The Delhi Park Pageant
The exciting return of a community favourite!
The Delhi Pageant Returns August 22 2026
Watch this space for details!
The Delhi Park Pageant was the culmination of our residency in the park in the Summer of 2025. Together, our cast and crew of 50+ people told the story of the park through story and song. It was a magical love letter to Picton’s green gem and was presented on August 23, 2025, to a crowd of upwards of 400 people. Due to enthusiastic demand, we will be remounting the pageant in 2026!
WRITER, DIRECTOR, DESIGNER Krista Dalby
STAGE MANAGER Carla McCormick
PROJECT COORDINATOR Hri Neil
Kanyen’kehá:ka perspective Erica Gray
CHOREOGRAPHER Allison Nichol
CHOREOGRAPHER'S ASSISTANT Jocelyn Wattam
COMPOSERS & MUSICIANS Lisa Bozikovic & Annelise Noronha
CHOIR DIRECTOR & MUSICIAN Sam Hirst
DRUMS Heather Kirby
PRE-SHOW MUSIC Matthew Doc Dunn
PROPS & COSTUMES
Nella Casson
Tomas Del Balso
Bear Epp
Susanne Larner
Andrea Piller
Tim Snyder
Jan Swaren
WARDEN OF THE WILDS Stephanie Rose
KEEPERS
Eloise Bergeron
Frank Hannan
Sharon Hart
Ryan Henderson
Catalin Ivan
Angela Lavender
Sarah Selecky
Emmylou Warner
CHOIR
Andrea Dawes
Janet Jephcott
John Lai
Sally McCubbin
Stacey Michener
Keri Nelson
Galen Newman
Jessica Pelchat
Jess Posgate
Lois Russell
Melissa Warren
THE RACCOONS Pierre Bouchard, Kat Burns
THE DOGS Lenny Epstein & Gavin North
THE SQUIRRELS Emberly Doherty, Beth Easton, Artemus Emu, Barbara Leitermanar
THE DEAD Thom Harrison & Nancy Kish
DRAGONFLIES
Elora Faircloth
Hazel Faircloth
Joni Greig
Alice Hanmer
Rumi Hobbs
River Keast
Eden Vreugdenhil
THANK YOU
Christine Renaud
County of Prince Edward
Feral Folc
PECIsh
Picton Home Hardware
PEC Field Naturalists
South Shore Joint Initiative
All our volunteers
Photos by Michelle Beaudette
The Delhi Park Pageant is SUPPORTED BY
The Delhi Park Project
A weekly art activation in Delhi Park with a community pageant finale.
This project took place from May 17 to August 9, 2025, we set up our mobile studio in Picton’s Delhi Park three days a week, offering free drop-in workshops centered on collaborative art-making and nature appreciation, with a community picnic every Saturday from 4:30-6:30
Delhi Park is a 31-acre green space in the heart of Picton, and a stone’s throw from The Department of Illumination studio. Starting in the spring of 2025 the DOI began our self-appointed artist residency in the park, inviting the community to join us as we explored the flora and fauna, as well as the natural and human history of this place, seeking to deepen our knowledge and find its hidden magic. From May 17 through August, we spent three days a week in the park, offering a mix of free drop-in workshops centered on collaborative art-making. The art we created was inspired by the place itself and shaped by the participants and the professional artists leading the process. We wove these elements together to create a large-scale community pageant that tells the story of this beautiful public space. The Delhi Pageant was presented for free on August 23, 2025 and will be remounted in August of 2026. Watch this space for updates, or sign up for our newsletter.
SUPPORTED BY:
John M. & Bernice Parrott Foundation
THE ELDERBERRY FUND
PEC Field Naturalists Visit and Community Picnic with DJ Avery Hone
Saturday June 21st, 11:30am-6:30pm
Join The Department of Illumination from 11:30-4:30 PM as we work on crafting elements for the Delhi Park Project. PEC Field Naturalists will be joining us at 3pm to do their nature grid check-in with us. Bring some snacks and stay for our community picnic with a live performance by DJ Avery Hone from 4:30-6:30; we've got plenty of picnic blankets as well as chairs and tables - let's hang out! All are Welcome!
WHEN: Saturday July 19, 11:30-6:30 (picnic: 4:30-6:30pm)
WHERE: Delhi Park, Picton - across from the community gardens; if driving, use Lalor St entrance.
Community Meal and DJ Chris Byrne
Saturday June 21st, 11:30am-6:30pm
Join The Department of Illumination from 11:30-4:30 PM as we work on crafting elements for the Delhi Park Project. All are welcome! Stay for a community picnic and live DJ Chris Byrne, from 99.3 County FM’s Global Grooves Radio show, spinning sunny tunes from around the world for our enjoyment from 4:30-6:30; we've got plenty of picnic blankets as well as chairs and tables - let's hang out!
WHEN: Saturday June 21st, 11:30-6:30 (picnic: 4:30-6:30pm)
WHERE: Delhi Park, Picton - across from the community gardens; if driving, use Lalor St entrance.
Canada Day In Benson Park
Tuesday July 1 we are celebrating Canada Day in partnership with The Picton Rec Committee
Join us in Benson Park from 12-4 PM to help us build Boxtopia for Beavers, and contribute your favourite thing about Canada to our collaborative map. There will be lots of activities going on in the park and on Picton Main Street, so make a day of it!
WHEN: Tues, July 1, 12-4
WHERE: Benson Park, Picton
Pride Celebration in the Park
Saturday June 28 we’re celebrating Pride in partnership with Greater Than County Youth Collective!
To participate in the Sidewalk Takeover:
Meet behind Circle K at 11:45 am
Walk starts at 12:00 pm sharp.
The procession will wind up in Delhi Park, so stick around for Pride in the Park from 1–4pm, featuring:
Drag shows & live performances
Yoga & reiki
FREE snow cones, cotton candy & popcorn & swag
Games, crafts & community booths galore
Let’s show what it means to be County Proud. Everyone is welcome—youth, families, allies, and 2SLGBTQIA+ folks.
We'll keep the good vibes going with our weekly community picnic from 4:30 - 6:30.
WHEN: Saturday June 28th, 11:30-6:30
WHERE: Delhi Park, Picton - across from the community gardens; if driving, use Lalor St entrance.
Indigenous Peoples Day Picnic
Saturday June 21st, 11:30am-6:30pm
Join The Department of Illumination on National Indigenous Peoples Day from 1-4:30 PM as we paint banners for the Delhi Park Project incorporating Kanyen'kéha (the Mohawk language). Erica Gray, (Mohawk Wolf Clan from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory), will be on site to help you add some Kanyen'kéha words to your vocabulary. All are welcome! Stay for a community picnic 4:30-6:30; we've got plenty of picnic blankets as well as chairs and tables - let's hang out!
WHEN: Saturday June 21st, 11:30-6:30 (picnic: 4:30-6:30pm)
WHERE: Delhi Park, Picton - across from the community gardens; if driving, use Lalor St entrance.
CALL FOR CAST & CREW - The Delhi Park Pageant
CALL FOR CAST & CREW - The Delhi Park Pageant
Join our creative ensemble! The Department of Illumination seeks performers and crew to join us in the creation of The Delhi Park Pageant.
Together as a community of 50+ artists, performers and crew, we will tell the story of Delhi Park. Will you join us in a magical theatrical adventure this summer?
Time commitment: Rehearsals will primarily take place early evenings in Picton starting July 21. Show is August 23, rain date August 24.
To apply: tell us in 50 words or less who you are, what role you’re interested in and why. If you are new to The Department of Illumination, please include a photo. No photos or statement required for kids, just a willingness to dance and have fun!
Send your applications to pageant@deptofillumination.org
All roles are for age 16-96 except where otherwise indicated.
Deadline to apply: Friday July 4. All applicants will be notified within a few days of the deadline.
ROLES:
THE KEEPERS x 10 - Nature spirits and guardians.
One speaking role - honorarium available
Nine non-speaking roles - volunteer
MUSICIANS: We can use a couple of musicians to support the production; particularly interested in melodic acoustic instruments, woodwind, brass, glockenspiel, xylophone, etc. Let us know what you play!
PERCUSSIONISTS: We are looking for 2 people with a great sense of rhythm to play in a “junk band,” as well as someone to play bass drum. Let us know what percussion you play!
Junk band are speaking roles, honorarium available.
CHOIR: 4 spots left; volunteer. Choir is led by Sam Hirst, and there will be opportunities for co-creating some of the music.
CHILDREN: 10 spots left for kids ages 7 to 10 to play dancing dragonflies, working with choreographer Allison Nichol. Volunteer. Rehearsals start around August 1.
TWO DOGS: Looking for folks with some good comedic timing. Honorarium available.
FOUR SQUIRRELS. Speaking roles. Honorarium available.
OLDER VICTORIAN MAN. Speaking role. Honorarium available.
OLDER VICTORIAN WOMAN. Speaking role. Honorarium available.
CREW (19+ - volunteer)
Stage Manager
Assistant Stage Manager
Wardrobe
General Crew x 2 (16+)
ABC Choir
A fun and casual choir for those who love singing. Choir director Sam Hirst.
The Aurora Borealis Community Choir, directed by Sam Hirst, is a fun and casual pop-up choir. All are welcome, regardless of age or experience. We won't be meeting again until September 2026, when we will start rehearsing for our performance at The Firelight Lantern Festival.
For more information contact abcchoir@deptofillumination.org
Kids Fashion Workshop
For kids of all ages, make fabulous costumes to wear on the fashion runway!
WHEN: Sunday June 1, 1pm - 4pm
WHERE: DOI Studio, lower level of The Armoury, 206 Main St, Picton
PRICE: FREE! Sponsored by the Picton BIA
**All children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult**
KIDS FASHION SHOW: Friday June 6, 7pm, Armoury Square, 206 Main St.
The Department of Illumination is gearing up for Picton Fashion Week with a Kids Fashion Workshop! ✨ We welcome kids of all ages to dive into our supplies and make fabulous costumes to wear on the fashion runway ✨ Bring your wackiest ideas and wildest creativity!
Supported by:
Community Launch & Picnic
Saturday May 17, 11:30am-6:30pm
Stop by and check out our new solar-powered art trailer! Find out about the Delhi Park Project and how you can get involved. Join the Prince Edward County Field Naturalists (PECFN) at 3 PM as we practice deep observation and launch our “nature square” that we’ll be checking on throughout the season.
From 4:30pm to 6:30pm join us for a community picnic - bring your picnic blankets and food, we'll provide the music and good vibes. All are welcome.
WHEN: Saturday May 17, 11:30-6:30 (picnic: 4:30-6:30pm)
WHERE: Delhi Park, Picton - to the east of the dog park
Drop In Community Art Making
Lend a hand in creating The Delhi Pageant. ALL SUMMER LONG!
Drop in and lend a hand in creating The Delhi Pageant! We might be making masks, puppets, costumes, props or installations.
WHEN: Thursdays & Fridays, 10am-5pm ~ May 22 - Aug. 15, 2025
WHERE: Delhi Park, Picton - across from the community gardens; if driving, use Lalor St entrance.
Community Picnic & Stitchers Celebration
Saturday May 24, 11:30am-6:30pm
Drop-in community artmaking for the Delhi Pageant 11:30-4:30; Society of Stitchers picnic 4:30-6:30. Join us for the unveiling of this year's SOS embroidery project, bring your picnic blankets and food, we'll provide the music and good vibes. All are welcome.
WHEN: Saturday May 24, 11:30-6:30 (picnic: 4:30-6:30pm)
WHERE: Delhi Park, Picton - to the east of the dog park
Society of Stitchers Celebration! Community Gardens Flag Making & Community Picnic!
Saturday May 31, 11:30am-6:30pm
Drop in and help us make bunting (flags) for the Community Garden from 1-4:30; Society of Stitchers picnic from 4:30-6:30 (Stitchers please arrive at 4). Join us for the unveiling of this year's SOS embroidery project, bring your picnic blankets and food. The County Strings, cellist Amber Walton-Amar and violinist Jenna Gallagher, will be playing music for our enjoyment. All are welcome.
WHEN: Saturday May 31, 11:30-6:30 (picnic: 4:30-6:30pm)
WHERE: Delhi Park, Picton - to the east of the dog park
Mushroom Appreciation Day & Community Picnic
Saturday June 7, 11:30am-6:30pm ~ with Feral Folc
Join Feral Folc for an afternoon of Mushroom Appreciation and art-making, 1-4:30 PM. Community picnic 4:30-6:30, bring your picnic blankets and food, Pierre Bouchard and his drumming group will be creating a Tam-Tam style improvised drumming experience, please bring a drum or shaker if you have one you can bring. We will also have some extra drums available from the Picton Library Musical Instrument Lending Library (MILL), for those of you without a drum that wish to join in! All are welcome.
WHEN: Saturday June 7, 11:30-6:30 (picnic: 4:30-6:30pm)
WHERE: Delhi Park, Picton - to the east of the dog park
PECFN Day, Game of Shrooms & Community Picnic
Saturday June 14, 11:30am-6:30pm
PECFN Day: Join the Prince Edward County Field Naturalists for a day of free nature programming! 11-12 AM nature walk, 1 PM turtle talk, 3:00 nature square check-in, 6:45 chimney swift presentation, 7:30 chimney swift walk.
Game of Shrooms! Hide your mushroom-themed artwork in Delhi Park and be a part of the worldwide scavenger hunt! Please read the FAQ's on their website.
Community picnic 4:30-6:30, bring your picnic blankets and food. DJ Ombudsman will be spinning instrumental dub reggae from 4:30-5:30 and acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Matthew “Doc” Dunn will be playing a set from 5:30-6:30. All are welcome.
WHEN: Saturday June 14, 11:00-7:30 (picnic: 4:30-6:30pm)
WHERE: Delhi Park, Picton - across from the community gardens; if driving, use Lalor St entrance.
Monarch Day & Community Picnic
Saturday July 26, 11:30am-6:30pm ~ with SSJI
Join us for South Shore Joint Initiative's Monarch Day! Community picnic 4:30-6:30, bring your picnic blankets and food, DJ Sonja Scharf will be spinning tunes from 4:30-6:30 for our enjoyment. All are welcome.
WHEN: Saturday July 26, 11:30-6:30 (picnic: 4:30-6:30pm)
WHERE: Delhi Park, Picton - to the east of the dog park
Birdbone Theatre's Broom Dance
The DOI presents Broom Dance, shadow puppets with live music and song.
WHEN: Friday May 30, doors at 7 PM, show at 7:30
WHERE: DOI Studio, lower level of The Armoury, 206 Main St, Picton
TICKETS: $20 available HERE!
After the recent ice storm cancelled their March performance, we're delighted to welcome our friends Birdbone Theatre back to Picton for an intimate shadow puppetry performance of Broom Dance, joined by their partner in song and musical magic Ekaterina.
Broom Dance is a shadow puppet show for winter and winter witches. It is a shadow song for the threshold, for the liminal place between light and dark, between house and the howling wild. A luminous bow of song and cut paper to the wild dark and winter night.
The shadow play will be followed with lively music by Chanter la Pomme, a duo whose accordion and hurdy gurdy welcomes the tapping of toes and the dancing of feet!
Join us for an evening of puppetry, Slavic polyphony, hurdy gurdy and some sage crones to help you to make some sense of these wild days.
Firelight Lantern Festival
A cherished Prince Edward County tradition since 2013. Two magical evenings of arts and music.
The Department of Illumination lights up the night with The Firelight Lantern Festival, a cherished Prince Edward County tradition since 2013. Two magical evenings of arts and music will unfold at the Crystal Palace in Picton, Ontario. November 6 & 7, 2026. Friday night’s musical headliner is Grievous Angels and Saturday night’s headliner will be Cue The Funk! Save the date!
The Firelight Lantern Festival draws inspiration from traditions of many lantern festivals throughout the world which use light as a symbol to bring people together. The timing of our festival in mid-November coincides with the European tradition of Martinmas which originated in France in honour of St. Martin, a friend of children and patron of the poor. Martinmas is celebrated throughout Europe, its signature being children’s lantern processions. As fall ends and the darkness of winter descends upon us it is easy to feel isolated, especially living in a rural community. Our festival acts as a beacon to encourage our residents, both adults and children, to conjure their own light, bringing it into their hearts and homes to sustain them through the darkness. Making a lantern is a literal application of this metaphor, but in gathering people together to make lanterns in town halls, schools and living rooms, our camaraderie grows and we feel the warm glow of making beautiful things with our hands alongside friends and neighbours.
2025 EDITION SUPPORTED BY
Public Art
We love creating art in public spaces. Available for hire.
We love creating art in public spaces - whether that’s painting murals or picnic tables, decorating our town Christmas tree, or animating public spaces with our giant puppets or projects like Boxtopia (a creative cardboard kingdom for kids). Get in touch if you’d like to know more!
