Winter Bloom Lantern Parade
January 25, 2024by Sarah Day
The first ever Winter Bloom Lantern Parade is happening in
Bozeman on February 10 at 6:00 pm at the Gallatin Regional Park! I am so
excited to share a little bit about this event and be one of the sponsors for
it as well. I know this will be a bright and uplifting event for everyone in
our community to enjoy.
The parade is put on by Random Acts of Silliness, an
organization in Bozeman that works with local artists and performers to create whimsical
installations and events. While definitely enjoyed by children, their pieces
are wonderful and are enjoyed by all ages.
The Winter Bloom Lantern Parade is new to Bozeman but events
similar to it have taken place around the world. The staff at Random Acts of Silliness
had seen these happening and knew it would be an incredible thing to bring to
our local community. With the help of some local artists, the Bozeman Symphonic
Choir and many volunteers they are bringing this idea to life!
The parade will include the above mentioned groups carrying
various handmade lanterns of a nature theme. They will follow the looping trail
at Gallatin Regional Park, taking an estimated 45 minutes to complete. The community
is invited to either join with their own lanterns or watch from anywhere around
the park!
I personally had the opportunity to make a butterfly lantern
for this event and it was such a great experience. The wings and body were
already cut out but we got to choose the wing color/design. Piece by piece, and
with lots of gaffer tape, we assembled the beautiful butterflies together with lights
strung through their wings. I am really looking forward to walking in the parade
with it!
I’ve also had the opportunity to meet with some of the other
participants about their roll in the event. My first conversation was with
Danielle Thomesen, the Executive Enchantment Director and founder of Random
Acts of Silliness. The video is posted on my Instagram account; you can check them
out on my page @sarahdaybznre.
The second conversation was with Maren Marchesini, the
Conductor of the Bozeman Symphonic Choir. It was so fun to learn more about their
group and hear what they’re planning for the event! I also had the chance to speak
with Matt Parsons, the Trails Director of Gallatin Valley Land Trust, about why
he suggested the parade be held at the Gallatin Regional Park. We talked about
that and some more interesting facts about the trails on the west side of
Bozeman.
Before the event I’ll also get a chance to talk with one of
the local artists who is making a large lantern for the parade. We’ll also chat
about her workspace in Bozeman and how she’s making the space accessible to the
community!
The magical Winter Bloom Lantern Parade is happening on
February 10 (February 17 alternate date for bad weather) at 6:00 pm at the
Gallatin Regional Park in Bozeman, Montana. I hope to see you out there!