'Take It To The River' Lantern Parade Rolls Into Sandy Springs

SANDY SPRINGS, GA -- The Take it to the River Lantern Parade was so popular last year in Sandy Springs that organizers will bring back the unique community celebration in June.

The second annual event will be held on Saturday, June 10, and will feature whimsically-designed, colorful lanterns on display.

The Lantern Parade is a free community event and an opportunity for residents and visitors to celebrate the river at one of Sandy Springs’ most beautiful parks.

Participants will begin gathering at the Steel Canyon Golf Club at 8 p.m. and the parade will step off at 9 p.m., walking an easy path down Morgan Falls Road to Morgan Falls Overlook Park. As the parade arrives at the park around 9:45 p.m., paddlers from High Country Outfitters will take to the river with specially-designed floating lanterns. Guests can enjoy the riverfront display along with live performances and tasty treats.

“I’ve always liked the idea of putting lanterns on the water,” said parade producer Chantelle Rytter. “I jumped on the opportunity to continue the Sandy Springs Lantern Parade for its second year and grow our family of floating lanterns. The Sandy Springs community was more than I could have asked for last year, and I can’t wait to see the turn out this June.”

With more than 2,500 attendees in 2016, the second annual Lantern Parade is expected to grow in more than just attendees. Rytter has dreamed of a whole family of magnificent floating lanterns, and in this year’s display, she would like to introduce two new swan lanterns known as Lilly and Billy for guests to enjoy. The swans, Lilly and Billy, will join last year’s Alice, the 25-foot albino alligator, Big Mama Sandy, the turtle, and Jeremiah, the bullfrog, accompanied by his lilies.

“I did a series of sketches, and our new swans, Lilly and Billy, seemed like a great fit for our river family,” Rytter added. “I love the idea of taking your imagination to the river. Our lantern parade workshops will let everyone show off their imagination and creativity with their own river- and Sandy Springs-themed lanterns for the parade.”

Lantern Parade workshops are available from June 3 to June 6 at North Springs United Methodist Church on Morgan Falls Road. Registration started May 3. Rytter will host the workshops, which will include:

• New willow fish, with special materials from England-inspired lanterns that are great for craft enthusiasts.
• Globes and parasols, which are perfect for a parent and child of any age.
• Lantern hats, which are recommended for a child eight years and older with a parent.

The cost of the workshops will cover all materials, instructions and tools for participants. More information, workshop cost and registration is available online.

To walk in the parade, please arrive at the Steel Canyon Golf Club prior to 9 p.m. on June 10. Parking will be available at:

• Old WorldPay building, 600 Morgan Falls Road, Suite 260
• North Springs United Methodist Church, 7770 Roswell Road
• City of Sandy Springs City Hall, 7840 Roswell Road

For more info on the parade and workshop registration, visit the event's website and share your parade march to the river using #TakeItToTheRiver and #LanternParade hashtags on social media.

Images via Sandy Springs Hospitality & Tourism