Every summer since 1956, Fairyland has been proud to host a world-class celebration of puppetry. This year, Fairyland is celebrating 75 years and Puppet Fair is a 2-day event, Aug 23-24. Fairyland is an important hub for the puppet community, and has been a training ground for many now famous puppeteers, including Frank Oz, Jerry Juhl (Muppets) Tony Urbano (Men In Black, etc.) local artists Randal Metz, Kevin Menegus, and many others. Puppet Fair is a wonderful opportunity to meet other puppet enthusiasts, see great shows and share your love of the art with others.
Volunteer! For decades, the SFBAPG has helped at Puppet Fair. Because this is their anniversary celebration, we are participating on both Sat & Sun, with a Make-a-Puppet booth, walkaround puppet greeters and a Guild Puppet Info booth. Please help by signing up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0A44ACAE2AA7F49-57426169-volunteers. We hope all Guild members will volunteer a bit of time.
Membership: Admission to Fairyland is free to Guild members. The membership list is given to Fairyland for admission. If your membership has lapsed, please renew before 08/20 at https://sfbapg.org/membership/.
Entry Info: There are 2 entrance times. 10:30 & 12:30. Our host, Maria Rodriguez of Fairyland will meet us at the front entrance by the Big Shoe. Please arrive at least 5 minutes beforehand. Maria will check your name off her list, so we can enter on time. If you miss the 10:30 or 12:30 guild entrance, your name will be on a list at the box office for entry. If you have any trouble, ask the park attendant at the entrance to call Maria, who will come get you.
If you are bringing guests, they should buy tickets in advance and then tickets will be scanned at the gate.
Contact: If you have problems or questions, especially at Puppet Fair, contact Lee Armstrong (Guild Secretary) by phone or text 707 738-5906.
Guild Meeting & After Party: There will be a short guild meeting on Sat., after the 4pm show in the Cinderella area right next to the puppet theater. Come hear the latest puppet news and gather as a group.
If you can stay a bit longer, the Puppet Fair After Party called Puppet People Potluck starts at 4:45pm in the Merry Meadow located right next to the puppet theater. It’s a chance for past and present Fairyland puppeteers, Puppet Fair performers, Guild & Driveway Follies friends to gather together for an evening of snacks and conversation. Please bring something to share.
Join us for one magical weekend of puppet fun!
More info transportation, parking, etc. at https://fairyland.org/visit/#hours-admission
More info on Puppet Fair shows at https://fairyland.org/event-calendar/puppet-fair-weekend/
Full Schedule of Shows: please note that Elizabeth Luce with “Splashy Sea Saga” is NOT going to be able to make it to the Puppet Fair this year. Replacement TBA.
Saturday, August 23:
11:00 – “What Makes a King” by Children’s Fairyland (Maya legend-Puppets and script by Randal Metz)
11:20 – Puppet Playdate hosted by Quercus in the Merry Meadow
12:00 – Vaudeville Follies Fratello Marionettes
1:00 – “Little Red Riding Hood” by Puppet Art Theater Co.
2:00 – TBA
2:30 – Puppet Playdate hosted by Quercus in the Merry Meadow
3:00 – Bob Baker Marionette Theater
4:00 – “What Makes a King” by Children’s Fairyland
Sunday, August 24:
11:00 – “What Makes a King”
11:20 – Puppet Playdate hosted by Quercus in the Merry Meadow
12:00 – “Puppet Lady”
1:00 – “Three Little Pigs” by Magical Moonshine Theatre
2:00 – TBA
2:30 – Puppet Playdate hosted by Quercus in the Merry Meadow
3:00 – Bob Baker Marionette Theater
4:00 – “What Makes a King” by Children’s Fairyland
The Puppet Fair is made possible in part by a grant from the Cook/Marks Fund.