The local Rotary Club of Martinez, California, of which my father
is secretary, has asked me if they can use my Caliola on a float
in the 4th of July Independence Day Parade.  (On this day I usually
perform on the street in front of my house.)  Usually I cart the organ
on a motorcycle trailer when I attend an organ rally, and the other
option is to use a truck.  Either of these options should not be too
much a problem as we have about five years experience with this.

The main issue of operating the instrument during the parade is
electric power -- a portable generator will be needed.  Currently
the organ is powered by a 7.5 ampere "swimming pool pump" motor of
1/2 horsepower rating.  This would require a minimum of 1000 watts.

A friend who sets up generators for some of the "tent" shows I do
said I would need a 2000 watt generator for margin.  The generators
we were using this weekend were like 25 kW and 75 kW.  I was told
diesel is quieter as there are some which are called "Whisper Watt."
These are quite large, and completely silent.  The main use is for
location film shoots and such.  My friend has no experience with
the small stuff.  Any suggestions here are welcome.

I can run the player from a car battery or charger, so that side of
the power equation is taken care of.  In the long term, I am looking
to convert this over to solar power.  At the maker fair there was a
solar-powered "antique 1920s" carousel sponsored by General Electric
Co.  Currently the cost to do this using an inverter system is about
4000 USD, which is a bit outside the budget.

How many other MMDers will be using their instruments in parades
this year?  Or know of a parade that has mechanical music on floats?

Julie Porter