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More than 300 community members joined Canalway to light up the Towpath Trail on Saturday, March 11. Attendees walked 1.6 miles along the trail in Tremont carrying creative homemade lanterns during the second annual Towpath Trail Lantern Parade.
The John Marshall High School Drumline led the parade with decorated drums and inspiring beats.
Parade attendees carried lanterns made from a variety of materials. We saw lanterns made from egg cartons, plastic bottles, recycled face guards, paper bags, and even lanterns carried on 10-foot tall bamboo sticks. Lanterns were made into hats, umbrellas and shaped like alligators or turtles.
Commissioned artists Joyce Morrow Jones, Haley Himiko Hudson Morris, and Ron Shelton displayed their oversized works of art before and during the event.
Joyce Morrow Jones displayed a traditionally sharped lantern made from materials she collected on nature walks as well as homemade paper that let off a soft glow.
Haley Himiko Hudson Morris created an oversized lantern from a recycled chandelier and other colorful items that created a wormhole inspired globe that needed to be carried by two people.
Ron Shelton made his “Water Lamp” from 100% recycled plastic, including more than 30 water bottles. The clear lantern gave off bright white light that drew attention.
Artists Debbie Apple Presser and Eddie Olschansky returned from the 2022 parade with animal-themed lanterns. Debbie carried a newly designed lightening bug and Eddie repurposed his fish-shaped lantern from last year.
When the parade reached the turnaround point, and again at the end of the parade, a light dancer and musician met the crowd.
Thank you to everyone who joined us. We can’t wait to see what lanterns you bring next year!
