Saturday Oct. 23: Dia de los Muertos Festival

 This event has passed.

Scout Attendance:

Amri
Emma
Atalli
Ariana
Synthia
Brigid

Notes:
I had a great time. The girls really seemed to enjoy handing out candy and wearing fancy outfits. There were lots of photographers and news teams. See our Troop photos/media tab for links to what I've found so far.

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Original Post:

A note to those who were planning on attending the Girl Scout Rally today:
***FROM COUNCIL***

We are canceling our Pathways Rally at Council (The Kodosky Program Center/Girl Scout Shop) on October 23 and rescheduling this fantastic event to March 5, 2011.

If you are bummed that it is canceled or don't have anything to do.... Visit Girl Scouts at the Free SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FESTIVAL.

October 23rd and 24th from 10:00AM to 5:30PM at the Austin Convention Center.

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and Here's our  Troop Field Trip: 

The Mexic-Arte Museum's 27th annual Viva la Vida Fest Saturday, Oct. 23 11am-10pm. (Dia de los Muertos is technically Nov. 2) I've included lots of links to help you brainstorm.  

(image from here.)

Parking Info (taken from the Mexic-Arte Museum's website):

BUS-RIDERS
There is a Capital Metro bus stop at the corner of Mexic-Arte Museum. Please check their website, www.capmetro.org, for route information.
DRIVERS
1) pay-as-you go metered parking on the streets
2) garage parking at Perry Brooks garage at 9th and Brazos, Capitol Tower garage, at 9th and San Jacinto, and Littlefield garage on 6th Street, just east of Congress Ave. 

Troop Note:

Participate in the Festival at your leisure with your family, or meet up with fellow Scouts. Bring your cell phone. (Mandy 512-850-3044.) I have face painting supplies for our troop. We will be doing catrina-style face painting. Or you can do your own makeup prior to arrival. A dusting of baby powder will help the paint set. It is also likely that there will be face-painters at the festival- it's been that way in the past. You do not have to paint your face, but it is part of the tradition. It also counts as an activity for the Art to Wear Try It. There are children's activities at the festival, but I do not know if they are in one section or scattered throughout. Please meet the troop in Plaza Saltillo (5th and Comal) at 4:45.  If it rains, we will not be canceling. There will still be activities and the museum. Call me if you have questions.

RSVP: 
Please let me know:
A) if we should expect to see you at the festival.
B) a headcount for parade participation. 

Just to clarify: You are completely welcome to join us if you do not have a costume or ofrenda. We're just trying to encourage active participation. Do what you can and we'll be happy to have you!and FYI, If you find free face-painting at the event, there skills will probably be better than mine...

RSVP List:
Ariana and Gloriana
Atalli, Adriana, +1
Amri, Mandy, and Hava, possible 1-3 more
Emonee
Desjonique and Courtney
Naya +  Rosie + 1
Gabriella + Kathryn
Emma + Adriana + 2 
Synthia + Robin

What to Wear:

• We are asking that everyone (kids and adults) participating in the parade with our troop wear an appropriate costume. Here are some ideas, courtesy of Google Images: Catrinas, Folklorico, Day of the Dead, Calaveras, and here are some ideas of what you could do with a black sweat suit and some paint or felt. Here are photos from a previous parade. Long skirts, shawls and large hats covered in flowers are pretty popular. The kids can also wear the necklaces they made at our meeting. You do not need your uniform, unless you want to incorporate it into your costume. Don't get face paint on it - as patches don't like being machine washed.
• Keep in mind that it is often hot during the day and cooler as the sun sets.
• Remember that we will be doing lots of walking. Wear shoes that won't cause you problems later. 
• For details about the costume contest, follow the link at the bottom to the Mexic-Arte Museum's website.
  

What to Bring:

• Tagalong Release of Liability This form is mandatory for all children who wish to join us in the parade but are not registered Girl Scouts. Please print, sign, and turn it in to me at the event. For insurance reasons, children without this form cannot walk with our troop. All unregistered adults participate at their own risk. 
• Registered Girl Scouts whose parents will watch the parade- but not march with us- need a Parent Permission Form. All girls need parental supervision before and after the parade unless they have made previous arrangements. This will be a busy event and we don't want to loose anyone. If the parent is marching with the child, you do not need a permission slip.
• Cash- There will be food and novelties for sale. The troop is not providing any of these things. 
• A backpack for your family would probably be a good idea for keeping track of money, cell phones, sunscreen, sunglasses, sweaters, a camera, stray costume pieces... 
• Families with little ones are welcome to decorate strollers.
• An ofrenda* to honor someone you love who has passed away. I have been told there will be a large altar somewhere at the festival if you want to leave your ofrenda behind. If you want to keep it, I suggest you carry it with you. One idea- if anyone wants to volunteer- is to decorate a wagon like an altar. (No candles allowed.) The girls can all place their ofrendas on it and we can pull it in the parade. Does anyone have a wagon we can use? If you would like help decorating it, let me know and I will tell the girls. 

 *An ofrenda is an offering of something that gave joy to the departed person in life. The deceased loved ones favorite toys, foods, and drinks are common altar pieces, but the girls can also bring a decorated photograph, a story, or use this ofrenda coloring sheet .
 Click here to download a Dia de los Muertos educational activity guide.
 

Event Schedule:

Prelude Events take place inside the museum 11am-3pm.  

Pre-Procession Festivities at Plaza Saltillo on 5th and Comal in East Austin 12-4pm. 

Troop Meet Up 4:45

Grand Procession 6-7pm (gathers at 5 PM) The parade marks the transistion from day activities to evening activities. The route is a little over a mile,  marching down 6th street, ending at 5th and Congress.

Street Festival 2-10pm 

Mexic-Arte Museum's Website - Go here for a complete Event Schedule.

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