Kip's father, the late Red Dingler, began Dingler Productions
in 1958 after a 15 year career as a circus performer. At
the age of 5, Kip was performing in parades bouncing on a
trampoline, juggling or riding a unicycle. At age 9, he became
more and more interested in what his father was doing and
at that time began assisting him in the design and production
of professional parade floats. A 1978 graduate of First Presbyterian
Day School, Kip went to the University of florida on a track
and field scholarship for pole vaulting. A University of
Florida decathlete, Kip graduated with a Bachelor's degree
from the college of Physical Education, Health and Recreation.
He intended to come back to Middle Georgia to be a track
coach but his father's untimely death impacted his career.
After graduation, Kip began producing parade floats to continue
his father's business as a tribute to him.
In the last 27 years, Dingler Productions has expanded
its inventory and added to the numbers of parades it serves.
Currently providing floats for 60-65 parades a year, Dingler
Productions serves all of Georgia, North Florida, Alabama
and South Carolina. Christmas is the busiest season followed
by St. Patrick's Day, July 4 and various festival seasons.
Up to 45 floats are available for any one parade with
more than 250 props from which to choose.
Some of the more popular all occasion floats include a
sea dragon, a circus calliope, a Model-T Ford, a rainbow,
a spinning
world, a Spanish ship, a 6' x 20'
birthday cake, and a train. for the
Christmas Season, all of the standard holiday regalia is
available.
All floats are completely waterproof and covered in floral
sheeting, festooning and fringe. The various pirates, elves,
carolers and animals are constructed of square tubing,
wood, welded wire and paper mache. These colorful vehicles
can
be loaded "piggy back" for transport to the celebrations.
Aside from parades, the decorative displays have complimented
theme parties, birthday celebrations and Ga. State Fair
Exhibits.
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