Umbrella Alley = Destination

Transform your downtown into a breathtaking spectacle with vibrant umbrella decorations. Here's how to make the most of your budget and create a memorable experience for everyone.

Photo From: Umbrella Alley in Louisville, Ohio!

Planning Your Umbrella Display

Theme: Festival of Colors - Infusing the downtown with vibrant hues

Budget: $1000 to $2000

Location: Alleyways

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose Your Umbrellas

Start by selecting a variety of colorful umbrellas to match the festive theme. You can find affordable options online or at wholesale stores. Look for umbrellas in bright, cheerful colors like red, yellow, blue, and green. Below are also other examples of color patterns.

2. Gather Your Materials

To bring your vision to life, you'll need:

• Fishing line or a sturdy line to hold umbrellas

• Sturdy hooks

• Battery-operated LED lights

• Paint and decorating supplies

• Optional: local artists for custom designs

  
  
  
  

3. Hanging Techniques

Illusion of Floating Umbrellas  

Create a magical effect by using lines to suspend umbrellas from above. This technique makes the umbrellas appear to float and allows them to sway gently with the breeze. Attach the line securely to overhangs or other stable structures. We suggest hanging from building to building in an alleyway that needs jazzed up.

Dynamic Visual Effect  

Utilize sturdy hooks on building overhangs to hang umbrellas at varying heights. This will create a dynamic visual display that draws the eye upwards and adds depth to the alleyways.

Color Clusters  

Group umbrellas in clusters of complementary colors for a striking impact. These clusters can serve as focal points within the alleyways, guiding visitors through the space and highlighting key areas.

Evening Display  

Incorporate battery-operated LED lights within the umbrellas for an enchanting evening display. The lights will illuminate the vibrant colors, creating a magical ambiance after sunset.

4. Engage Local Artists

Add a unique touch by involving local artists to paint or decorate select umbrellas. This not only supports the local art community but also adds a personalized element to the display. Artists can create designs that reflect the spirit of the Festival of Colors, adding an extra layer of meaning to the decorations.

5. Installation

• Step-by-step installation:

• Secure hooks to building overhangs or other sturdy structures.

• Attach lines to the umbrella handles, ensuring they are evenly balanced.

• Hang the umbrellas at varying heights, clustering them by color.

• Install the LED lights inside the umbrellas, securing them in place.

• If engaging local artists, allow time for them to complete their designs before hanging those umbrellas.

  
  

6. Maintain and Enjoy

Once installed, periodically check the umbrellas and lights to ensure they remain secure and in good condition. Enjoy the vibrant and dynamic atmosphere created by your umbrella display, and encourage visitors to share their experiences on social media. If high winds are anticipated/forecasted, have a game plan in taking down the umbrellas prior to a storm.

Conclusion

Decorating your downtown with umbrellas for the Festival of Colors is a creative and impactful way to celebrate. By carefully planning your design, utilizing innovative hanging techniques, and engaging local artists, you can transform alleyways into captivating spaces that delight visitors day and night. Below are examples of small towns who are using umbrellas to bring vibrancy into their downtowns.

Louisville, Ohio Umbrella Alley

Canton, Ohio Umbrella Alley

Other examples: