Make Your Own Lantern and Welcome Spring to the Towpath Trail on March 8
The Towpath Trail Lantern Parade, hosted by Canalway Partners and sponsored by Kichler Lighting, is a celebration of light, creativity and sustainability welcoming spring to the banks of the Cuyahoga River featuring local artists and inviting community members to get creative. The parade will step off on March 8 at 6:30 PM from Sokolowski’s Overlook on the Towpath Trail in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood.
This year, Canalway has commissioned more than 10 local artists to create illuminated art made from recycled materials to lead the parade. Featured artists include Dina Hoeynck, Shannon Timura, Ross Bochnek, Jim Dotson, Jami Johnson, Belle Kolleth, Julie Reminick, Meaghan Reed, Connor Riva, Beth Lynne, and The Rabbit Hole Art Fanatics collaborative.
Community members are invited to make their own lanterns from recycled materials and a battery powered light. Creativity is encouraged! Free lantern-making workshops will be held prior to the parade on March 2 from 1 to 4 PM and March 7 from 5 to 7 PM at the Community Arts Center at 2937 W. 25th St., Cleveland. Workshops will be taught by professionals from Upcycle Parts Shop. Supplies will be included, but you are encouraged to bring a plastic jar to decorate if able.
“We love watching this event grow each year and are proud to hire more local artists for 2025. Our goal is to bring the community together, outside in all types weather and create opportunities for people to make fun, impactful memories in the places that are historically important to our city, like the Towpath Trail,” said Mera Cardenas, Executive Director of Canalway Partners.
The Towpath Trail Lantern Parade includes a 1.6 mile round-trip walk along the Towpath Trail. Registration for the parade is encouraged, but not required. Free parking will be available at 1429 Abbey Ave. Lanterns must be lit using battery-powered lights. Open flames will not be permitted. Find more information at canalwaypartners.com/lantern-parade.
The Towpath Trail Lantern Parade is supported in part by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.