FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Folkmanis Celebrates Its 25^th Anniversary

Puppet pioneer continues award-winning innovations

(EMERYVILLE, CA—November 6, 2000) For 25 years, Folkmanis, Inc. has created some of the world’s finest puppets, winning numerous awards for its innovation and creativity in 1999 and 2000 alone. In 2001, the company celebrates this hard-to-reach business milestone by continuing its strong tradition of creating the most realistic wildlife, whimsical characters, and—new for 2001—puppets for babies and toddlers.

“Our puppets have continued to captivate children and adults for 25 years,” says Judy Folkmanis, co-founder and creative leader. “We spend a tremendous amount of time on the little details of each puppet so each has its own soul. People can connect with them and fall in love for a lifetime. The joy that we see on the faces of the young and young at heart has helped build our reputation with retailers and consumers worldwide."

“All of our creations are high quality and realistically designed,” says Atis Folkmanis, Judy’s husband and co-founder. “We introduce over 30 puppets a year and have an ongoing selection of more than 200 puppets, so there’s always something for everyone."

Folkmanis puppets come in all different sizes, types and styles—from 2 inches to 30 inches or more; from finger, two-handed, rod, and gloved to marionette; from the familiar, to the rare. The company’s tagline—“Handle With Fun!”—is exactly what every person who picks up one of its creations does.

For a quarter of a century, Folkmanis has led the way in the puppet category by continually pioneering new concepts. The company has always sought out the industry’s top design talents who consistently create designs, special manipulations and new innovations that make Folkmanis puppets unequaled.

“We’ve had thousands and thousands of ideas that have become hundreds of creations,” says Judy Folkmanis. “Our leadership in this category is supported by the many awards we have received.”

Folkmanis has been recognized by nearly every major award and parenting publication for its unique and superior designs, including Parents’ Choice, National Parenting Center, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, Dr. Toy, National Parenting Publications, Parents, Child, Sesame Street Parents, Early Childhood News, Museum Store Association, and many more.

Folkmanis^® Puppets are recommended for ages 3 and up. They are available at specialty toy and gift stores, including: FAO Schwarz, Discovery Channel Store, Natural Wonders, science/nature museums, zoo and aquarium gift shops, and thousands of independent toy and gift stores and specialty retailers nationwide and in over 15 countries around the world. Folkmanis Baby puppets are appropriate for all ages, birth and up and will be available beginning in spring 2001. You can also find Folkmanis^® Puppets online at Amazon.com and eToys.com. For more information call Folkmanis at 800.654-8922 or go to www.folkmanis.com.

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