Sign up for a River of Light lantern-making workshop

Nov. 4, 2021  |  By Waterbury Roundabout

Community members build lanterns at a workshop in preparation for a River of Light parade before COVID-19. File photo by Gordon Miller.

UPDATE: This post was updated to add the new starting location for the parade at the State Office Complex.

The 12th annual River of Light Lantern Parade is just a few weeks away and workshops are being held for community members to make new lanterns for the occasion. 

The parade is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 4, and the theme is “What Brings You Joy.” 

New this year: The parade will begin at the State Office Complex on the Horseshoe Drive side visible from South Main Street. Ample parking is available in the nearby parking lots. Students will receive poles to carry their lanterns at the parade start. It will start at 5 p.m. sharp and will proceed down Main Street to Dac Rowe Park for a bonfire and entertainment. 

This weekend’s lantern-making workshops are full however the sessions scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 13, still have room. They will run from 10 a.m. to noon and again 1-3 p.m. Workshops are free to attend but registration is required and donations to help with supply costs are appreciated. Kids under 8 must have an adult along. Tools and supplies are provided. Each session will be limited to 25 participants.

For more information, visit the website ariveroflightinwaterbury.org. To register for a workshop, email ariveroflightwaterbury@gmail.com.