The Greenbelt Recreation Arts Program invites families and kids at heart to attend a joyful celebration of creative transformation. The Wild Rumpus takes place in Roosevelt Center on Friday, October 25 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. This event is free, and registration is not required.
Guests are invited to show off their Halloween or cosplay costumes, or other festive dress. (Greenbelt Recreation requests no gore or violent imagery, in order to create a peaceful and welcoming space for all participants.) Revelers will enjoy juggling and hula hooping performances from In the Dark Circus Arts, as well as performance jump roping with local favorites, the Greenbelt S.I.T.Y. Stars. Also joining the party will be a cavalcade of cavorting creatures from this year’s Wild Things Giant Puppet Build.
Those wishing to participate in a community dance number at the Rumpus are invited to register for a Friends and Family Workshop on Saturday, October 19 from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Community Center, Ground Floor East. Participants will also make a wearable musical instrument. Youth and adults are welcome. Details are available on page 24 of the Greenbelt Recreation Fall Activity Guide at greenbeltmd.gov/activityguide. Walk-up registration is also available.
Local puppeteer Cecilia Cackley and friend will perform two teatro lambe-lambe shows at the Wild Rumpus. This is a form of street performance originating in Brazil that consists of a very short puppet show in a box performed for one or two audience members at a time. The show is viewed through peep holes, and audio is provided over headphones. Discover the magic in miniature.
Following the S.I.T.Y. Stars performance, guests of all ages are invited to trick or treat around Roosevelt Center with local merchants and nonprofit organizations. Bring a vessel, or pick up a treat bag at Greenbelt Recreation’s Welcome Table by the underpass.
At 5:45 p.m., come to the Greenbelt Cinema for a free screening of Room on the Broom. This beautiful animated short tells the story of a kind and clumsy witch and her loyal cat companion who learns to open his heart to new friends.
Those using GPS to locate the event may wish to input 25 Crescent Road, Greenbelt, Maryland, which is the Greenbelt Municipal Building. Centerway will be closed to vehicle traffic, but drivers can enter the parking lot at the Municipal Building end or by the Greenbelt Sunoco station.
In case of heavy rain, this event will be rescheduled for Monday, October 28, at the same time and location. For recorded program status information, call 301-474-0646.
City of Greenbelt arts programs are supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council. For more program information and to sign up for a weekly arts newsletter, visit www.greenbeltmd.gov/arts.
Nicole DeWald is the Arts Supervisor for Greenbelt Recreation.
