The Towpath Trail Lantern Parade, hosted by Canalway and supported by Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, is a celebration of light, creativity and sustainability welcoming spring to the banks of the Cuyahoga River. The annual event will take place on March 11 at 6:30 PM.
At the parade, local artists will display commissioned pieces of illuminated art made entirely from recycled materials. Each lantern will celebrate nature and encourage environmentalism. The 2023 featured artists are Ron Shelton, Haley Himiko Hudson Morris and Joyce Morrow Jones. Artists returning from the 2022 parade include Debbie Apple-Presser and Eddie Olschansky.
Attending the event? Make your own lantern from recycled materials and a battery powered light and join the parade. Creativity is encouraged! With support from community art partners, Canalway is hosting free, family-friendly workshops at the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Community Arts Center on March 11, 11 AM to 3 PM and at Heights Arts on March 9, 3:30 to 7 PM.
“The 2022 parade was so much fun, despite chilly temps. Artists and community members alike showed initiative and creativity when building their lanterns. We can’t wait to see what kind of recycled lanterns are carried on to the Towpath Trail this year,” said Mera Cardenas, Executive Director of Canalway Partners.
The parade will start and end at Sokolowski’s Overlook Trailhead in Tremont and will include a 1.6 mile roundtrip along the Towpath Trail with music and entertainment along the way. Registration for the parade is encouraged, but not required.
Lanterns must be lit using battery-powered lights. Open flames will not be permitted. Find more information at canalwaypartners.com/lantern-parade.