Bozeman lantern parade Feb. 10

bozeman winter bloom lantern parade, montana living

Winter is blooming in Bozeman Feb. 10.
Bozeman’s free lantern parade celebrates creativity, community, and magic, on Saturday evening, Feb. 10, at Gallatin Regional Park. The event is led by Random Acts of Silliness with music by the Bozeman Symphony.

Once the sun sets around 6 p.m., the magic will begin. The delightful parade of hundreds of illuminated lanterns will proceed along a mile of paths around the park’s pond, bringing a trail of lights into the darkness that can be seen from all directions. Everyone is welcome to make a lantern to bring and march with neighbors, artists, and musicians.

In addition to the community created lanterns, the parade will feature special large scale lanterns created by local artists Thomas Dunning, Matt Cameron, Angela Yonke, Grace Washko, and Montana State University Art students. These artists received creative and technical support by professional lantern artist Gabs.

Lantern parades and festivals have a rich and ancient tradition from civilizations around the globe. We’ve been inspired recently by the Atlanta Beltline Parade (Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons), Iluminata (Fremont Arts Council), and Handmade Productions Uk who originated the “Winter Bloom” theme parade.

The public is also welcome to line the parade route to watch the brilliance of beautiful handmade lanterns made by Gallatin Valley artists, Montana State University art students, and area residents wind through the night and spark joy. The procession will include music from Bozeman’s Symphonic Choir and members of the Greater Yellowstone Threshold Choir.  

Anyone who wants to make a lantern and walk in the parade can join us! There are countless ways to make glowing lanterns that can be carried. We suggest making something inspired by the Winter Bloom theme of sunshine, flowers, insects, and wildlife. Get creative and then meet us at 5:45 at the Dino Playground parking lot. Pre-registration is helpful for our planning purposes, but not required.

Other event sponsors include Design.5 Landscape Architecture and Sarah Day. In case of extreme cold or high winds, the parade will take place on Feb. 17. 

A variety of community lantern-making workshops will be held leading up to the parade. More details are available at https://www.randomactsofsilliness.com/winter-bloom-2024 

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