Day of Puppetry Saturday JUNE 4

Our 3rd annual Day of Puppetry is fast approaching.

This year, we are bringing Peter and Debbie Allen's Parasol Puppets from Trenton, Mo. Peter will be performing his hysterically funny "Pied Piper." Peter wears the stage. You have to see it. He'll also do one of two workshops. (We think it's called "Cat and Rats!" but we're not positive.)

Dave Herzog, a Chicago puppeteer, will perform "Dragon Tales and Knight Time." Dave performs with large marionettes cabaret style, that is, in full view of the audience. His shows are always a good time.

Pam Corcoran, of Stevens Point, Wis., will return to present a workshop on sock puppets.

And the Fever River Puppeteers will perform "A Witch Named Hazel." It's the winning story in our annual Children's Puppet Playwriting Contest. Josh is a sixth grader from Platteville, Wis., and a second time winner. Another of his stories won 2 years ago. We'll be presenting this story on our marionette stage.

Last on the bill will be the puppet parade outside our front door (weather permitting). Be prepared to hoist a giant puppet, if you've a mind to and the some upper body strength! Or help someone else. This is a participatory parade. Kids who made puppets in the workshops will want to march around, too.

We're hoping for some musical accompaniment from nearby Southwestern Wis. H.S. and we're working on a root beer float concession for the afternoon. This year, lunch will be on your own.

Here's the schedule:

The Fever River Puppeteers present:

A Day of Puppetry

9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, June 4

Hazel Green Opera House

2130 Main St., Hazel Green, WI

FREE! (Donations accepted)

10 a.m.: “The Pied Piper,” by Parasol Puppets

11 a.m.: Sock Puppet Workshop (UMC Hall)

12:30 p.m.: “Dragon Days & Knight Time,” Herzog Marionettes

1:30 p.m.: Cats & Rats! Workshop (UMC Hall)

3 p.m.: “A Witch Named Hazel,” play contest winner

3:45 p.m.: Puppet Parade on Main Street