One guideline is that all materials on the float must be built by the members of the organization. No already-built materials such as glass or grass can be used, he said. Also, each float must have fire extinguishers inside the float, as a safety precaution. In the public appeal category, judges award points based on the float's theme, originality, clarity and interest. In the construction category, judges look at craftsmanship, animation and special effects.
Artistic quality is judged on balance, continuity, proportion, contrast and color.
There are two judges in each category, awarding a total of 1,000 possible points. Carmichael said the judges are usually faculty members at ISU, although in the construction category this year, a general contractor from the Ames area is serving as a judge. The exception is in the public appeal category, whose judges are the Veishea general co-chairs from the previous year. Carmichael said trophies are awarded in each category for first, second and third place. The Grand Marshal Award is presented by the parade's Grand Marshal to the float with the best theme and originality, Carmichael said.