Color, Creativity, and Community Take Center Stage at the Uplifting Puppet Parade

Oskaloosa, Iowa – April 25, 2025 — Oskaloosa town square will burst into life this summer with towering puppets, handmade costumes, and joyful music as the Uplifting Puppet Parade makes its grand debut on Saturday, June 14th at 2:00 p.m. during the annual Art on the Square festival.

Organized by the Uplifting Puppet Company in partnership with Oskaloosa Main Street, this one-of-a-kind event celebrates community, creativity, and togetherness through the whimsical magic of large-scale puppetry. The theme for the 2025 parade is “Fins and Feathers”—and everyone is invited to create a puppet, costume, or banner inspired by the world of fish and birds.

“This isn’t just a parade—it’s a creative movement,” says Brant Bollman, Director of Theatre Arts at William Penn University and Creative Director of the Uplifting Puppet Company. “We’re building more than puppets. We’re building bridges between people, generations, and ideas. Art has the power to uplift, and this parade is a joyful expression of that belief.”

Bollman is teaming up with Piper Smith, a Minneapolis-based puppet maker and performer known for her work with Barebones, a renowned company specializing in outdoor puppetry and performance art spectaculars. Together, they are creating two massive centerpiece puppets: a giant fish and a giant bird, which will be showcased in the parade.

Kicking off at 2:00 p.m. on June 14th, the parade will reinvigorate the afternoon of Art on the Square with an explosion of creativity and community spirit.

In the lead-up to the big day, a number of community engagement events are planned:

Artist Reception & Meet and Greet: Join Brant Bollman, Piper Smith, and fellow artists on May 29th from 6:00–9:00 p.m. at the Oskaloosa Art Center.

George Daily Youth Theatre Camp will host a special week of puppet-building fun June 2nd–6th, giving kids hands-on experience with large-scale puppetry.

Additional puppet-making workshops for all ages will be announced soon.

Day-of Projects at Art on the Square: Join us on June 14th for last-minute opportunities to create your own feathered or finned creation. Stop by and be part of the parade fun!

Dozens of arts and culture organizations are already crafting parade entries using Take-it-and-Make-it kits and online tutorials developed in collaboration with the William Penn University Department of New Media. The best part? These kits are pay what you can, making participation accessible for all. If you’re a community group—such as a 4-H club, PFLAG chapter, church group, or YMCA summer camp—and you’d like to get involved, reach out to Brant Bollman to receive your kit and be part of the fun.

The event is partially funded by a grant from the Iowa Arts Council, which now operates under the Iowa Department of Economic Development, and a generous grant from the Mahaska County Community Foundation (MCCF).

Everyone is welcome—whether to walk in the parade, create a puppet, or simply cheer from the sidewalk. More details will be posted soon on the Uplifting Puppet Company’s website and social media pages.