For the past  28 years, Artistic Director of the Parade, Jeanne Fleming has featured large scale puppets as an integral part of the Halloween Parade in recognition of the rich tradition of puppetry associated with the Parade since its beginning. Five years ago HERE Arts Center, where the parade kicks off its explosive annual festivities, began its own year-round initiative--The Dream Music Puppetry Program-- promoting the ancient art of puppetry. Led by veteran Parade Puppeteer Basil Twist and Here Co-Founder Barbara Busackino, one of the activities of Dream Music has been to enlist the greater community of New York City artists to contribute to the Parade's venerable puppetry tradition. Each year the Parade and Dream Music commission 6 artists or groups to design and construct Giant Pageant Sized Puppets built around the theme of that year's Parade. The puppets are unveiled at the Parade on Halloween night. These Puppet Commissions act as a catalyst for artists who are emerging in the field, giving them financial support and a risk-free opportunity to realize a specific project. We emphasize adherence to the theme of the Parade, originality of idea and techniques, and the importance of various communities, groups and artists to this world class event. It is our intent that this program will grow to include more individual commissions as well as nationally and internationally based organizations, schools and groups. Jeanne Fleming Director Village Halloween Parade Basil Twist Artistic Director Dream Music Barbara Busackino Co-Director HERE Arts Center To apply for a commission, email your designs to or mail them to Village Halloween Parade, 118 La Bergerie Lane, Red Hook, NY 12571