HACKENSACK — A giant puppet procession, a synchronized audio adventure and nighttime light installations will bring art into downtown streets Saturday, Oct. 3, during Illumination 250, a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
The event builds on the seventh annual Hackensacktoberfest, with activities at parks and public spaces throughout downtown. Organizers are inviting participants to register in advance for the procession and other interactive experiences.
The day’s highlights include:
- Giant puppet procession, 2–3:30 p.m. “A River’s Tale” begins at Anderson Street Park and Ward Street, featuring puppets created by Processional Arts Workshop and community members, musicians and dancers from the Center for Modern Dance Education. Participants can register to march or help operate a puppet.
- Hackensacktoberfest, through 8 p.m. Atlantic Street Park will host live music, DJs, food trucks and artisan vendors. Downtown restaurants will also be open.
- MP3 Experiment, 8:05–8:45 p.m. Created by Improv Everywhere, the participatory audio event will take place at Atlantic Street Park, Main Street and the Historic Green. Participants download an app and use headphones or earbuds to follow shared instructions in an activity inspired by the region’s Revolutionary War history. Register for the MP3 Experiment.
- Light installation and projection, 9 p.m.–midnight. “My Signature: My Declaration,” by Leni Schwendinger Light Projects, will debut at the Historic Green, 42 Court St. The presentation combines light, music and digital projection, with the county courthouse also illuminated.
The projection will return Oct. 4 from sunset to midnight. The installation on the Green will remain on display through Oct. 25, illuminated nightly from sunset to midnight.
All metered parking fees will be suspended throughout Hackensack on Oct. 3, including street meters and metered spaces in city-owned lots and garages. In severe inclement weather, the festival will move to Saturday, Oct. 10.
Illumination 250 is a project of the Hackensack Performing Arts Center, developed with the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation’s ArtsBergen initiative, Main Street Business Alliance, Greater Bergen Community Action and the city. Funding comes through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s Activation, Revitalization and Transformation program.
For schedules, registration and weather updates, visit illumination250.com. Questions may be directed to artsbergen@nnjcf.org.