2025 Parade Float Overview
We build big things. We wrangle bold ideas. And we’re proud to call Calgary home.
This playful, larger-than-life design captures the heart of who we are—a Calgary-based creative agency that builds BIG things and delivers bold, imaginative solutions for brands, municipalities, and businesses across the West (and beyond).
Our whole crew saddled up for this one—from welders and painters to designersand logistics pros. It’s a full-team effort, and a showcase of the multidisciplinary creativity that runs through everything we do at Porterfield Studios.
After 20 years of doing business in Calgary—and after building plenty of floats behind the scenes—we’re thrilled to finally take our own place in the parade spotlight. It’s our way of celebrating community pride, championing local creativity, and joining the spirit of the greatest outdoor show on Earth.
“Builder of Canada's Largest Cowboy Hat”
Project Details
| Client: | Smithbilt Hats Inc. |
|---|---|
| Initial Concept: | Cam Clark |
| Install Location: | Inglewood - Calgary, Alberta |
| Address: | 914 11th St Calgary, AB T2G 3E8 |
| Project start date: | August 1, 2023 |
| Completed: | October 1st 2024 |
| Built By: | Designed, Planned & Built by Porterfield Studios Ltd. |
| Art Director: | Cory Porterfield |
| Structural Engineer: | Fred Harbins |
| Process: | Actual Smithbilt Hat Scanned, 3D modeled, CNC Milled, Hand Sculpted and Finished |
| Materials: | EPS foam, steel internal frame and coated with polyurea |
| Paint: | Benjamin Moore paint provided by Calgary North Decorating |
| Size: | 20’ long, 16’ wide, 8’ tall |
| Special Features: | Custom Made Aluminum Sign, Internal Hat Band & LED Lighting |
| Approvals: | CSA and City of Calgary |
| Fun Facts: | Biggest cowboy hat in Canada and largest realistic cowboy hat in the world |
