Forty people participated in two Every Lantern Puppet workshops on Saturday to create their own puppets for the Sandy Springs Lantern Parade scheduled on April 13.
The annual Sandy Springs Lantern Parade will “Take it to the River” with puppets and glowing lanterns on at Morgan Falls Overlook Park.
Parade artist Chantelle Rytter, best known for founding the Atlanta BeltLine Parade, held those workshops. She said many folks took part who have never been to “Take it to the River” before.
“It was wonderful seeing folks imagine a lantern puppet, build it, and then crack themselves up with it. It was a blast to see them practicing their puppet moves in the mirror,” Rytter said.
They learned that it’s best for kids who are big enough to hold the puppets themselves. but watching two or three people operating one puppet is very funny, she said.
“I hope we see family teams with practiced moves having a big time and bringing their lantern puppets to life,” Rytter said.
She offered a website page filled with ideas and plans for families to build their own lanterns at home.
As open flames are not allowed, Rytter said all kinds of battery-operated lights are available for lanterns, including tap lights, string lights, small flashlights, bike lights and battery-operated candles.
Participants will gather before the parade at Steel Canyon Golf Club’s parking lot. Music, food trucks, and children’s activities will begin at 6 p.m. for the free event.
The Lantern Parade will start at 8:15 p.m. with a swoop of flying pigs leading the parade down to the Chattahoochee River. Families should bring their own handcrafted lanterns.
Residents who missed the workshops may purchase lantern kits at Steel Canyon Golf Club and at Ace Hardware in Dunwoody Village.
Morgan Falls Overlook Park will be closed all day on Saturday, April 13 for event setup. Parking for the parade is at Morgan Falls Office Park, 7840 Roswell Road, 30350. A free shuttle will be available starting at 5:30 p.m.
