"In the Pursuit of Opera"

The day before Glimmerglass opened its 2008 Festival Season, the Production, Artistic and Administrative staffs took a much-needed company day off to celebrate the 4th of July. For the past several years, Glimmerglass has enthusiastically participated in the Springfield, New York, 4th of July Parade.

In the days before the holiday, Design Intern Kate Foster developed the vision and coordinated the construction of the Glimmerglass Opera float. Using the parade’s theme of “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness,” Foster designed an Elizabethan-inspired Lady Liberty marching confidently forward, pursuing happiness …on Glimmerglass Opera’s flat-bed truck. Twenty-five members of the Glimmerglass staff rode the float or marched alongside, throwing patriotic-colored candy and waving to the crowds.

photos:

1. "Happiness or Bust" - the 2008 Glimmerglass float designed by Design Intern Kate Foster. photo credit: Michael Manning

2. Kate Foster, third from left, and other Glimmerglass staff ride the float during the parade. photo credit: Michael Manning

3. The Glimmerglass Opera banner leads the float through the heart of Springfield. photo credit: Michael Manning

4. Parade participants toss patriotic candy to the crowds attending the parade. photo credit: Michael Manning

5. One of the marchers waves the American flag during the parade. photo credit: Michael Manning