Wilmot Community Association (WCA) will host a “Meet the Puppets” session from 2 to 4 PM on Saturday, April 27 at the Red Barn, 64 Village Road, next door to the US Post Office in Wilmot.

Caroline Fairless and Jim Sims, both of Wilmot, will show how they make their magical and magnificent masks and life-size puppets from paper mâché. During the session, attendees will learn about a puppet- and mask-making workshop for children and adults that will be offered this summer at the WCA. Refreshments will be served.

“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with Caroline and Jim on this project,” said Margaret Monto, chairman of the WCA’s program committee. Caroline and Jim, experienced mask-makers and puppeteers, will bring examples of masks and a video showing the step-by-step creation of a prize-winning swan – it won first place in the New London Hospital Days parade. They also will show how masks are designed and made.

The actual workshops will be 10 AM to noon on Saturdays from July 6 through August 17 and will culminate with a performance of Old Turtle and the Broken Truth, a children’s story by Douglas Wood, at 7 PM on Saturday, August 24 at the WCA’s Timmy Patten Park on Shindagan Road.

“’Making Masks Unmasked’ is just one of many exciting events and programs the WCA is planning for this summer,” said Patty McGoldrick, executive director of the WCA.

Founded in 1963, the WCA is celebrating its 50th anniversary with Golden Jubilee events throughout the year.

The WCA owns the Red Barn, which has a large function room, a commercial kitchen, and a conference room, which individuals and organizations may rent for parties and events. The Red Barn also houses the Wilmot Learning Place, a private preschool that offers preschool and prekindergarten classes for children age three to five.

More information about upcoming events at the WCA is available at WilmotCommunityAssociation.org, by calling 526-7934, or by following us on Facebook.