This idea in compliance with the theme “Intergalactic Freak Show” is Star Wars legend "Jabba the Hut" who not to be out done by Caitlyn Jenner has decided to come out of the closet, dressed in drag and express his more sensitive side. There were a lot of Star Wars floats in the parade this year, but this one featured a very unique and specific set of characters which we hoped would result in an easily recognizable, colorful, funny and definitive ensemble. Jabba Da' Hoe was a standard two by four and chicken wire construction with 1/2 inch PVC tubing used for the skeleton. Double sided carpet tape is used to secure bubble wrap to the wire frame. Bed sheets are spray glued to the bubble wrap then painted with an airless spray gun. Color scheme is green and metallic orange (Tatooine Rust). Decorations are metallic orange Fringe, Twist, and several cases of 36" 10mm beads. Eyes are cut out and inserted with two 24" clear plastic deli tray lids and back-lit with orange clamp lights. Microphone is a half gallon plastic orange-juice carton spray painted chrome and striped with black electrical tape. Jabba's Snack Bowl is a 36" plexiglass globe filled with blinking flourescent "Puffer Ball" toys from Rhode Island Novelty, mounted on a clay planter and under-lit with a green clamp light. Dress Code is left up to the discretion of the crew provided everyone has a Twi'Lek head piece. One of the most reassuring signs that this float was a success is when people in the crowd started chanting "Jaaabba, Jaaabba, Jaaabba" as our float went by. Not only in the parade, but in the streets of Key West as we delivered the float to the line up area. Jabba was definitely a crowd favorite and the many dedicated Twi’leks helped make it happen. 
Thanks to all the Twi'Leks for helping bring this float to life, especially our 3 singers, Carie (middle), Kayla (right) and Rochelle (left). Special thanks to Dave Williams for the exceptional catering (including tent tops and chafing dishes which for a dinky little crew like us is classy beyond words) hosting the Thursday dinner party, and helping pick up supplies from Home Depot. Thanks again as always to Brad and Deon Valek for supplying the trailer, tow vehicle, and generator, and also the airless paint sprayer which made painting Jabba 10 times easier. Thanks also to Ruth, M-J, Eric and everyone else who contributed beads, drinks and other assorted swag and bling to the float. Thanks to Nikki and Reddy Ice and our newest and youngest Minions Marry and Val who were the most "cute as a button" Twi'leks ever. Thanks to all the Twi’Leks and 3 singers (below in and out of costume) who went above and beyond the call of duty. Their costumes were not only better than expected, they were some of the best in the entire parade. It would be an honor and privilege to have everyone return with us next year. 
Rochelle (top left bottom middle), Carie (top middle bottom right), and Kayla (top right bottom left). 
The after - after party at Chicago's restaurant 1/21/2016 A very sincere and heart felt thank you to Jabba's singers and the Twi’Leks, Twi’leks UNITE. |
