People in elaborate, whimsical hats, including a large fish and musical notes, parade down a street lined with brick buildings under a bright sky.

Northern New Jersey Community Foundation

I'm interested in marching in the parade

Estoy interesado en marchar en el desfile

I'm interested in becoming a puppet master

Estoy interesado en convertirme en un Maestro de Marionetas

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1779402821/wysiwyg/a6uj2i2picwozvqqu2ex.png" style="width: 253px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; user-select: none; max-width: 100%; position: relative; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="width: 253px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable"> WALK IN THE ILLUMINATION 250 PUPPET PARADE&nbsp;This October, don&#39;t just watch the parade, BE IN IT.&nbsp; As part of Illumination 250, the County Seat&#39;s citywide celebration of America&#39;s 250th anniversary, community members of all ages are invited to join a once in a lifetime Giant Puppet Parade through downtown Hackensack. Saturday, October 3, 2026 1:30 PM&ndash;4:00 PMMain Street Parade Route:&nbsp; Anderson Street Park &rarr; Atlantic Street Park Together, we&#39;ll celebrate the people, stories, and spirit that make Hackensack unique through giant puppets, music, movement, and imagination. SIGN UP AND CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE:&nbsp; 1. March in the ParadeWalk alongside giant puppets, musicians, artists, and neighbors in this joyful community procession. Whether you&#39;re participating with family, friends, or on your own, everyone is welcome! 2. Become a Puppet Master and Manipulate Puppets in the ParadeLearn how to operate one of spectacular giant puppets and become a puppet master. No experience is necessary&mdash;we&#39;ll provide free training and teach you how to manipulate these incredible creations before the parade. You will need to attend the parade rehearsal and training the afternoon of Thursday, August 20, 5 pm- 6 pm.&nbsp; Why Participate?<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Be part of a once-in-a-generation celebration.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Meet new people and celebrate community.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Experience downtown Hackensack in a whole new way.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Help tell the story of our city&#39;s past, present, and future.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Make unforgettable memories with family and friends.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Whether you&#39;re carrying a puppet, helping bring one to life, or simply marching beside your neighbors, you are part of the story.</li></ul>Everyone is Welcome!Residents of all ages, families, students, community groups, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to participate. No artistic experience is required&mdash;just bring your enthusiasm and community spirit! ------------------------------------------------------------<a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.downtownhackensack.org/illumination250/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Illumination 250</a> is an all-day arts festival happening on October 3, 2026 in celebration of American&rsquo;s 250th Anniversary. It will include:&nbsp;<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Family Fun Day at Anderson Street Park &nbsp;</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">&quot;Quilt Trail&quot;, an Immersive Public Art Installation at Anderson Street Park&nbsp;</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Giant puppet parade down Main Street</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Hackensacktoberfest at Atlantic Street Park</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">MP3 Experiment flash mob</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">all culminating with a light show and projection on the Historic Green.</li></ul>Questions? Contact Danielle at artsbergen@nnjcf.org. Illumination 250, a collaborative project of the&nbsp;<a fr-original-style="text-align: start;" href="https://www.facebook.com/HackensackPerformingArtsCenter?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZarTKjY-lRDwlI9XW5gpwFOqJrmu1uCbjKrvwYCHmufTK2sDRbR0BUAGCQJbW4xDJur5-xLFzX99TkbCG-KNzRULwIRZNs7glY1Zpz6-quJjPlEAKWSMluZroNT1IA0NY9DW5fJcf4i5GA-M2Eyzkn5fOl7FgNTm09BffkhJ9hEqqg0Dozjvem1xX5ZG_YSl54&__tn__=-%5dK-R" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" style="text-align: start; text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Hackensack Performing Arts Center</a>,&nbsp;<a fr-original-style="" href="http://www.nnjcf.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Northern New Jersey Community Foundation&#39;s ArtsBergen</a>, Main Street Business Alliance (<a fr-original-style="text-align: start;" href="https://www.facebook.com/DowntownHackensack?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZarTKjY-lRDwlI9XW5gpwFOqJrmu1uCbjKrvwYCHmufTK2sDRbR0BUAGCQJbW4xDJur5-xLFzX99TkbCG-KNzRULwIRZNs7glY1Zpz6-quJjPlEAKWSMluZroNT1IA0NY9DW5fJcf4i5GA-M2Eyzkn5fOl7FgNTm09BffkhJ9hEqqg0Dozjvem1xX5ZG_YSl54&__tn__=-%5dK-R" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" style="text-align: start; text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Downtown Hackensack</a>),&nbsp;<a fr-original-style="text-align: start;" href="https://www.facebook.com/GreaterBergen?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZarTKjY-lRDwlI9XW5gpwFOqJrmu1uCbjKrvwYCHmufTK2sDRbR0BUAGCQJbW4xDJur5-xLFzX99TkbCG-KNzRULwIRZNs7glY1Zpz6-quJjPlEAKWSMluZroNT1IA0NY9DW5fJcf4i5GA-M2Eyzkn5fOl7FgNTm09BffkhJ9hEqqg0Dozjvem1xX5ZG_YSl54&__tn__=-%5dK-R" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" style="text-align: start; text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Greater Bergen Community Action, Inc. - GBCA</a>, and the&nbsp;<a fr-original-style="text-align: start;" href="https://www.facebook.com/cityofhackensacknj?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZarTKjY-lRDwlI9XW5gpwFOqJrmu1uCbjKrvwYCHmufTK2sDRbR0BUAGCQJbW4xDJur5-xLFzX99TkbCG-KNzRULwIRZNs7glY1Zpz6-quJjPlEAKWSMluZroNT1IA0NY9DW5fJcf4i5GA-M2Eyzkn5fOl7FgNTm09BffkhJ9hEqqg0Dozjvem1xX5ZG_YSl54&__tn__=-%5dK-R" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" style="text-align: start; text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">City of Hackensack, NJ</a>&nbsp;supported by funding through the&nbsp;<a fr-original-style="text-align: start;" href="https://www.facebook.com/NewJerseyEDA?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZarTKjY-lRDwlI9XW5gpwFOqJrmu1uCbjKrvwYCHmufTK2sDRbR0BUAGCQJbW4xDJur5-xLFzX99TkbCG-KNzRULwIRZNs7glY1Zpz6-quJjPlEAKWSMluZroNT1IA0NY9DW5fJcf4i5GA-M2Eyzkn5fOl7FgNTm09BffkhJ9hEqqg0Dozjvem1xX5ZG_YSl54&__tn__=-%5dK-R" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" style="text-align: start; text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">New Jersey Economic Development Authority</a>&#39;s A.R.T.-Phase II Grant Program.

&nbsp;<span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{firstname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip" fr-original-style="" style="color: rgb(42, 42, 196); overflow-wrap: anywhere; user-select: none; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 255); border: 1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255); border-radius: 4px; margin: 0px; padding: 1px 8px; font-size: 11px; display: inline-block; box-sizing: inherit;">First name, Thank you for RSVPing to participate in the Illumination 250 Puppet Parade! Expect to see more details coming in your inbox as we get closer to October 3rd.&nbsp; If you are receiving this before August 19, and are interested in attending a puppet-making workshop click here for more information:&nbsp;<a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/illumination-250-puppet-making-workshops-3" id="isPasted" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/illumination-250-puppet-making-workshops-3</a> We&#39;ll see you soon!Danielle De LaurentisNorthern NJ Community Foundation&#39;s ArtsBergen

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1779402821/wysiwyg/a6uj2i2picwozvqqu2ex.png" style="width:253px;display:block;vertical-align:top;margin:5px auto;text-align:center;cursor:pointer;padding:0px 1px;user-select:none;position:relative;box-sizing:inherit;max-width:100%" /> WALK IN THE ILLUMINATION 250 PUPPET PARADE This October, don't just watch the parade, BE IN IT.  As part of Illumination 250, the County Seat's citywide celebration of America's 250th anniversary, community members of all ages are invited to join a once in a lifetime Giant Puppet Parade through downtown Hackensack. Saturday, October 3, 2026 1:30 PM–4:00 PMMain Street Parade Route:  Anderson Street Park → Atlantic Street Park Together, we'll celebrate the people, stories, and spirit that make Hackensack unique through giant puppets, music, movement, and imagination. SIGN UP AND CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE:  1. March in the ParadeWalk alongside giant puppets, musicians, artists, and neighbors in this joyful community procession. Whether you're participating with family, friends, or on your own, everyone is welcome! 2. Become a Puppet Master and Manipulate Puppets in the ParadeLearn how to operate one of spectacular giant puppets and become a puppet master. No experience is necessary—we'll provide free training and teach you how to manipulate these incredible creations before the parade. You will need to attend the parade rehearsal and training the afternoon of Thursday, August 20, 5 pm- 6 pm.  Why Participate?<ul><li>Be part of a once-in-a-generation celebration.</li><li>Meet new people and celebrate community.</li><li>Experience downtown Hackensack in a whole new way.</li><li>Help tell the story of our city's past, present, and future.</li><li>Make unforgettable memories with family and friends.</li><li>Whether you're carrying a puppet, helping bring one to life, or simply marching beside your neighbors, you are part of the story.</li></ul>Everyone is Welcome!Residents of all ages, families, students, community groups, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to participate. No artistic experience is required—just bring your enthusiasm and community spirit! ------------------------------------------------------------<a href="https://www.downtownhackensack.org/illumination250/" target="_blank">Illumination 250</a> is an all-day arts festival happening on October 3, 2026 in celebration of American’s 250th Anniversary. It will include: <ul><li>Family Fun Day at Anderson Street Park  </li><li>"Quilt Trail", an Immersive Public Art Installation at Anderson Street Park </li><li>Giant puppet parade down Main Street</li><li>Hackensacktoberfest at Atlantic Street Park</li><li>MP3 Experiment flash mob</li><li>all culminating with a light show and projection on the Historic Green.</li></ul>Questions? Contact Danielle at artsbergen@nnjcf.org. Illumination 250, a collaborative project of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HackensackPerformingArtsCenter?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZarTKjY-lRDwlI9XW5gpwFOqJrmu1uCbjKrvwYCHmufTK2sDRbR0BUAGCQJbW4xDJur5-xLFzX99TkbCG-KNzRULwIRZNs7glY1Zpz6-quJjPlEAKWSMluZroNT1IA0NY9DW5fJcf4i5GA-M2Eyzkn5fOl7FgNTm09BffkhJ9hEqqg0Dozjvem1xX5ZG_YSl54&amp;__tn__=-%5dK-R" target="_blank">Hackensack Performing Arts Center</a>, <a href="http://www.nnjcf.org" target="_blank">Northern New Jersey Community Foundation's ArtsBergen</a>, Main Street Business Alliance (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/DowntownHackensack?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZarTKjY-lRDwlI9XW5gpwFOqJrmu1uCbjKrvwYCHmufTK2sDRbR0BUAGCQJbW4xDJur5-xLFzX99TkbCG-KNzRULwIRZNs7glY1Zpz6-quJjPlEAKWSMluZroNT1IA0NY9DW5fJcf4i5GA-M2Eyzkn5fOl7FgNTm09BffkhJ9hEqqg0Dozjvem1xX5ZG_YSl54&amp;__tn__=-%5dK-R" target="_blank">Downtown Hackensack</a>), <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GreaterBergen?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZarTKjY-lRDwlI9XW5gpwFOqJrmu1uCbjKrvwYCHmufTK2sDRbR0BUAGCQJbW4xDJur5-xLFzX99TkbCG-KNzRULwIRZNs7glY1Zpz6-quJjPlEAKWSMluZroNT1IA0NY9DW5fJcf4i5GA-M2Eyzkn5fOl7FgNTm09BffkhJ9hEqqg0Dozjvem1xX5ZG_YSl54&amp;__tn__=-%5dK-R" target="_blank">Greater Bergen Community Action, Inc. - GBCA</a>, and the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cityofhackensacknj?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZarTKjY-lRDwlI9XW5gpwFOqJrmu1uCbjKrvwYCHmufTK2sDRbR0BUAGCQJbW4xDJur5-xLFzX99TkbCG-KNzRULwIRZNs7glY1Zpz6-quJjPlEAKWSMluZroNT1IA0NY9DW5fJcf4i5GA-M2Eyzkn5fOl7FgNTm09BffkhJ9hEqqg0Dozjvem1xX5ZG_YSl54&amp;__tn__=-%5dK-R" target="_blank">City of Hackensack, NJ</a> supported by funding through the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NewJerseyEDA?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZarTKjY-lRDwlI9XW5gpwFOqJrmu1uCbjKrvwYCHmufTK2sDRbR0BUAGCQJbW4xDJur5-xLFzX99TkbCG-KNzRULwIRZNs7glY1Zpz6-quJjPlEAKWSMluZroNT1IA0NY9DW5fJcf4i5GA-M2Eyzkn5fOl7FgNTm09BffkhJ9hEqqg0Dozjvem1xX5ZG_YSl54&amp;__tn__=-%5dK-R" target="_blank">New Jersey Economic Development Authority</a>'s A.R.T.-Phase II Grant Program.

Illumination 250 Puppet Parade Sign Up

&nbsp;<span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{firstname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip" fr-original-style="color: rgb(42, 42, 196); overflow-wrap: anywhere; user-select: none; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 255); border: 1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255); border-radius: 4px; margin: 0px; padding: 1px 8px; font-size: 11px; display: inline-block;" style="color: rgb(42, 42, 196); overflow-wrap: anywhere; user-select: none; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 255); border: 1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255); border-radius: 4px; margin: 0px; padding: 1px 8px; font-size: 11px; display: inline-block; box-sizing: inherit;">Nombre, &iexcl;Gracias por confirmar tu asistencia a participar en el Desfile de Marionetas Iluminaci&oacute;n 250! Espera ver m&aacute;s detalles en tu bandeja de entrada a medida que nos acerquemos al 3 de octubre.&nbsp; Si est&aacute;s recibiendo esto antes del 19 de agosto y est&aacute;s interesado en asistir a un taller de creaci&oacute;n de marionetas, haz clic aqu&iacute; para m&aacute;s informaci&oacute;n:&nbsp;<a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/illumination-250-puppet-making-workshops-3" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/illumination-250-puppet-making-workshops-3</a> &iexcl;Nos vemos pronto!Danielle De LaurentisArtsBergen de la Fundaci&oacute;n Comunitaria del Norte de NJ

ES

Northern New Jersey Community Foundation

Illumination 250 Puppet Parade Sign Up

47 Anderson St

I'm interested in marching in the parade

Free

I'm interested in becoming a puppet master

Free

Add a donation