaids to cowboys:

#5 - The National Memorial Day Parade – Washington, DC
Honoring all that have served in uniform, this recent addition to the Washington, DC parade scene has drawn over 250,000 spectators and consists of nearly 10,000 participants. The route passes the National Mall while travelling on Constitution Avenue between Seventh and 17th streets. What better way to honor our nation’s veterans than by attending this patriotic event? May 28, 2012

#4 - Coney Island Mermaid Parade – New York, New York
Celebrating the beginning of summer at Coney Island, this is billed as the world’s largest arts parade. A fun, wacky event attended by nearly 600,000 people includes about every sea-themed costume imaginable. The event’s organizers mention “some folks will be dressed as Mermaids and Mermen who, let's face it, aren't historically known for wearing much clothing.” This New York City parade is a great way to celebrate summer in the Big Apple. June 23, 2012

#3 - Folkmoot USA Parade of Nations – Waynesville, North Carolina
Nestled in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Folkmoot USA celebrates international culture through folk music and dance for two weeks every July. Close to 350 performers from about ten countries share their talent and colorful costumes during the Parade of Nations. Enjoy the folk music and culture that this parade passes by. July 20, 2012

#2 - Cheyenne Frontier Days Grand Parade – Cheyenne, Wyoming
The world’s largest rodeo is the backdrop of this classic parade. Held four times during this festival, it stars rodeo queens, marching bands, antique floats, and horse drawn vehicles. Even the horses are decorated with costumes and paints! Celebrate the Wild West in all its glory with this magnificent Wyoming parade. July 21, 24, 26, 28, 2012

#1 - Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival Parade of Classics – Auburn, Indiana
Almost 300 beautiful Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg classic automobiles parade through this northeast Indiana town and then park downtown Auburn for all to admire during this nationally known Labor Day festival. This parade is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the look of historic and classic cars in all their glory. This Indiana parade is an excellent way to let the fall roll in. September 1, 2012

Planning Your Own Parade?
Parades are a fun way to honor your organization, town, or school. Planning your float doesn’t have to be intimidating. It’s also a great way to let the creative juices flow, throw the use of grass matting, pomps, fringe, and floral sheeting. Or, make parade float decorating simple with a complete float decorating kit. Let the kids decorate their bikes and wagons to make your neighborhood Memorial Day and July 4th celebrations fun.

About Shindigz
Since 1926, Shindigz has “made life more fun” for 22 million events through the manufacture and sale of personalized party supplies and party decorations. It ships products from its facilities in South Whitley, Indiana across the United States and around the world to 59 countries. With more than 36,000 products, the company provides customers with a complete party solution. For more information about Shindigz, visit http://www.shindigz.com.

INVESTING IN YOUR FUTURE

For many, the most difficult part of embarking on an international journey is being able to fund your experience abroad. The program fee allows us to organize, support, and guide you through all aspects of your expedition, and it also helps cover certain costs related to the actual projects. There are many other aspects of the program that are covered through the fee such as health and medical insurance, accommodation and meals, and more.

Luckily, there are many organizations and individuals out there who are happy to donate money to a good cause, i.e. you. There are numerous resources to explore. If you are a student, your university is an excellent and very resourceful place to begin. Contact the abroad office, or any other relevant department to inquire about all of the scholarships, loans, grants, financial aid, etc. that they offer.

Individual Donations
Make a list of all family, relatives, family friends, peers, teachers, co-workers, mentors, etc. and write a letter to everyone explaining the program and asking for donations. For example, if you ask for $50 from 100 people and only half of them donate, you will have raised $2500!

Local Businesses and National Corporations
Many local businesses are eager to support you. Write letters and network with all connections that you may have. Contact large banks and major corporations to see if they give donations or scholarships.

Organize an Event
Host a themed party related to your program’s country or the volunteer project. Some common ways to raise money in America are garage sales (selling used, household belongings), bake sales (selling baked goods), raffles (organizing a lottery in which people buy chances to win), etc. Be sure that you don’t expend more money and energy than what you will receive in return.

Scholarship Websites
There are thousands of websites that offer free money. Search the internet to discover all of the services which give away money to young people like you. A few examples of sites for college students (in the USA) are: fastweb.com, collegeboard.com and scholarships.com

Places of Worship
If applicable, contact your place of worship or other places with similar religious affiliations.To find additional information and tips on how to research scholarships and to utilize online scholarship resources, check out the Scholarship Searching Secrets Guide. This publication of the Student Loan Network provides a variety of tips and “secrets” for finding college scholarships, and will only require a little time on your part to apply the tools necessary for implementing a successful scholarship search.

Before you get started:

• Get creative and try to utilize every resource you can think of.
  
• Inform potential donors of the program you are participating in. A great way to educate individuals and companies is by writing a short, informative letter outlining details of your project and its importance to you and the host community.
  
• Decide if you want to ask for a specific amount of money or allow donors to contribute at their own discretion.
  
• Offer to give donors a presentation of your journey upon your return, and don’t forget to send a thank you as you receive donations. It is also an excellent idea to keep in touch with contributors throughout your adventure, as this allows them to tangibly understand and appreciate how their donations are a benefit.
  
• Be direct and stress the importance of this program for you and the host community. Just remember: don’t let finances hold you back from realizing your dreams. If there’s a will, there’s a way!