By The Shout

The following announcement is based on a press release from the Sunflower Theatre.

PEABODY — As part of the Peabody WinterFest on December 5, a diverse series of free public performances and family-friendly activities will take place throughout downtown Peabody. The event starts with a parade at 3:30 p.m. From 4-5:30 p.m., a series of performances and interactive arts activities will be presented at multiple locations throughout the downtown district, transforming local businesses and community spaces into accessible arts venues.

The Sunflower Theatre received a grant from the Kansas Arts Commission to bring five artists from the KAC Touring Roster.

At Gathered Round Bistro, Kansas singer-songwriter Ann Zimmerman will perform an intimate set of original and traditional music.

At the Southside Creamery, the clarinet duo Adzel — who have performed in prestigious venues and festivals around the world, including Yale School of Music, the Juilliard School, Carnegie Hall, the Royal Conservatory of Madrid, The Costa Rica Clarinet Festival, Eastman School of Music, Northwestern University, and many others — will present a musical performance showcasing seasonal favorites.

At the Peabody Senior Center, Thad Beach, entertainer, musician, teaching artist, and songwriter, will feature his Band in a Bucket activity, inviting those of all ages to become part of the band. The Senior Center will have peppernuts for sale.

At the Peabody Township Library, at 5 p.m., puppeteer Brett Crandall will present a live puppet adaptation of "A Christmas Carol," bringing Charles Dickens' classic story to life through imaginative theatrical storytelling. This performance will promote literacy, creativity, and appreciation for literature while making a beloved work accessible to audiences of all ages. Prior to this performance, the library will present "Elf on a Shelf" at 4 p.m.

At Pop's Diner, families are invited to participate in a cookie walk while enjoying performances by Richard Renner, “The Man, The Myth, The Klown.” Through interactive comedy, clowning, and improvisational performance, Renner will create an atmosphere that encourages audience engagement and exploration of participating downtown businesses.

There will be materials available to make festive buttons at The Porcupine Tea Company and Mercantile.

Mrs. Santa will make an appearance at the Morgan House and have cards to decorate and mail in the Santa Mail Box. Holiday music will be performed on the historic pump organ. The event will culminate at 6 p.m. in an evening community concert at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, featuring performances by Adzel and Ann Zimmerman. This collaborative finale will provide an opportunity for the community to gather and celebrate the arts together while showcasing the diverse talents featured throughout the festival.

The day before the WinterWhirl Celebration, some of the Kansas touring artists will facilitate activities for USD 398 students. At the elementary school, Richard Renner will present "The Slapstick Circus": a 30-minute one-man whirlwind featuring Richard as the VodVill Klown. Brett Crandell will present the puppet show "Good King Wenceslas," and Thad Beach will give a 30-minute musical performance.

At the Junior/Senior High, singer/songwirter Ann Zimmerman will give a songwriting workshop, and the Clarinet Duo Adzel will give a masterclass for band and clarinet students.

This project is sponsored by the Kansas Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Announcements are submissions from arts and cultural organizations and community members. They are published at the discretion of SHOUT editors and may be edited.

Send press releases and other announcements, along with at least one landscape (horizontal) photograph, to emily@shoutwichita.com.

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