Make Your Wheels Count!
We are asking attendees to PUT A LARGE 2ft x 2ft “X” ON YOUR CAR ROOF so drones can see and count you from above.
This should be most easily accomplished using blue masking tape: see below for more info on safe taping strategies.
You can forego this if you have an ambitious rooftop decoration; we should be able to figure that one out!
NO KINGS. One Message, Infinite Creativity.
The theme for this demonstration is “NO KINGS in the USA.” A readable consistent message of NO KINGS throughout the caravan is important, and we look forward to those fabulously creative homemade signs! A simple message and clear large writing is key for readability if you are standing on a sidewalk by traffic or in a car that is moving.
Car Decoration Tips
WINDOW and SIDE PANEL PAINTING
Materials to Use
- Chalk Paint MARKERS - These are chalk base and advertised prominently “for use on glass”. These are washable and safely used on glass, and most likely safe for short amounts of time on car paint.
- Glitter MARKERS - This type of marker can be applied and razored off glass. Please double-check to ensure that any materials you buy are safe for use on your vehicle.
Materials to Avoid
- Chalk Paint - This is paint used on furniture to mimic old timey milk paint. Make sure you are using the markers!
Markers vary in price. Hobby Lobby & Walmart are the cheapest, with approximately 4 for selling for $6. These are also sold at auto stores for a higher price, and there are lots of options available online.
SIDE DECORATIONS
Materials to Use
Poster Board - Thin poster board on the side of vehicle is the best option for signage, as it will mold to the side of the car when taped securely and minimize gaps between sign and surface. Wind will peel signs off, so please burnish down the edges.
BLUE Painter’s Tape - For taping down signage, the type of tape used is important. Traditional tan masking tape can leave a residue in the Arizona sun! We have been told painters tape - the blue stuff - doesn’t have this problem. We are using extra wide 2” rolls, to make sure gaps between paper edges and car sides are secure.
Large Magnetized Signs - You can order large magnetized signs from the Gloo Factory (238 E 26th St.), similar to what you see on the sides of their own business trucks. They are roughly $45 a pair, with a 1-week lead time. You can contact the Gloo Factory at info@Thegloofactory.com.
Materials to Avoid
- Duct Tape, Packing Tape, or Tan Painter’s Tape - These will damage your vehicle!
- Regular Magnets - These are likely to leave gaps for the wind to catch, dragging the magnet.
- Cardboard or Thicker Poster/Foam Board - These are best avoided due to their extra thickness and poor moldability, making it easy for wind to peel off.
STREAMERS
The 1/4 inch wide mylar 40x80 inch doorway curtains can be a decoration, with modification - making them shorter so they won’t tangle in your wheels.
These can be shortened by laying them on the floor and giving them a ‘haircut’, salvaging the ‘waste’ by placing duct tape across the width, then cutting across, to make a second ‘header’.
To make the original header more secure when decorating your vehicle, you can reinforce it with duct tape. That husky tape will be a more sturdy header to tape to the car or roll up/trap in a window. There are many options at Dollar Stores, Family Tree, Michaels, etc - plain colors plus Fourth of July red white and blue.
Crepe paper streamers are also an option.
FLAGS
There are lots of opinions about the American flag. Some fly it upright, some fly it upside-down, and some avoid it altogether. During our caravan our politics will be clear: It’s your decision.
Flags can be flown from windows on ‘car flag stands’ - reasonably priced little flag poles caught in window tracks, held up when the window is rolled up. These are reasonably priced, available at Walmart and online.
For BIG flags on a pick up, things are more difficult. You need to have side rail capability to slip a pole into. If you don’t have side rail mounts, you can screw 2 U-shaped pipe brackets into the side walls of the bed to hold a pole. Please note that there will be big wind resistance.
CAR-TOP OBJECTS
This is a People’s Parade, so ambitious rooftop structures and sculptures are welcome! However, note that anything fragile will be ripped off at speeds of 20 to 40 mph, so be sure to test drive this option beforehand!
For securing structures, roof racks are helpful. Another option is to thread a rope through or around the object, then through the back passenger windows, tying a knot inside the car. Bungee cords are also useful. Get creative!
PEDESTRIANS
We focused on cars, but many have asked for ’pedestrian’ options. For pedestrians, get creative with signs and costumes! Designated “Rally Points” for viewing and support are along the route and listed on the maps. Find shade and bring a cooler for drinks!
Safety Guidelines
We will be driving at 5mph below the speed limit (approximately 35mph). Please experiment BEFOREHAND to ensure your decorations remain secure.
Before You Decorate:
- Ensure all lights (headlights, taillights, turn signals) remain visible
- Keep license plates completely unobstructed
- Don’t block windshield, side windows, or mirrors
- Secure all decorations firmly to prevent them from flying off
- Avoid permanent adhesives that damage paint
- Double-check all materials to ensure they are safe for your vehicle
Participate Safely:
- This is a non-permit event, so no participants riding in the open bed of a truck!
- Take photos and videos only when safely stopped
- Share on social media with #NoKings, #DriveForDemocracy and #TucsonMotorMarch
- Help amplify the message
Get Creative, Stay Safe
Remember, the goal is to make a powerful statement for democracy while keeping everyone safe. Your creativity and participation help amplify our collective voice against authoritarianism.
Questions? Contact the organizers through our contact page or join our mailing list for ongoing updates.