Welcome to my Unofficial Puppet's Up! Puppet Festival Page!
The opinions expressed here are solely those of a few Balcony Puppeteers
and do not reflect the actual Festival, its organizers, etc., etc.,

As promised, here are some photos of the 2006 festival. Just in time to gear up for 2007's event.
Better late than never I guess. If you'd like your photo removed, be sure to let Allan Martin know.

All photos by Jamie Douglas except for the one below (I'm the bulldog and Will Richardson is the crow).


The Balcony Puppeteers are a very, VERY popular attraction to the festival.

Fire Dancers - SCARY STUFF. They love to perform right as we're getting funny.

Our Parade Head - Wayne Rostad. I think he's there this year, too.

A call for peace?

These tall clowns really move fast!

Puppets come in all sizes... This one breathed fire. Not really.

Ben Durocher of "Ben & Jesse". B-B-B-Benny and the Jessssssss as we shouted down at him from the balcony.

Mike Artelle and 'Crew'. His show was very funny. Dry as dry can be, but very funny.

What an assortment. No one knew who the sombrero'd gentleman was.

Everyone in town get involved! Despite the message in the photo, however, children do not gamble in Almonte.

This woman is going to use this bike to fly across the big, treacherous river in Almonte.

Puppet Wrangler Vicki Veenstra. Now I don't know what a 'wrangler' is, but apparently she's one. 
I mean, I remember the 80's Wrangler jeans, but I didn't wear them. I wonder if Vicki wore them. I'll have to ask.

Lots of talents found here... I hate watching people do this. I always think they're going to hurt them selves. LOOK OUT!

Steven Brathwaite and Jacob Bluejay. I was trying to get Bob Stutt and Iggy too, but Bob hit me in the nose until I cried. That's not true.

Finally, the First Ladies of Almonte Puppetdom, Noreen Young and Gloria Gopher
  • Main Puppet Page
  • The Balcony Puppeteers
  • Puppet Theatre
  • Courses in Almonte

  • Here are some highlights from the 2005 festival.
    All photos below by John Major, Head of Photography, The Ottawa Citizen.
    Check out the Official Puppet's Up Web site!


    Many assorted entertainers gathered in Almonte on one of the hottest week-ends of the year. 
    Not a cloud in the sky and smiles everywhere
    Jay Cola Cola got to meet the mayor of Almonte and some key business owners in the lovely town.

    The talented Mary O'Reiley with her friend 'Deter' and Jay hamming it up for the camera. Mary and I worked the Puppet Improv Booth, put in long hours mocking the crowds and singing on the balconies of the old buildings and performed in the Evening Cabaret. She and I continue to sharpen our dynamic in various Noreen Young Productions.


    Max Keeping and his 'Mini-Me'.

    Allan Martin (operating the rat, left) and I (operating the crow) performed impromptu songs to the crowds below with the help of head microphones, additional hand operator sand some of my favourite karaoke tracks! Here we are singing our Queen parody "We Are the... Scavengers!"

    The Mayor of Almonte and his Mini-Me.

    Here is an innocent women looking confused about her new... friend. 
    Who doesn't love a parade?! Max is in a mini MG leading the dozens of international performers down the beautiful streets of my new favourite town. I hope there will be a 2006 Festival!