Dive into the magical world of holiday puppetry with this captivating presentation from the Appleton History Museum!

Join Dave Payne—"Mr. Dave"—as he recounts 60 years of Christmas marionettes in the Fox Cities, a cherished tradition that began in 1965 at All Saints Church in Appleton, Wisconsin.

What started as a young boy's childhood fascination with puppets evolved into a lifelong passion. Payne shares heartwarming stories of how he revived and expanded the All Saints Marionettes, directing and performing dozens of enchanting shows over the decades.

From faith-inspired holiday tales to whimsical adventures, these handcrafted marionettes have delighted generations of families across the Fox Valley, blending artistry, history, and the spirit of Christmas.

Whether you're a puppetry enthusiast, a history buff, or just love unique Wisconsin holiday traditions, this talk uncovers the behind-the-scenes magic that's kept Appleton's stages alive with wonder for six decades.

Tip: For the ultimate viewing experience, select the gear at the bottom of the video and choose 2160p (4K) for the best quality.