On Sunday, February 23rd, as a part of the worldwide Mardi Gras celebrations, and as a kick-off to the Fremont Solstice Parade planning season, the Fremont Arts Council (FAC) will take to the street with miniature floats and plenty of party-spirit – and everyone, of all ages, can participate!
Petit Troll is an easily accessible, flash-mob-style creative celebration. Every year, FAC volunteers and the general public, builds a squadron of mini-floats. Taking large, wheeled toys, they decorate and gee-gah enhance them into works of mini-art that can be pulled through the street. Some participants also bring decorated umbrellas, and strings of beads to toss to the spectators.
The FAC will host one more FREE public workshop – on Saturday, February 22nd from 1p to 4:30p, in The Powerhouse – open to all-ages. Attendees can build floats (maybe bring your own base – a wheeled cardboard box or a Tonka truck – just know wider is better but none can be larger than a wine crate,) decorate umbrellas (BYOB – bring your own bumbershoot, please,) and create a Mardi Gras mask. The workshop is free, but bring gee-gahs and glittery items for decorating, or snacks, or a donation, and build your karma!
It is not necessary to attend a workshop to participate in the Petit Troll Parade on Sunday, Feb 23rd. Anyone can take part:
- Dress in colorful, celebratory Mardi Gras gear
- Gather at 11a at the FAC Booth of the Fremont Sunday Market
- Parade for a few blocks, circle back to the start part
- Join your favorite FAC-ers after the Petit Troll for a party at a local watering hole (may be 21+ only. Sorry kids.)
For anyone who doesn’t have their own miniature float, there will be some available for pulling. For those uncomfortable being a part of the action, volunteers will be needed to hand-out FAC info – and take photos.
At Noon on Sunday, February 23rd, the FAC will be launching a Petit Troll procession, pulling mini-floats through the Fremont Market – and you are invited to dance along. Come play with them!!