In August of 2016, Nik Nerburn, a filmographer originally from the Bemidji, MN area, came to New York Mills to the Center's Artist Retreat Program. While here, Nik shot video of the Puppet Pageant workshops, the performance, and the New York Mills Corn Feed (on the same day as the Pageant). See Nik's 15-minute documentary on the 2016 Kalevala Puppet Pageant on the Center's YouTube page. Click the button below:
Sometimes You Move the Puppet and Sometimes the Puppet Moves You
Starring the children of New York Mills, MN
Thanks to the adults in the room (see credits below)
Music by Curtis & Loretta
Corn Feed courtesy of the New York Mills Civic & Commerce
The Puppet Pageant is produced annually by the Cultural Center in New York Mills
Directed by Anne Sawyer
Filmed and edited by Nik Nerburn in 2016 during a residency at the Cultural Center in New York Mills
Credits:
Choir:
Heidi Dresser
Adam Tervola Hultberg
Amy Wallgren
Crew:
Artistic Director/Narrator- Anne Sawyer
Assistant Director- Lisa Winter
Stage Manager- Sue Seip
Musical Directors- Curtis & Loretta
Violist- Bridget King
Helpers:
Dorothy Eskeli
Cheryl Humbert
Tammy Kasma
Erika Leija
Susan Kay
Heather & Tim Cassidy
Teresa Pederson
Judith Brockway
Tom Olson
Connie & Jeremy Vandermay
Kathy Bauck
Matt & Julie Radniecki
Dyann Tigges
Cindi Koll
Cara Newberry
Food Sponsors:
Auntie Lisa's Bake Shoppe
NYM Farmers Market
Super One Foods
Dean's Country Market
Puppet Pageant Sponsors:
Goose Gang
Mills Auto Parts
Grieger Dental
Cenex Hardware Hank
Central Minnesota Credit Union
Perham Printing
NYM VFW
Dean's Country Market
New Horizons women's organization
Farmers & Merchants State Bank
Read about this year's Pageant & join the fun Here
Learn about Nik's residency in New York Mills Here
Upcoming Events
In the Gallery: Four Points of Light
Window to the World Finland 2026: Workshops & Experiences
Clayton Ryan Duo Concert 4/30/26
Crepe Paper Flower Workshop 5/2/26
Morning with Megan Spring Series 2026
Art for Lunch Winter/Spring 2026
Lotería Night 5/9/26
Celebrating Cultures 2026
Berry Basket Weaving Workshop 5/23/26
NYMRCC Teen Art Club
Past Events
Capital Campaign Kick-Off Open House 4/17/26
Zach Thomas Concert 4/18/26
Join the Debate: 2026 Great American Think-Off Question Announced
Jordan Messerole Concert 3/14/26
Aaron Simmons Concert 3/27/26
In the Gallery: Conversations with Nature
Hygge Market 2026
Morning with Megan: Victorian Puzzle Purse Workshop
2026 MSHSL High School Art Show
In the Gallery: TACTILE: Fiber Art + Interaction
Think-Off News
2026 Great American Think-Off Weekend
Join the Debate: 2026 Great American Think-Off Question Announced
2025 Great American Think-Off Honorable Mentions
Many Truths Prevail in 2025 Great American Think-Off
2025 Great American Think-Off Finalist Essays
2025 Great American Think-Off Weekend
Meet the Finalists: 2025 Great American Think-Off
Join the Debate on Truth: 2025 Great American Think-Off Question Announced
2024 Great American Think-Off Honorable Mentions
2024 Great American Think-Off Results
