Ann Arbor to celebrate 20 years of festivals with giant puppet parade on Main Street

Ann Arbor’s long-running festival tradition will mark its 20th anniversary with a puppet parade and community arts events on Main Street, the city’s FYI program said.

Host Dana Denha described the festival’s history and community role, saying the event started in 2007 and was founded by Mark Tucker. "Anyone can make a puppet. Anyone who wants to join can make a puppet and participate," Denha said, describing large student‑led puppets that interact with crowds and invite family participation. The host encouraged viewers to "Don't just see it, be it," and announced celebrations on April 12 at 4:00 p.m. on Main Street and an illumination event on April 10 at dusk during the full moon.

Why it matters: The parade was presented as a longstanding civic arts tradition that engages University of Michigan students, local volunteers and families and that serves as a public showcase for community art and hands‑on making.

What to know: The show noted that about 19 university students in the EMF class collaborate with community members in papier‑mâché and painting to prepare giant puppets for the parade; organizers emphasized movement and audience interaction. The program also encouraged public attendance and participation.

Where to go: The host directed people to the Main Street downtown parade on April 12 and to the full‑moon illumination two nights earlier.