Information on Decorating

Registration for this year's float opens has filled. Walk-ins may be able to join a shift on a standby basis, depending on how many people don't show up for their planned shift. Generally, shifts early in the week and evening shifts have the most room. We very rarely have extra room on the 29th or 30th for any shifts, except the very late night shift on the 30th. Please complete a volunteer application/waiver beforehand: Volunteer Application/Waiver

Shift Times:
12/21-22: 9:00am-3:00pm
12/23: 9:00am-1:00pm
12/26-12/30: 8:30am-1:30pm, 1:00-6:00pm, 5:30pm-10:00pm
12/30 only: 9:30pm-1:00am
12/31: 8:00am-1:00pm
Judging: 12/30 and 12/31-2:18pm

Location: Before Christmas, our decorating site is behind the Valley Water Company Building at 4524 Hampton Rd, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. How To Find Us After Christmas we move under the bridge (next door) to 4510 Hampton Rd, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. Street Parking is available in the residential neighborhood. Check posted signs for parking rules, especially on 12/30 and 12/31.

On-Site Registration: When you arrive on site, you will check in at the Welcome Desk.

Meals: Meals will be served during lunch and dinner times (shifts 1 & 3). All food is donated, and we cannot accommodate special dietary needs. If you need a special meal, please bring it with you, or plan to go to a nearby restaurant during the meal break. Snacks and water/hot chocolate are available at all times. All food and drinks are free. Take breaks when needed. A sink and hand sanitizing station are located near the food area- please wash your hands every time before you eat.

Clothing: Wear lots of layers, including a hat and warm socks. Wear clothing that can get very, very dirty- glue gets everywhere at the float, including on your clothes, and generally will not wash off.

Be Patient: Please bring your patience under the bridge. Over 1,000 volunteers are helping with the float this year, and it can take some time to match people to the jobs that need to get done during the shift. Show up on time for your shift and understand that it can take some time to get everything moving at the beginning of a shift, especially if you have young children with you.

Children: Anyone under the age of 13 needs to stay with a responsible adult at all times, and both feet must stay on the pavement. We have plenty of fun jobs to do, but people under the age of 13 cannot climb onto scaffolding or the float.

Climbing Safety: Do not climb on the float or scaffolding unless directed by your Crew Chief. Some decorating jobs involve climbing on scaffolding. If you are scared of heights or unable to climb up ladders onto narrow surfaces safely, there are plenty of other jobs that you can do - just ask. If at any time you feel unsafe under the bridge, please find a Crew Chief or construction volunteer and ask for help.

Allergies: Decorating materials can include things that people are allergic to, including nuts. If you have allergies, please make sure to bring your medication with you. Ask your Crew Chief exactly what you are decorating with to ensure your safety.

Following Directions: Many of the materials used to decorate need to be applied in very specific ways. The Crew Chiefs and Decorating Chairs are there to make sure that the float looks its best on the Parade Day. They may come to you with feedback or corrections. Please listen carefully to their comments so that every part of our float looks awesome. If you have any questions or don't understand what you need to do, please ask.

All Jobs Are Important: There are lots of jobs that need to be completed to make the float a success. You may be filling vials with irises, painting parts of the float, applying beans one by one to make a detailed pattern, stripping pieces of bark that will later be applied by other volunteers, making sure that only floral glue is used on flowers, or even vacuuming the float so that an area is clean before decorating. Every job is essential, and we are grateful for you volunteering your time to do them all.

Float in Motion: If you want to see the float in motion, come back the afternoon of December 31st for final judging (in 2025, at 2:18pm). The float will be completed and the full animation and music will be running. We always appreciate having a big crowd to cheer on the judges.

Thank you again for volunteering and for your support and understanding as we work to ensure the safety of our Deco Week experience.