Something For Everyone at this Weekend's Festival of Fools
by Melissa Eyre

Ask Woody Keppel about the upcoming Festival of Fools and one way he sums it up is like this: “Burlington this weekend will be the epicenter of laughter in the world.”
Featuring performers from around the globe, the Festival will include street theater, a pet trick show and workshops such as Juggling with Jim and Yo-Yo Tricks with John and Rebecca. There will be continuous daytime fun for the whole family and late night tomfoolery for adults-only.
Busking, the age-old tradition of entertainers performing for tips in public areas isn’t just encouraged during the Festival, it’s a necessary part of the activities since the performers receive just travel expenses and a small stipend for their time. “Audience participation occurs in lots of ways,” explains Woody. “This is a chance for people to let their hair down. Busking allows people to know each other and to be connected.”
A street performer for nearly 24 years, Woody conceived of the idea for the Festival of Fools about two years ago. Doreen Kraft, his neighbor and the director of Burlington City Arts embraced the idea right away. “I’ve always been so proud of Burlington,” says Woody. “The city has a history of visionary leadership in the arts and Doreen has played a major role.”
Four main stages will be set up in downtown Burlington around the Church Street marketplace and City Hall Park. Performers like Galumpha out of New York, Pandora Pink from England and Nigel Martin from Australia will amaze and entertain with their acrobatics, box manipulation and juggling. There will be a culminating show each evening, followed by late-night hijinx of the cabaret, night club performance sort for adults in Contois Auditiorium from 9 to 11 p.m.
“Laughter is one of those biological things we don’t understand,” says Woody in talking about the draw of street theater. In need of a good laugh? The fun begins tomorrow and runs through Sunday. Visit burlingtoncityarts.com for more information.