You can light up the night Saturday at the Stratford Lantern Parade.
It’s free and takes place 2:30 – 9:30 p.m. on Lakeside Drive between the bandshell and Tom Patterson Island.
The theme is Light up the Future! Illuminating Youth Arts in Our Community.
There will be performers, installations, activities, experiences and food.
At 2:30 p.m., there is a gathering at the Veterans Drive bandshell.
You can donate to receive a pre-made lantern and accessories, decorate a last minute lantern or take a selfie at the 360 video booth.
There is a limited supply of lanterns to purchase, so participants are encouraged to make their own personalized lantern.
There is no live flame permitted, so lanterns are to be lit with battery operated lights only.
Next, from 6:30 to 7 p.m. is the procession where the lanterns will set out across the Avon River.
After, there will be a Labyrinth of the Seasons where you can walk your lantern through Ballantyne Park and talk with the Guardians of the Seasons.
Most aspects of the Lantern festival are pay what you can, so bringing cash is encouraged.
Learn more about the Stratford Lantern Festival at makers.ca/lantern-parade
