HACKENSACK — The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation is inviting residents of all ages to help create giant puppets for Illumination 250, an all-day arts festival celebrating America’s 250th anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 3, in downtown Hackensack.
Free workshops led by artists from the internationally acclaimed Processional Arts will be held Aug. 14-19. Participants will help design and build the oversized puppets that will become the centerpiece of a community parade marching down Main Street during the festival.\
The workshops are open to adults, seniors, teens and children ages 12 and older. Children younger than 12 are welcome when accompanied by an adult. No artistic experience is required, and participants may register for one session or several.
Organizers are also seeking volunteers to march in the parade or serve as “puppet masters,” learning how to operate the large-scale creations. Free training will be provided before the event.
Illumination 250 will expand on Hackensacktoberfest with arts programming throughout downtown, including live performances, family activities, interactive public art installations and a nighttime light show on the Courthouse Green. Events are planned at several locations, including Atlantic Street Park, Anderson Street Park, Banta Place and Demarest Place.
The celebration is a collaboration among the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, Hackensack Performing Arts Center, Main Street Business Alliance, Greater Bergen Community Action and the City of Hackensack. Organizers hope the festival will become an annual event that celebrates the arts while bringing more visitors to the city’s downtown business district.
To register for workshops, volunteer for the parade or learn more about Illumination 250, visit DowntownHackensack.org/illumination250.