Pride Parade Judging Guidelines

Float Judging Criteria

Pride Buffalo Inc selects float judges approximately one month prior to the parade. Judges are selected at random by their background in areas of entertainment, parade experience or community activities. The judges are given the criteria prior to the parade to familiarize themselves with the process. The judging process for the Pride Parade is "pre-parade judging." No judging is done while the floats are passing in review on the parade route with the exception of the walking contingents.

On parade day, the judges will be given a brief orientation by parade personnel and the judge's forms will be presented. Each of the judge's forms will have the float sponsor name listed, the float theme title, specific category it is listed under and its unit number in the parade. The judges will review the floats prior to the actual judging. At approximately 1:15. judging will begin. A float sponsor representative must be available to answer any judge's questions. Judges may ask questions about the float concept, decorating materials etc. All costumed personnel with the float should be in place, with animation and sound system working, if applicable. A float that isn't at the parade starting point at the judging time will be disqualified from the judging.

Once the judging is complete, tabulators will tally the scores, judges confirm the winners and awards are distributed. Winner's names are provided to the press.

The following is a list of categories that are used for the judging of parade floats participating in the Pride Parade. The description below is how the three judges will award points in each particular category.

GENERAL EFFECT IN PRESENTATION: (Maximum 25 Points Awarded)
The overall effective presentation of the float. It's presentation, as it will appear on the parade route. Beauty and creativity.

WORKMANSHIP: (Maximum 25 Points Awarded)
The craftsmanship in the float creation. Detail in design and creation of float objects with the effective use of colors and materials.

PARADE THEME: (Maximum 25 Points Awarded)
How well the float design concept adapts to the parade theme.

ORIGINALITY: (Maximum 25 Points Awarded)
The creativeness and originality in the float design concept.
Walking contingents will be judged on Originality, Enthusiasm, Parade Theme and Overall Appearance.