We’re Off to See the Wizard: Costume & Puppet Parade

Featuring designs and accessory & mask-making workshops led by Clelia Scala

Photo by Two Blue Shirts Productions

Join the Wizard of Oz Costume & Puppet Parade in Port Hope, Ontario, celebrating the Vintage Film Festival’s 30th Anniversary. Featuring artist-led workshops, a costume & puppet parade, and a screening of the 1939 film.

Parade Date/Time: October 20, 2023, 6:00 PM
Film Screening: October 20, 2023, 7:30 PM
Workshop Dates: September 23, October 6 & 7, 2023
Various Locations: Cobourg & Port Hope, Ontario
Register for Workshops, Parade, and Buy Wizard of Oz Tickets here

The Wizard of Oz was first seen at The Capitol Theatre in 1939… Follow the yellow brick road with us on October 20th to experience it on the BIG screen again, in the very same place!

In celebration of the Vintage Film Festival’s 30th Anniversary, Critical Mass Art and Two Blue Shirts Productions, have partnered with Marie Dressler Foundation, to create a special all ages Community Event – a Wizard of Oz themed Costume & Puppet Parade that will take place throughout downtown Port Hope.

You are invited to join a procession of whimsical and illuminated Wizard of Oz themed puppets and characters designed by visual artist and celebrated puppet maker – Clelia Scala. Northumberland’s La Jeunesse Choirs will also be onsite to perform a medley of scores from the iconic Wizard of Oz soundtrack.

All are welcome to participate in and observe this parade, however only Wizard of Oz ticket holders will be able to see the film at The Capitol Theatre. Tickets for the film will sell fast, so be sure to purchase yours in advance. Youth 25 & under receive FREE tickets. All tickets (paid and free) must be reserved through The Capitol’s online ticketing system.

Come dressed in your own costumes, or make your own accessories & masks at one of three workshops, leading up to the parade. All ages and skill levels are welcome to attend.

To help ensure there are enough accessories and supplies for all who wish to participate in the parade and workshops, registration is encouraged.

Sign-up for a Workshop; Participate in the Parade; and Buy and reserve your Tickets to see the Wizard of Oz, today! Registration, parade and ticket details here.

Screen capture from Two Blue Shirts Productions video

Register for one of three Artist-led Workshops with artist Clelia Scala:

#1. Parade accessories & Mask-Making
Saturday, September 23, 2023
Drop in hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Cobourg Community Centre, Spoolon Room, 759 D’Arcy Street, Cobourg, ON
Suggested donation to help cover material costs: $10/pp, $25/family, or PWYC

At this workshop we plan to make a critical mass of accessories to animate the costume parade. Poppies on sticks, Lollipop staffs, Glinda the Good Witch crowns & wands, Dorthy’s house lanterns, Ruby slippers on sticks, Tornados on sticks, Glowing Emerald City hats and more!

#2. Worbla Mask-Making Workshop
Friday, October 6, 2023
6:00 PM – 8:00/9:00 PM
Jack Burger Sports Complex, Community Rm, 60 Highland Drive, Port Hope, ON
Suggested donation to help cover material costs: $25/pp or PWYC

Learn how to design and build your own Wizard of Oz worbla masks! Made from 100% recyclable material, Worbla is a line of non-toxic thermoplastics that has a wide range of applications. It is often used by crafters, cosplayers, and sculptors.

#3. Parade accessories & Mask-Making
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Drop in hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Capitol Theatre, Sculthorpe Room, 20 Queen Street, Port Hope, ON
Suggested donation to help cover material costs: $10/pp, $25/family, or PWYC

At this workshop we plan to make and paint more accessories (similar to the first workshop) for the costume parade. We will also be putting some finishing touches on flying monkey puppets, masks for the lion, scarecrow and tin man, and may need help with some of the bigger puppets.

About Critical Mass Art
Critical Mass: A Centre for Contemporary Art is a Port Hope-based not-for-profit visual arts organization dedicated to creating and presenting contemporary art experiences that build a vibrant and more inclusive community for all.

Land acknowledgement
Critical Mass operates on the traditional territory of the Mississauga Nations. We are grateful for the privilege to work, create, and present art on these lands, which the Williams Treaties First Nations have been and continue to be the stewards and caretakers of.

Critical Mass Art
Little Station (on Lent Lane)
15 Elias St, Port Hope, ON
criticalmassart.com
info@criticalmassart.com
905-269-2120

Facebook @CriticalMassPortHope
Instagram @CriticalMassArt
Twitter @CriticalMassArt

Accessibility:
The Little Station is a partially-accessible facility. There are no washrooms onsite, however town facilities are close by and available. The Parade route will take place mostly on closed roads, with a short initial portion of the journey on grass (an alternate route is available). For more information, visit our webpage.

Event presented by:
Marie Dressler Foundation, Critical Mass Art, and Two Blue Shirts Productions

Special performance by:
La Jeunesse Choirs

Presenting Sponsor:
Tammy Archer Re/Max Lakeshore Realty Inc. Brokerage

With generous support from:
Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund
Spark Toy Store Cobourg
Schuuz
Ganaraska Brewing Co.
Schmidt Law Legal Services
Racine Financial
Staples Cobourg
Rick & Betsy Miller