Due to predictions of thunderstorms Friday afternoon and evening, the Drake Neighborhood Association has decided to postpone the Magic of the Night event to Saturday, July 12 from 7:00 - 10:00 pm. We will have the same location, schedule, events, food, music, and vendors as before. We didn't want it to rain our our parade.

If you see this message, please share it with neighbors and friends. The event will go on Saturday, July 12 from 7:00 - 10:00 pm.

The Thursday (7/10) night lantern making event at xBk Annex was held as scheduled. Turnout at these events has been wonderful, and we want to see these lanterns at the parade Saturday.

We will be reaching out to volunteers to help ensure you can still participate. If you are now able to participate, kindly use the SignUp Genius link below. Feel free to contact Spencer at spencer.richardsonjones@gmail.com if you have questions.

The Drake Neighborhood Association is very excited to announce the return of the Magic of the Night Lantern Parade and Night Market. Mark your calendars for Friday, July 11th from 7:00 - 10:00pm  join us at the corner of Kingman Blvd. and 28th Street.

Sign up to volunteer for the event and register for workshops: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0A45A8AD2AA4FF2-57342853-drake

Brant Bollman, the director of Theatre Arts at William Penn University and puppetmaster at Uplifting Puppet Co., will be back leading the parade once more—but this time with additional guests from our community. Bollman and Group Creatives are collaborating with members of the Drake neighborhood in Des Moines to create additional creatures of the night puppets to participate in the parade. The evening will also feature another Night Market with an eclectic mix of vendors, culinary delights, and captivating entertainment, culminating in a mesmerizing lantern puppet parade down Kingman Boulevard.

The Parade:


Central to the parade will be the return of a magnificent Moon Goddess puppet crafted by Bollman and his team of students and neighborhood creatives. This stunning focal point of last year’s parade will be joined by additional creatures of the night: moths, owls, and more, all created in the Drake Neighborhood by residents. Music, dancers, and members of the community are invited to join in this shared endeavor. Interested in helping us build these puppets or joining us at a lantern-building workshop? Use the link above to register. 

The Night Market:


This unique shopping experience will offer you a chance to shop local artists, listen to music, visit with neighbors, as well sample local cuisine before and after the parade. Here are the artists that will be participating this year:

Runcile Fine Art  • Ava Ellsworth • Colorblind Press 

La Galería de Mela •  Shardai’s Krafts •  Toni Corbett 

Sapphire Dreamin •  Gazzo Galleries 

Abby’s Rad Art •  Candace Camling Illustration

DesignCornerDSM 

Daydream Jewelz • Art of Dawn •  Amor, La Luna 

Dandelion Creations •  Mythik Art

There are many ways to participate:

·       Be in the Parade – Giant Puppet and Lantern Workshops are being offered in the run-up to the parade. Here is a list of workshops we'll be offering so that you can be involved.

Giant Parade Puppet Workshops:

  • Event 1: Sunday, June 22, 2-4 pm at 1012 38th St. Help build a giant glow worm for the night of the parade. Contact spencer.richardsonjones@gmail.com to register!
  • Event 2: Saturday, June 28, 3:30 to 5:30 pm at 1318 39th St. Help create a giant luna moth that we'll carry on the night of the parade. Contact spencer.richardsonjones@gmail.com to register!
Lantern Building Workshops:
  • Saturday, June 28th at LSI Global Greens Farmer's market from 10-11:30 am
  • Sunday, July 6th at Lucky Horse (2331 University Ave) from 2:30 - 4:00 pm on the patio
  • Tuesday, July 8th at xBK (1159 24th St) from 6:00 - 7:30 pm
  • Thursday, July 10th at Dough Co (2330 University Ave) from 6:00 - 7:30 pm

·       Watch the Parade – The parade route is on Kingman Blvd from 25th Street to 29th Street.  Grab a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy the magic!

·       Shop the Night Market – The Night Market will be at 2718 Kingman Blvd (Studio AU).  You can enjoy music, food and be surrounded by art and neighbors!

·       Volunteer – We will need lots of people to help with set-up, direct traffic, and clean-up. This event would not have been a success last year without help from neighbors. Please, consider volunteering however you can—even a small commitment helps this event succeed. Click on the link to volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0A45A8AD2AA4FF2-57342853-drake


It will be magical!

Sponsored by Invest DSM, Group Creatives, the Drake Neighborhood Association, and the Polk County Board of Supervisors.

 


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