Community Corner

Celebrate Winter With Sparky's Puppets at First Family Arts Night

Barrington's Bay Spring Community Center presents 'Stories from Snowy Lands' on Saturday, Jan. 18, as debut of Family Arts Night Series.

Celebrate winter this Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Bay Spring Community Center in Barrington.

Sparky’s Puppets, which has been entertaining kids and families for more than 30 years in southern New England, performs “Stories From Snowy Lands.” 

The free show starts at 3:30 pm on the second floor of the community center at 170 Narragansett Ave.

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The performance is the first event in a bi-monthly "family arts night series," said Anna Amiradaki of the Bay Spring Community Center programming committee.

You will see the magic of Jack Frost bring a snowman to life. You will laugh at a boastful bear as it goes ice fishing. You will meet a toy maker and some pesky visitors. You will visit a shoemaker’s shop. 

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"They are amazing," said Amiradaki. "A recent show in Boston was sold out."

After the performance by the puppets of Sparky Davis, you will watch a demonstration for making simple puppets at home and "you will be able to build your own puppets," said Amiradaki.

Davis has been performing at schools, libraries and festivals throughout the region since 1980, according to the Sparky’s Puppets website. She started doing puppet shows as a children’s librarian.

“Sparky’s Puppets dramatize favorite children’s stories with colorful puppets, lively humor and plenty of audience participation,” according to the website.

Davis is a member of Puppeteers of America and the Boston Guild of Puppetry. She holds English, education and library science degrees.

Although the show is free, Bay Spring will appreciate a $5 donation to fund future events, said Amiradaki.

For instance, a March performance in the family series will feature Native American story-tellers and local farmers talking about maple syrup season in New England, she said.

"Shows will be multi-cultural, mostly performers, with interactive, educational and entertaining aspects," said Amiradaki.


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