BRIGHAM CITY — Locals can enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables while their kids discover some new art ideas in Brigham City on Saturday, Aug. 13, at a Puppets in the City event held in tandem with the city’s farmers market.

Brigham City Fine Arts director Susan Neidert has often organized the puppet event in area parks, but this year, it will be moved inside just a few doors down from the farmers market in the Union Block Building in downtown Brigham City, at 57 S. Main.

 “We will be able to enjoy the air conditioning and have some space to spread out,” Neidert said in a phone interview Monday. 

The upstairs will be used for puppet shows and workshops, and the downstairs will host demonstrations and vendors. “The farmers market people told us we could make it a kids day,” Neidert said. She plans to hold a puppet parade to the farmers market.

Neidert said it has been great to watch so many puppet experts come together for the day. Puppet makers are coming from Salt Lake City to sell puppet-making wares. A friend, Eunice Wright, has just written a book on puppet making and will be demonstrating some sack puppets from her book. “She has offered to come up and share what she does, and we are excited about that,” Neidert said. 

West Haven resident Alan Griffin will perform his solo puppet show,”Griffinosity.” His show tells a rhyming story that is very popular with the kids, she said.

Those in puppetry classes will also have a chance to show off their work from this summer in puppet shows throughout the day.

PREVIEW:

WHAT: Puppets in the City

WHEN: 9  a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 13

WHERE: Union Block Building, 57 S. Main St., Brigham City

ADMISSION: Free

Paradise Puppet Works, a puppetry group from Paradise, will present puppet shows throughout the day as well.

Neidert will teach visitors how to string a marionette, and a basic class on turning a stuffed animal into a puppet will be offered. “There are some stuffed animals that it is really easy to make into a puppet, and we will show people how to put in a mouth in an easy way,” Neidert said. 

In addition to puppets, princesses will be on hand for pictures and autographs. A clown and magic show has been added into the day’s festivities, Neidert said, as well as face painting..

“It will be a great day for kids to come explore, and also for families,” she said.

Neidert points out that Puppets in the City will be a great place for teachers to get some tips on using puppets in the classroom.

“It doesn’t take long for the kids to work with puppets, and it breaks up the day. There are so many things that can be taught through this art,” Neidert said.