October is Arts and Humanities Month and Saturday, Oct. 7 is California Arts Day. All are encouraged to join in to celebrate the arts that enrich and enhance our lives by participating in the Tuolumne County Arts Alliance’s second annual ‘Handmade Parade.’

The Handmade Parade is a collective art experience for anyone who wants to celebrate creativity in an activity that fosters community involvement and creative expression. Described as a “walking theatrical performance,” think Mardi Gras in the Motherlode.

Individuals, families, businesses, clubs and groups are invited to participate. Build a float or carry a prop, dress in costume. Walk, stroll, push, pull, bike, drum, dance or sing down Main Street in Jamestown with fellow revelers. Participants can also include some kind of lights in the design as the parade will make two trips along Main Street, and the second time entrants will ‘light up’ the parade route.

Only a few rules apply; entries must not be political, no live animals (except service animals), no written words (organizers will supply a small sign for your entry), no logos or gas vehicles. Motorized wheelchairs are acceptable and electric motors operating entries are welcome. All participants are required to be in some kind of costume.

If you don’t have time prior to the festivities to prepare, there will be tables set up at the event with things you can make on the spot and then you can register and spontaneously participate. There will be materials to make masks, lanterns, wings and robot heads and more.

If you don’t want to march, just come and cheer on the marchers.

The festivities are set for Saturday, Oct. 7 at Rocca Park in Jamestown and begin at 5 p.m.

A small portion of Main Street will be closed to auto traffic at around 6:30 p.m. The Columbia Jazz Band will be playing music in the gazebo, there will be crafting booths and photo booths. The first pass of the parade will begin at 7 p.m.

For more information about the parade check out the TCAA website at www.tuolumnecountyarts.org.