Press Release

Monday, October 5, 2009 spiralq@spiralq.org

Join The Parade! Celebrate Spiral Q’s 10th Anniversary of Peoplehood

Spiral Q Puppet Theater Celebrates a 10-Year Tradition of Using Parades and Giant Puppetry to Reflect and Investigate Community Concerns

Spiral Q Puppet Theater Presents the 10th Annual Peoplehood Parade and Pageant on Saturday, October 17 at 1 PM. The Parade starts at the Paul Robeson House (4951 Walnut) and marches through West Philadelphia to Clark Park (45th & Chester) for the Pageant at 2 PM. Nearly 500 people of all ages will be marching, dancing, and carrying giant colorful puppets, flags, and drums during the parade. Once the parade arrives at Clark Park, the giant puppet performance begins.

What in the year 2000 was new, mysterious and even outlandish has now evolved into a much anticipated, treasured, quintessential Philadelphia event. The parade is celebratory, unifying and a cherished form of community building that appeals to neighbors throughout the city. Just as Philadelphia loves its Phillies’ and New Year’s Day parades, Peoplehood is another opportunity for everyone to join in the spectacle and fun of marching in a parade. Everyone is welcome to join the parade. Contact Spiral Q at 215-222-6979 to find out how.

Peoplehood calls Philadelphians to come together and respond to the issues of the day. Last year, as residents were immersed in one of the most compelling elections of our lifetime, Peoplehood enabled hundreds of people to reflect on our democratic traditions and the electoral process in the creation of a fascinating parade and pageant. When our homicide rates reached all-time highs several years ago, Peoplehood allowed community members to respond. This year, as the economic recession penetrates and touches our city, Peoplehood has allowed hundreds of people to think, reflect, react and create compelling concepts and imagery that will be shared in giant form. Each year the Peoplehood Parade and Pageant takes on a different character, but ultimately, is a festive, extravagant celebration put forth by some of our city’s most creative individuals and communities.

Spiral Q invites everyone to take part in this spectacular Philadelphia tradition! As we all face challenges at home, in the workplace and in our neighborhoods, Peoplehood is sure to provide a welcome relief with this free and joyous opportunity to see a magical giant puppet parade and performance in the streets of Philadelphia.