Back to the Future Float to Debut at Sun Bowl Parade
The upcoming El Paso holiday parade will feature a custom-built, time-traveling display inspired by the 1985 film.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Science Fiction
The Sun Bowl parade in El Paso will debut a new float themed around the movie Back to the Future on Thanksgiving Day 2026. The display will include a half-size replica of the iconic DeLorean time machine and figures of Marty McFly and Doc Brown.
Why it matters
The parade float highlights how iconic film aesthetics can be recreated for community events, with the design team focusing on the DeLorean's signature reliance on electricity. This creative tribute marks a significant production for the design team following their victory at last year's event.
The display features a half-size DeLorean model constructed from styrofoam and wood. The design incorporates a custom spinning mechanism to simulate the movement associated with the film's time travel sequences.
The players
Doc Brown
He is a fictional scientist and primary character from the Back to the Future film franchise.
Marty McFly
He is the lead protagonist in the Back to the Future film series who travels through time.
The details
The design team creates patterns to outline the vehicles shape before cutting and shaping materials into characters and props. The float will showcase a clock tower and rotating figures of the films central duo to capture the essence of the science fiction classic.
Timeline
The Sun Bowl parade takes place on Thanksgiving Day 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This float marks a shift in parade production as creators increasingly utilize intricate mechanical illusions to engage audiences. It follows the precedent of the 2025 Sun Bowl parade where this same design team achieved top honors.
Residents and visitors in El Paso can view the float in person during the public procession on Thanksgiving Day. The design ensures the display remains visible to large crowds lining the route.
The takeaway
Large-scale event designs rely on precise material planning and mechanical movement to successfully bring pop culture icons to life. Viewers can observe the result of these engineering efforts when the parade commences.
Further reading
For more news on local productions, visit the El Paso Science Fiction section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTSM 9 News.
