Students, faculty, and community members of all ages marched handcrafted costumes, puppets, and intricate floats through the streets of Oberlin on the morning of Saturday, May 4 as a part of the annual Big

Parade. Since 2002, this celebration has showcased creative expression and community in downtown Oberlin. Paraders begin working on their floats and costumes months in advance of the parade. This year, community members led workshops in the Oberlin Public Library to teach origami, large-scale masks, puppets, and other wearable art in order to encourage innovation and creativity. Additionally, the maker-space behind the Oberlin College Student Health Services building held several open workspace hours throughout the spring to allow paraders to work on their creations. Participants and onlookers alike gathered in Tappan Square afterward to celebrate and enjoy food and music.