Come see or march alongside local artists and Association House youth as they parade through the streets of Chicago's Wicker Park and Humboldt Park neighborhoods on Saturday, Sept. 6, starting at noon. Teeming with pageantry, floats and performers, Association House of Chicago's 10th Annual Puppet Parade features handcrafted, life-sized puppets. This year's theme, "Sharing Our Streets: 10 Years of Painting the Neighborhood," celebrates the event's 10th year of showcasing the diverse pageantry and creativity within the Latino community.
Groups such as Instituto Puertoriqueno, Around the Coyote, Center for Neighborhood Technology and others have partnered in an attempt to represent the entire community, sharing the streets and acknowledging the distinct perspectives that community groups and individuals have for their neighborhood. Puppet Parade allows these groups to showcase this unity in a creative and constructive way that encompasses each group's vision.
This daylong celebration begins with the parade at noon and continues until 5 p.m. at Association House's Community Center, 2150 W. North Ave., with other festive activities including dance and musical performances.
The parade assembles at 10 a.m. at Paulina St. and Milwaukee Ave. at the Jewel-Osco parking lot. Stepping off at noon, the parade will wind through the streets of Wicker Park for one hour.
The larger-than-life animated puppets showcased in the parade are seeds of the creative minds of the young apprentice artists who have been hired to work with professional puppet makers. These creations are designed and built as part of Association House and Columbia College's summer arts program. As based on Latino tradition, the puppets often satirize various fictional characters and community members.
From 1 to 4 p.m., after the parade, all are welcome to step into a vibrant Latin American marketplace recreated in the courtyard of Association House, 2150 W. North Ave. Enjoy games, food and performances and learn about community resources offered by Association House of Chicago. All events are free and open to the public.
Since 1899, Association House of Chicago has served as a community resource offering comprehensive services in English and Spanish that help families in Chicago help themselves. For information call (773) 772-7170, ext. 3434.
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