by Brent Eades
The weather was almost ideal for the first full day of Almonte’s internationally renowned Puppets Up festival, with temperatures in the low 20s and a mix of sun and cloud. Parking was hard to find within many blocks of downtown as the day progressed and a steady stream of visitors descended on the town.
The festival was founded a decade ago by local resident Noreen Young, who was awarded the Order of Canada in 1994 for her use of puppetry “to educate children on such crucial issues as safety, nutrition, environmental awareness and addictions. She also delighted adults and children alike with her puppets Iggy, Jacob and Gloria in “Under the Umbrella Tree”, the popular television show she produced.”
The festival continues on Sunday, with a full slate of performers in venues around Old Town Hall and Mill Street.
