Come Early! Stay Late!

Here are special events which will take place right before and after the Puppeteers of America national festival which runs July 24 through July 30 in St. Paul, Minnesota. How to sign up: Send the Festival Registrar the name of the event(s) and the names of those who will be attending. Full payment must be made by June 1st.

Saturday Evening July 23
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

By a happy coincidence, the touring company of the Little Shop of Horrors will be in the Twin Cities, finishing its run just before the Festival begins.

We've reserved a block of tickets. Cost will be $80 per person, which includes transportation to the Orpheum Theater in downtown Minneapolis.

This event is open to Festival registrants, on a first come/first served basis.

You should plan your arrival on campus so your registration process can be completed in time to leave for the theater. The show is at 8 PM, and the buses will leave Concordia about 7 PM. You will need to opt for an extra night of lodging at Concordia - July 23.

Saturday, July 30
DAY TRIP TO BAIRD EXHIBIT

Take a short trip to Mason City, Iowa to see the MacNider Museum's permanent display of Baird Marionettes. Bil Baird called Mason City one of his home towns, and arranged for the Museum to have more than 300 of his marionettes, including the original puppets used in The Sound of Music.

Travel will be by chartered bus (about 2 1/2 hours each way). Cost: $35. Includes transportation and a lunch in Mason City.

This event is open to Festival registrants, on a first come/ first served basis.

Planning tip: We expect the bus to be back to Concordia University by 6 PM. If you wish to take this day trip, you will be able to extend your stay in the dorm through Saturday night, July 30.

Go to the festival web site http://www.puppetfest2005.org to get more information and to register.