What you need for a carnival parade

A carnival parade needs more than costumes and decorations. You will also need clear route signs, crowd-control equipment, first-aid supplies and practical materials for floats, vehicles and setup areas. Buy disposable and durable items separately, and keep a reserve of tape, cable ties, markers and batteries because these are often used up before the parade starts. This shopping list helps you prepare the route, participant area and decorated vehicles without last-minute supply runs.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 40
High tablesqty 6
Tableclothsqty 12
Collapsible cratesqty 12

Safety

Crowd barriersqty 40
Traffic conesqty 30
Safety vestsqty 30
Flashlightsqty 12
First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 6
Work glovesqty 12

Traffic

Traffic signsqty 20
Route arrowsqty 24
No parking signsqty 12
Barrier tapeqty 8
Ropeqty 4
Street signsqty 12

Decorations

Buntingqty 20
Carnival flagsqty 30
Balloonsqty 300
Balloon pumpqty 3
Confetti garlandsqty 12
Paper rosettesqty 30
Tapeqty 12
Cable tiesqty 200
Stringsqty 100
Scissor setsqty 4
Markersqty 12

Equipment

Portable sound system
Microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Power banksqty 8
Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Batteriesqty 40
Charging stationsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 300
Coffee cupsqty 150
Platesqty 150
Cutlery setsqty 150
Serving plattersqty 20
Serving spoonsqty 12
Thermos flasksqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 8
Ice containersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Pliersqty 8
Measuring cupsqty 4
Food containersqty 20
Aluminum foilqty 4
Cling filmqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 12
String lightsqty 8
Outdoor lightsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 20
Litter pickersqty 6
Broomsqty 6
Flash bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Cleaning bucketsqty 4
Hand broomsqty 6
Toilet brushesqty 4
Hand soap dispensersqty 6
Hand sanitizer pumpsqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Cassïs - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Beer - 120 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Red wine - 8 bottles
- Prosecco - 6 bottles
- Coffee beans - 3 kilograms
- Tea bags - 200 pieces
- Black tea - 100 tea bags
- Herbal tea - 100 bags
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Semi-skimmed milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Lemons - 20 pieces
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Baguettes - 20 pieces
- Mini rolls - 150 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Mild matured cheese - 3 kilogram
- Cooked ham - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Tortilla chips - 10 bags
- Salted peanuts - 6 bags
- Savory nuts - 6 bags
- Pretzels - 6 bags
- Popcorn - 6 bags
- Mini meatballs - 5 kilograms
- Vegetarian snacks - 3 kilograms
- Bitterballen - 5 kilogram
- Mini frikandels - 3 kilograms
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Satay sauce - 2 jars
- Sweet and sour sauce - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 package
- Pepper - 1 package
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Apples - 80 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Grapes - 6 kilograms
- Mandarins - 60 pieces
- Mini tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilogram
- Bell peppers - 20 pieces
- Napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper straws - 300 pieces
- Wooden skewers - 500 pieces
- Baking paper - 4 rolls
- Food storage bags - 2 boxes
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Plastic gloves - 4 boxes
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 24 pieces
- Toilet blocks - 12 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 packs

Tips

Plan route equipment by road section, not just by parade size. Keep enough traffic cones, barriers, warning signs and route arrows for every crossing, turn and temporary closure.
Buy at least 10% more tape, cable ties, string and balloons than your first estimate. Decorations and temporary repairs usually consume more materials during setup than expected.
Prepare one clearly labelled safety crate with first aid kits, emergency blankets, work gloves, torches and spare batteries. Keep it accessible instead of storing it with the decorations.
Check tables, chairs, high tables, tablecloths and party tents against the number of people working at registration, refreshments and coordination points. Confirm delivery times before the parade week.
Use collapsible crates to separate signs, decoration materials, vehicle supplies and emergency equipment. Pack them by task so volunteers can find scissors, markers, rope or fastening materials quickly.

Frequently asked questions

How many carnival decorations should I buy per vehicle?: Start with enough bunting, carnival flags, balloons, paper rosettes and streamers to cover the visible sides and front of each vehicle. Add a 10% reserve for damaged decorations and last-minute repairs.
How much safety equipment does a carnival parade need?: Provide warning vests for every traffic controller, plus spare vests for replacements. Place traffic cones, barriers, route arrows and warning signs at each risk point and prepare at least one first aid kit for every main activity or coordination area.
When should I buy supplies for a carnival parade?: Buy durable safety and route materials at least 2 to 3 weeks before the parade. Purchase balloons and other time-sensitive decorations shortly before setup, while confirming tents, tables and other deliveries at least 1 week in advance.
What should I keep ready for last-minute parade repairs?: Keep tape, cable ties, rope, string, scissors, markers and work gloves in one repair crate. Prepare it before vehicle decoration starts and include spare batteries for torches and other equipment that may be needed along the route.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.