Floats sparkle on display before parade

SANDY — Barbie Landsaw had only carved Styrofoam once before, but she figured she could create 17 sculptures for the Woods Cross Utah North Stake's float for the annual Days of '47 Parade.

Landsaw said she enjoyed designing and sculpting the float because of the reaction from people when they see the finished product.

"A father brought his little girl in to (the annual Float Preview Party), and the little girl turned and put her hands on her face and said, 'Oh, my goodness,' " Landsaw said. "That is what it is all about."

Landsaw and Paula Ita, who led the stake's float-building effort, answered questions Tuesday about their float — one of 31 on display during the Float Preview Party at the South Towne Exposition Center in Sandy.

The pioneering spirit of dedication was evidenced by members of the LDS Church stake who helped with the float, Landsaw said.

"When you ask for volunteers, most usually and hide, but not this time," she said. "Everyone wanted to help."

The float was made with the help of a seven-person committee — three artists, a welder, an electrician and some handymen to help put it all together.

The float was created in mid-March as Landsaw began carving numerous Styrofoam blocks into animals, trees and people. More than 45 pounds of glitter was used, and more than 120 Styrofoam blocks were carved to make the float. Typically, a float of its size and complexity could have cost around $20,000 to make professionally, Landsaw said. However, with all of the work being donated, the group spent just $5,000 for materials to create the float.

About 100 volunteers worked on the float, many working 12 to 14 hours a day, six days a week in June and July. Ita said she didn't mind the long hours and detailed work on the project.

"If you have the vision of a pioneer, you want to get it done," she said.

After countless hours of work, most parade floats will be taken to the local landfill following their presentation in the annual Days of '47 parade, but that won't be the case for Woods Cross Utah North Stake's float.

Landsaw and Ita designed the float so it could be utilized for many other events, even after the July 24 event. For example, a sculpture of an elderly man on the float can double as Father Christmas, and they plan to donate the sculpture to the Festival of Trees.

"They have all got homes," Landsaw said of the float's sculptures.