FestiFools expanding with new nighttime event, 'FoolMoon'
Crowds fill the streets for last year's FestiFools celebration. FestiFools returns on April 3 this year, but a new, evening event is being added April 1.
AnnArbor.com file photo
FestiFools, the annual parade of giant puppets that has quickly become a favorite downtown Ann Arbor event, has announced a major twist for its fifth year: a new, related event called FoolMoon.
Fool Moon —Â set for dusk on Friday night, April 1 — is described as a procession of illuminated sculptures through the streets of downtown Ann Arbor. FestiFools itself will return 4-5 p.m. Sunday, April 3.
Reads the announcement: "Local artists and community members will create hundreds of glowing handmade sculptural lanterns in preparation for this spectacular illuminated extravaganza. FoolMooners will gather at four equally distant constellation stations (locations to be announced at a later date) and proceed to West Washington Street in time for the musical and shadow puppet shows."
Anyone interested in participating in FoolMoon is asked to contact organizers for details via the FestiFools website, festifools.org; or to come to a lantern-making workshops at Workantile Exchange, 118 S. Main St., every Sunday in March from 10 am to 5 pm.
For an idea of what the event will look like, here is a similar event in the UK:
Organizers produced a how-to video on making a lantern. A limited number of lantern kits are expected to be available soon at local retailers.
Comments
Dog Guy
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 : 9:24 p.m.
Yeah, Sure. We show up on April ! and all there is is someone yelling, "April Fool!"
Myra Klarman
Sun, Feb 13, 2011 : 6:11 p.m.
For updates on FoolMoon and FestiFools, join the FestiFools facebook page: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/FestiFools?ref=ts" rel='nofollow'>http://www.facebook.com/FestiFools?ref=ts</a>
ShadowManager
Sun, Feb 13, 2011 : 6:10 p.m.
The city should allow open alcohol and let the restaurants all sell 'to go" cups. It would be awesome.
bugjuice
Mon, Feb 14, 2011 : 1:13 a.m.
It would be chaos and a huge FAIL. Keep alcohol in the bars and off the streets. It's bad enough when some folks get a few too many beers in them. Adding alcohol to a street party is a bad mix.
David Briegel
Sun, Feb 13, 2011 : 5:06 p.m.
Masked Fools In The Dark! OOoooohhhh!! Can't Wait!
Patti Smith
Sun, Feb 13, 2011 : 4:28 p.m.
This is a great idea! I can't wait!! :)
Spooner
Sun, Feb 13, 2011 : 4:20 p.m.
I was part of last year's parade, which I totally enjoyed. From the size and reaction of the crowds, of all ages, it was a big hit. A night time version sounds like a great idea. Hope to see you there.