Christmas Parade

So this year i'm thinking of entering the local christmas parade. THe theme is "the magic of christmas" I've been doing some brainstorming, but this theme has stumped me.

If i don't have to follow a theme this is what i have thought of doing:
Ask some of my clients if they want to walk there pets in the parade.
Team up with a local pet treat lady who makes them and hand them out to people.
I have been looking into getting an inflatable for my truck or trailer (anyone know where i should look)
Perhaps team up with a local dealership and could use one of there vehicles as the tow vehicle.

Has anyone done any parades in the past? What did you do?

I haven't.. but any type of float with real dogs would probably be a crowd pleaser! Also, if you asked your clients to come to the parade they'd probably be really flattered and appreciate that you asked them. They could meet some new people, maybe make some new friends - human and k9!

So i'm in, yipppeeee....the theme "magic of christmas" i'm supposed to either decorate a float with that in mind or make sure whomever is walking in the parade dress up.

This is what i'm thinking so far....perhaps purchase a doggie inflatable for the back of the truck, i could put a bandanna on it or something (its simple and i can use for our pet trade show day in may), then i could have some of the girls from work walking dogs, perhaps get a dog mascot costume to greet little kids, hand out dog cookies/cards etc. Its not really theme related but a marketing tool i suppose. The other good thing is, the parade has changed its route and is going to pass right in front of my shop so i will definately need to be open offering some sort of deal.

Sounds like fun. Are you allowed to hand out business card or advertising things (maybe tied to milk bones etc.)? What about having Xmas bandanas with you, preferably with your shop name somehow on them, then if you see any dogs on the route, you can go over and put one on the dog.

O.K., last idea...you need to have a recording of the barking dog jingle bell song playing. (if you can stand listening to it for the whole parade) ha ha.

OH thats a great idea caroline. I wonder where i can find christmas'y doggie toons???

A friend of mine is also donating one of there brand new Ford trucks for us to drive.

I was in Canadian Tire and they were just putting out the Xmas decorations. There was a mechanical dog that played carols. If I remember correctly, it was about $20.00. Maybe you could put it on the hood of the truck.