River of Light’s toys & games brighten Waterbury
December 9, 2023 | Photos by Gordon Miller Many lanterns fit the theme of Toys and Games this year. Photo by Gordon Miller
The 14th annual River of Light lantern parade lit up downtown Waterbury on Saturday as hundreds of people of all ages gathered to walk in and along the colorful, glowing procession bookended by marching bands.
Handmade paper and willow lanterns reflected the Toys and Games theme with illuminated game pieces, favorite toys, stars and more carried by many participants wearing lighted and glowing pieces in their outfits.
Click on the photos below to enlarge them.
A thank you for a parade full of fun
To the community:
We'd like to thank everyone involved in making the 14th annual River of Light lantern Parade a success. The fact that the weather cooperated was a bonus! The theme of Toys and Games was a big hit and the lanterns that were created to fit the theme were full of fun.
In the center are parade organizers Mame McKee, Sarah-Lee Terrat and MK Monley. Photo by Gordon Miller
Thanks to MakerSphere for coordinating the event, and to Brookside Primary School students, staff and parents who participated and volunteered their time in a variety of ways.
To all of the artists big and small who created lanterns at school and on their own with such creativity....WOW!!! What a spectacular show. Top it off with the music from Sambatucada and Brass Balagan along with Cirque de Fuego fire spinners and a good time was had by all. To the community groups: the town of Waterbury Recreation Department, Public Works Department, the Rotary Club of Waterbury, MakerSphere, HUHS National Honor Society students, and Winterfest - we couldn't do this without your help!
Parade sponsors this year include Harwood Unified Union School District, the Vermont Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Vermont Community Foundation, Waterbury Winterfest and the Town of Waterbury. And thank you to everyone for coming out to play and brightening our community this time of year!
Wishing you all the best,
MK Monley, Mame McKee and Sarah-Lee Terrat
Photo by Gordon Miller