2010 TRAVELING FLOAT

CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

December 28, 2009 - April 9,2010

In the December 2009 Board of Director's meeting, it was voted to build our 2010 traveling float in-house. There were several factors that led to this decision.

We had a 25% reduction in the amount of funds allocated to the construction budget (as per previous years), our float was way overdue for maintenance routines and upgrades to mechanical issues as recommended by Truck & Float Chairperson Chuck Walser. We also had to address ongoing audio (sound) system problems this year which was probably going to be resolved with a replacement system. Then on top of that - of course, we have to decorate the float.

The Board felt that no professional float building company was going to be willing to take on our ever-growing project for the same money as years past - and with the economy in the state that it has been - this year is a year that we need to be a little bit more fiscally responsible so they asked our committees and volunteers if they would step up and help the Festival get through this year.

Committee Chairpersons Carol Kapua and Chuck Walser have assembled three of the original five team members that built this chassis in 2002-2003. Their familiarity with the float and continued involvement with Maryfest and the festival community is invaluable and will certainly help the Festival achieve their goal.

The float is being built in Federal Way - with space partially donated by Brad Thorsen, Owner of GarageTown - Federal Way. GarageTown provides commercial grade storage condominiums in a safe, climate controlled place. They are in a secure lighted and gated community to "set up shop". There's even a clubhouse with a kitchenette, restrooms, showers, internet access and a meeting room. His Manager is Christine Groenendaal (phone 253-370-1710). Thank you Brad and Christine!

Weekly progress commentary with pictures: