Hustle Over to Eagan for the 'Puppet Wagon'

Follow us on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Sign up for our daily newsletter

Little known fact: Summer is puppeteering season in Eagan.

The city’s traveling puppet wagon is currently in the midst of its tenth summer bringing free children’s puppet shows to parks all over town.

“It’s just unique and different,” said Holly Champlin, recreation supervisor for the Eagan's Parks and Recreation Department.

Since debuting in 2002, the wagon, a retrofitted trailer the city has owned for more than 30 years, has become a mainstay of local summer programming. A puppet wagon performance offers much more than a traditional puppet show for the 6 and younger set. The puppeteers make an effort to incorporate activities, such as games, dances and various themes into their performances. They top off each show with a final craft project.

The Puppet Wagon's popularity is growing. In 2005, 645 people attended puppet wagon performances. By 2011, that number had risen to 3,000.

Here's where to find the Puppet Wagon:

2012 Day Schedule

Mondays 

• 10 a.m. at Trapp Farm Park (841 Wilderness Run Road)

Tuesdays 

• 10 a.m. at Quarry Park (3340 Coachman Road)

Wednesdays (No show on July 4) 

• 10 a.m. at Sky Hill Park (3590 Blue Cross Road)

Thursdays

• 10 a.m. at O’Leary Park (the corner of Duckwood Trail and Duckwood Drive)

Fridays 

• 10 a.m. at Blackhawk Park (1629 Murphy Parkway)

Evening Shows, 2012

Mondays 

• 6 p.m. on July 9, July 30 and August 13, Dakota County Library (1340 Wescott Road)

Tuesdays

• 6 p.m. at Lexington-Diffley Athletic Fields (4325 Lexington Avenue)

Bonus Show

There will be one additional Puppet Wagon appearance at Market Fest on Wednesday, July 11 at the Festival Grounds at Central Park (1501 Central Parkway).

The puppet wagon is also available for private rentals. For more information about Eagan puppet wagon performances, visit the city’s website.