How We Built Our 2026 Wellfleet Fourth of July Parade Float
The week of the Fourth of July 2026 was a scorcher. The heat and humidity were at an all-time high, but we had a parade float to build from scratch.
Laura, Molly, and I put together a found-materials float using odds and ends from around the farm. With a little creativity and plenty of duct tape, we transformed everyday items into something festive enough for the streets of Wellfleet.
Building a Float From Found Materials
We started with old black flower buckets, the ample supply of cardboard boxes found around the property, random pieces of PVC pipe, and leftover paint. From that collection, we created large, cone-shaped flowers to decorate the float.
For the petals, we cut up cardboard and painted each piece with old paint samples I had saved while choosing wall colors for my home. Then we used duct tape, a farmer’s best friend, to attach the petals to the buckets.
Turning Farm Finds Into Flowers and Fireworks
Next, we gathered sturdy weeds from around the property, including dock stems and allium seed heads. The allium seed heads already looked like tiny fireworks, so they were the perfect addition. We brightened them up with spray paint and incorporated them into the display.
What began as a pile of buckets, boxes, weeds, pipe, and paint slowly became a playful floral float. It was resourceful, a little improvised, and very much at home on the farm.
Parade Day in Downtown Wellfleet
On parade day, our friends joined us on the float. A group of children under six was put in charge of throwing parade candy, which naturally meant we were out by the time we reached Preservation Hall in the center of town.
Luckily, the float looked beautiful, and our trusty John Deere tractor helped make us enough of a spectacle. I could not believe the crush of people lining the route as we passed Winslow’s Tavern and Town Hall. It was amazing to see so many people out celebrating together.
We kept everyone on the float refreshed with juice boxes, water, and lollipops. The team and I had such a great time taking part in this Wellfleet tradition, and we are already looking forward to doing it again at next year’s parade.