Drake Neighborhood ASSOCIATION |
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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 2025 from 7-10 pm and join us at the corner of Kingman Blvd. and 28th Street.
Sign up for notifications about the event here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScg9VgqftN0parN6yc2j4dUXbcxUkI_ak_BtDhVdMs_CE9N9w/viewform?usp=header
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 Kingsman 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? Sign up to participate here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScg9VgqftN0parN6yc2j4dUXbcxUkI_ak_BtDhVdMs_CE9N9w/viewform?usp=heade
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. Arts and Crafts vendors will be announced soon!
There are many ways to participate:
· Be in the Parade – Lantern Workshops are being offered in the run-up to the parade in July. Sign up here to receive notifications of when these will occur: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScg9VgqftN0parN6yc2j4dUXbcxUkI_ak_BtDhVdMs_CE9N9w/viewform?usp=header
· Watch the Parade – The parade route is on Kingman Blvd from 25th Street to 31st 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 above to volunteer.
It will be magical!
Sponsored by Invest DSM, Group Creatives, the Drake Neighborhood Association, and the Polk County Board of Supervisors.