Sign up for lantern workshops for River of Light parade
Oct. 6, 2022 | By MK Monley 
Workshops are scheduled to build large-scale lanterns that might even require more than one person to carry. Courtesy photo
The 13th Annual River of Light Lantern Parade will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 5 p.m. and the theme this year is Marvelous Magic.
Ahead of the parade, there are two weekends with workshops scheduled for community lantern-making. All workshops are led by MK Monley, Mame McKee, and Sarah-Lee Terrat, and are being held at Brookside Primary School. The workshops are free to attend but space is limited so pre-registration is required.
The schedule is:
Nov. 5-6: Large Scale Lantern Workshop
This is for artists and makers who like to build on a larger scale. Lanterns are made out of willow and rattan and are papered with large coffee filters and glue. These take two full days to complete. Previous experience is recommended, but not required. Large Scale Lantern Building - November 5th and 6th 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Brookside Primary School
Nov. 12: Family Large Scale Lantern Workshop
New this year is family day for adults and children to work together to build a larger lantern that can be built in one day. These lanterns are made from willow, rattan, and paper and will take the entire time to create. Family Large Scale Lantern Building - November 12th 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Brookside Primary School.
Families can build lanterns together ahead of the River of Light parade. Courtesy photo
Nov. 13: Simple Vellum Lantern Making
A simple yet delightful two-hour Vellum Lantern Making session will involve making lanterns from vellum paper and will take approximately two hours to complete. Morning or afternoon sessions available. Community Lantern Building - November 13th 10 a.m. to noon, or 1-3 p.m.
On Dec. 3, the route of the parade will start at Brookside Primary School, taking the participants down Stowe Street, turning right onto Main Street, and left into Dac Rowe field. Returning once again will be the marvelously magical street bands Sambatucada and Brass Balagan, as well as Cirque de Fuego fire spinners, and the SD Ireland glowing cement mixer to entertain the crowd. The Waterbury Recreation Department will supply bonfires and hot chocolate at Dac Rowe field after the parade. For more information and questions, email ariveroflightinwaterbury@gmail.com.
This parade is made possible with the support of sponsors: Waterbury Winterfest, The Alchemist, Billings Mobil, and the Harwood Unified Union School District.