Float Judging Criteria

Float judges are selected by the parade staff approximately one month prior to the parade. Judges are selected at random by their background in areas of entertainment, parade experience or community activities. The judges are given the criteria prior to the parade to familiarize themselves with the process. The judging process for the San Jose Holiday Parade is “pre-parade judging.” No judging is done while the floats are passing in review on the parade route.

On parade day, the judges will be given a brief orientation by parade personnel and the judges forms will be presented. Each of the judge’s forms will have the float sponsor name listed, the float theme title, specific category it is listed under and it's unit number in the parade. The judges begin a pre-judging process at 7:00 a.m. They will review the floats prior to the actual judging. At approximately 7:15 a.m., judging will begin. A float sponsor representative must be available to answer any judges questions. Judges may ask questions about the float concept, decorating materials, etc. All costumed personnel with the float should be in place, with animation and sound system working, if applicable.

Once the judging is complete, tabulators will tally the scores, judges confirm the winners and awards are distributed. Winner’s names are provided to the press and television representatives.

The following is a list of categories that are used for the judging of parade floats participating in the San Jose Holiday Parade. The description below is how the three judges will award points in each particular category.

GENERAL EFFECT IN PRESENTATION: (Maximum 25 Points Awarded)
The overall effective presentation of the float. Its presentation as it will appear on the parade route. Beauty and creativity.

WORKMANSHIP: (Maximum 25 Points Awarded)
The craftsmanship in the float creation. Detail in design and creation of float objects with the effective use of colors and materials.

PARADE THEME: (Maximum 25 Points Awarded)
How well the float design concept adapts to the parade theme.

ORIGINALITY: (Maximum 25 Points Awarded)
The creativeness and originality in the float design concept.