PHOTOS: University Park Celebrates 75 Years with Parade, Performances

More than 500 residents came out Sunday afternoon to celebrate University Park's 75th birthday.

The event opened with the dedication of Henson Green, or the Christmas tree triangle, which will now be named after one of the town's most famous residents, Jim Henson, creator of The Muppets. Heather Henson, his daughter, spoke about her father's love for Maryland and University Park and later performed along with her company, Ibex Puppetry, "Celebration of Flight"— the story of a whooping crane learning how to fly.

"It's a beautiful town," Henson said about University Park. "Maryland meant family to my dad."

For Henson, performing in University Park, the birthplace of her father's Muppets, was nostalgic, according to fellow puppeteer Scott Weider.

Henson said she was excited to perform on the town's green grounds, especially because of the storyline of the crane, and that as she looked at the children watching her company's performance she thought "anyone of these kids could grow up to be the next Jim Henson."

Residents took part in cotillion dancing, the queen's parade, playing characters from the town's past and there were also a variety activities for children like the moonbounce, pony rides, games, and even a puppet show.