It’s Lean! It’s Green! It’s a Parading Machine!
The Phoenix Annual Parade of the Arts Returns to Downtown, November 14, 2009

As described by the Phoenix New Times, who voted PAPA “Best Parade” in 2008, The Phoenix Annual Parade of the Arts “…has been a lively and fanciful showcase of costumed revelers, crazy antics, and artistic endeavors…a memorable experience.” Now in its fourth year, Phoenix Annual Parade of the Arts (PAPA) celebrates “Lean, Green Parading Machine” in a free celebration on Saturday, November 14, 2009 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. As in years past, PAPA inspires members of the community to march together in unique costumes and man powered floats that represent themselves, their family, their organization or their business. PAPA 2009 invites everyone to scratch their creative itch with their best green theme masks, costumes and floats. The parade coordinator, Dr. Rev. Stephen Strange explains “This year we are emphasizing one of the parade’s originals goals; to get people out of their cars and experience the streets of Phoenix in an immediate and joyful way. Plus, ‘green’ can have many different interpretations. Perhaps some people will make a float out of recycled material. Maybe others will show up as sea foam colored fairies and monsters. People talk about how the parade gives them a sense of pride in downtown Phoenix. We want people to be as creative as possible in showing ownership for this city.”

Kicking off the evening’s activities, PAPA 2009 will host two stages of events. On the main stage, PAPA features popular local bands Dry River Yacht Club at 5pm and Fatigo at 6pm. between the musical acts, members of the Strange Family Circus are sure to shock and amaze at various times throughout the evening. Starting at 5:30pm, the “Of the Earth” sponsored side stage showcases family entertainment including dance troupe Spell, Arizona Puppet Guild, storytellers and more. Local artist and musician Tom Cooper will lead the kids drum jam while Nathan from Fire Light Industries and Chase Archer will gather a juggling and dance circle. Members of the Bhakti Gardens will head the children’s procession throughout the site with their brilliant, interactive dragon. Street entertainment from Clown Man Arizona, Magic and Balloons and Courtney Odom’s face painting compliment the hands on activities with Babs McDonald’s marching toys workshop, puppet making, float decorating and Djentrification’s sidewalk chalk. The parade itself requires no registration; however, all who wish to compete in the contests are required to sign up prior to the procession. A registration booth is available at the parade starting at 5pm, or sign up online at www.phoenixannualparadeofthearts.com. 

Of course, the Phoenix Annual Parade of the Arts would not be complete without the open to the public, community based parade. This year, Grupo Liberdade return to lead the journey through the Roosevelt Arts district, accompanied by Phoenix Stiltwakers. Parade route maps are available online at www.downtownphoenix.com. Following the procession, Grupo Liberdade will perform a samba finale on the PAPA main stage. Concluding the evening, PAPA will award best float, costume, group, bike and “cute” (typically kids or pets.) “In years past, I’ve been very impressed with the entries for the PAPA awards. What I saw done with pool noodles last year was truly amazing” says Parade Coordinator Dr. Rev. Stephen Strange. “I am very excited to see what the community will construct this year.”

 

 Headquartered at Fifth Street, between Roosevelt and Garfield Streets, PAPA kicks off with pre-procession events from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Performances by professional artists and creative activities for kids and adults alike, are featured events. At 7 p.m., the community based, open to the public, pedestrian and bike arts procession will begin, making a loop through the streets of Downtown Phoenix lead by the infectious drumming of local samba band Grupo Liberdade. Everyone is encouraged to march as individuals or groups and compete for awards in the costume and float contests. So bring the kids, some noise makers, pets on a leash and your neighbor who knits those fabulous scarves to enjoy a evening of live music, dance, theatre, fine arts and a view of Downtown Phoenix from outside your car.
The Phoenix Annual Parade of the Arts celebrates the arts and culture that are a vital part of a metropolitan downtown. The Phoenix Annual Parade of the Arts is presented by Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, The Downtown Phoenix Partnership and the Strange Family Circus.

Who: The Phoenix Annual Parade of the Arts (PAPA)
When: November 14, 2009, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (procession at 7 p.m.)
What: “The World’s Only Parading Arts Fair 2009: Lean, Green Parading Machine”
Where: Fifth Street and Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, AZ
(With procession through Downtown Phoenix)

For more information, visit www.downtownphoenix.com or call 602-495-1500.