World Finals Float & Banner Parade

The Float & Banner (“F&B”) parade traditionally takes place on the second night (Wed, May 22nd, 2024) at World Finals. It is a fun event where national and international associations participate with one entry in the parade.

What to expect

  • The parade features BANNERS first, then FLOATS. Entries line up as participants arrive, not in alphabetical order.

  • Participants parade together with their F&B entry. The number of participants is limited (see rules). The WF Committee manages the rsvp list for each parade. Often older members give up their spot to allow younger members to participate, they are still welcome to attend as audience members.

  • Staging and parading formats change from year to year. Typically, when teams are announced, they circle the arena floor.

  • An announcer will read a synopsis of each FLOAT or BANNER as the group enters the arena.

  • Judges will announce a FLOAT and a BANNER FINALIST.

  • Odyssey of the Mind will award a plaque to each Finalist in the FLOAT and BANNER events. There will be no “Place” winners within the Finalists.

  • Attending the F&B event is optional. Teams who have a performance slot before 11 am the following day (Thursday) may choose to abstain in order to stay focused and get an early night. Some teams choose this evening to organize a celebration “dinner in town”, this is why the rsvp is important.

  • The event attendance is free, no tickets necessary. Audience can sit anywhere.

  • The dress-code on Wednesday at WF is the Texas shirt designated by the WF Committee. It is suggested for the audience but REQUIRED for team members participating in the parade. For 2024, it is the Blue State shirt (For the Glory of Creativity).

Texas Entry

  • Associations do not participate in the F&B every year.

  • Associations are allowed to submit a single entry, either a Float OR a Banner. It is a “Team Texas” entry.

  • The entry must be designed for easy transportation and assembly.

  • The entry must follow the designated TX theme of the year for Regionals or State, as designated by the WF Committee.

  • For 2024, the WF Committee decided to participate with a Banner representing Texas. The theme is the “Viking Cow” with the Texas Flag. Teams were invited to come help design and build it at the State Competition in Denton.

Rules that apply to both Floats AND Banners

  • U.S. Associations may enter EITHER a Float OR a Banner. Only ONE entry per association, multiple entries from one association will result in disqualification.

  • A written synopsis must be submitted to OdysseyHQ by April 26th, 100 words or less.

  • All entries must be able to fit through a 30-inch door opening.

  • A BANNER must show the name of the state in full. A FLOAT should include a WHITE sign, no larger than 11" x 17", with BLACK lettering, displaying “TEXAS FLOAT”. No other decoration or wording is allowed, school names are not allowed.

  • A FLOAT must be pushed or pulled by a minimum of two team members from the Association it represents.

  • For shipping/transportation, all cartons must measure no more than 32” wide X 72” tall and must be less than 8’ long.

  • Any entry that judges feel might cause damage to the facility or present a safety hazard to participants or spectators will not be paraded.

  • The use of live animals is prohibited.

  • Throwing or distributing any objects, including candy or peanuts into the crowd, is prohibited.

  • This event is designed to be a fun experience for the participants AND spectators. Please keep in mind that anyone not in accordance with the rules may be disqualified.

  • “Participants” define the persons approved by the Association who will either a) parade behind/carry the BANNER or parade with/be part of the FLOAT.

  • The maximum number of participants is 25 OR one representative from each team attending World Finals — whichever is greater.

  • Participants may not stop to perform during the presentation of their F&B.