What to Buy for a Carnival Parade

A carnival parade needs more than costumes and floats. This shopping list covers the practical items that keep participants fed, the route visible, and volunteers connected throughout the day. Plan quantities around your participant count, parade length, refreshment stops, and available power. Buy non-perishable supplies first, then add drinks and fresh produce close to the event so they are ready to serve.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 40
Buffet tablesqty 3
Waste binsqty 10
Crowd barriersqty 40
Road barriersqty 20
Clothes racksqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 150
Cutlery setsqty 150
Serving spoonsqty 8
Serving jugsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6

Equipment

Coolersqty 6
Refrigeratorsqty 2
Party speakersqty 2
Microphonesqty 2
Mixer
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
Rechargeable walkie-talkiesqty 12
Mobile phone chargersqty 6
First aid kitsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 6
Handheld megaphonesqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 2

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 6
LED lampsqty 8

Decorations

Carnival flagsqty 40
Balloonsqty 300
Balloon ribbonqty 4
Buntingqty 20
Tableclothsqty 12
Route arrowsqty 30
Bib numbersqty 40
Trophiesqty 6
Medal ribbonsqty 20
Chalkboardsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Pliersqty 8
Ice packsqty 30
Kettlesqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Thermos cupsqty 20

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 6
Mopsqty 6
Broom setsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Work glovesqty 20
Hand soap dispensersqty 6
Paper towel dispensersqty 6
Hand sanitizer pumpsqty 8
Toilet brushesqty 4

Groceries

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Bitter lemon - 6 bottles
- Ginger ale - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Alcohol-free beer - 6 crates
- Beer - 10 crates
- Wine - 12 bottles
- Sparkling juice - 6 bottles
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Snack nuts - 6 bags
- Pretzels - 6 bags
- Popcorn - 6 bags
- Mini sausages - 8 packs
- Cheese cubes - 4 kilo
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Mandarins - 40 pieces
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Mini rolls - 80 pieces
- Butter - 4 packs
- Herb butter - 12 tubs
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Cream cheese - 8 tubs
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Back ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Egg salad - 8 tubs
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Jam - 3 jars
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mustard - 3 jars
- Frankfurters - 12 cans
- Vegetarian sausages - 6 packs
- Hot dog buns - 100 pieces
- Fried onions - 4 bags
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Lemon juice - 2 bottles
- Ice cubes - 20 bags
- Napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper cups - 300 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 300 pieces
- Straws - 300 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Large trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant - 4 bottles
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Wet wipes - 12 packs
- Hand soap - 8 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Safety pins - 4 boxes
- Balloon pumps - 4 pieces

Tips

Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one to two more for each additional hour. Add extra water for volunteers working along the route.
Plan at least one reusable cup per guest plus 10% extra, so cups are still available while used ones are being washed or collected. Buy serving jugs and thermos flasks according to the number of drink stations.
Use one waste bin at every main gathering point and refreshment station, with spare bin liners for the full route. Arrange collection before parade day rather than waiting until the bins are full.
Check extension cords, power strips, chargers, microphones and walkie-talkies at least 24 hours before the parade. Keep lighting and sound equipment on separate power points where possible.
Buy route decorations and lighting early, especially carnival flags, bunting, balloon ribbon and LED lights. Keep balloons and fresh produce for the final day so they are not damaged or spoiled before setup.

Frequently asked questions

How much food and drink do I need for a carnival parade?: For drinks, plan two to three per person during the first hour and one to two per person for every hour after that. Add extra water for route volunteers and anyone working at the tents or information points.
How many reusable cups should I buy for a parade?: Start with one cup per attendee and add at least 10% extra. For 100 people, that means 110 cups, with more needed if there is no washing point during the parade.
When should I buy supplies for a carnival parade?: Buy non-perishable items, tableware, decorations and electrical supplies one to two weeks ahead. Purchase drinks and fresh produce one to two days before the event, then check the full shopping list again the day before.
How many waste bins are needed along a carnival parade route?: Place at least one bin at each main gathering point and refreshment station, plus one near every party tent or buffet area. For a short route with three service points, prepare at least three bins and spare liners for each.

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