SANDY SPRINGS LANTERN PARADE ILLUMINATES SPRING EVENING!
Hundreds of glowing, handcrafted lanterns will light up Morgan Falls Road on May 9 as Sandy Springs hosts its annual Lantern Parade. The free community celebration transforms an ordinary Friday evening into a luminous spectacle along the Chattahoochee River. The festivities begin at 6 p.m. with a pre-parade party, giving participants time to mingle and prepare their creations before the 8:30 p.m. lineup. The parade steps off at 8:45 p.m., winding along Morgan Falls Road before culminating at Morgan Falls Overlook Park, where attendees can witness five massive water lanterns float on the river.
Parade artist Chantelle Rytter designed some of the more robust water lanterns, including a whimsical Georgia Kissyfish and a 26-foot albino alligator. Kayakers with Murphs Surf will pull the illuminated sculptures along the Chattahoochee River while their shimmering lights dance across the water’s surface and viewers gather at the hilltop overlook. Returning favorites include Sunny the Swamp Sunflower, Sanderson the Pig and the towering Great Blue Herons, Cornflower and Indigo. These giant puppet figures will roam Overlook Park after the parade, offering attendees an opportunity to appreciate their intricate craftsmanship up close.
Spectator parking is available with shuttles running continuously throughout the event. Cars and rideshare services cannot access the parade route. Shuttles transport guests to the pre-parade party at the parade start, with return service from Overlook Park. Folding chairs and blankets are welcome.
As in previous years, attendees are encouraged to create their own lanterns. Rytter will lead lantern workshops on May 2 and 3 at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center’s Studio Theatre Lobby for older children and adults comfortable using scissors and hot glue. Tickets are $25 per lantern puppet, with all materials provided. Check the event page for registration information, including a new lantern to celebrate the event’s 10th anniversary.
sandyspringsga.gov/lanternparade
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