Make a Lantern for Glow in the Park Lantern Walk

In September 2017, the Glen Ellyn Park District teamed up with Charlie’s Corner Foundation to host the first annual Glow in the Park Lantern Walk, with proceeds benefiting Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. The event was so successful, it’s being held again this year! All ages are invited to come to Lake Ellyn Park on September 16, 2018 to enjoy fun activities and to take part in the beautiful “Glow in the Park” nighttime parade around Lake Ellyn.

“The Glen Ellyn Park District is offering paper lantern kits to parade participants for $10,” said Jeannie Robinson, Assistant Superintendent of Recreation Services for the Glen Ellyn Park District. “They can be purchased at the registration desk in the Spring Avenue Recreation Center (185 Spring Avenue in Glen Ellyn). Proceeds from lantern kit sales benefit Lurie Children’s.” Kits are also available from party stores, and may come in different sizes and shapes, which is acceptable. “They don’t have to be identical to our kits,” added Robinson. “And while supplies last, our kits can even be purchased at the event and decorated on site. We’ll offer kits and decorating supplies until we run out.”

The paper lantern kits consist of a round paper lantern shade, a battery-operated LED light, and a stick to carry the lantern. “The Glen Ellyn Park District is also offering two lantern-decorating workshops in advance of the event,” said Robinson. “On Tuesday, September 11th, and on Thursday, September 13th, from 6-8 pm, participants can come to the Spring Avenue Recreation Center and decorate their lanterns with markers, paint, stick-on rhinestones, feathers, pipe cleaners, and just about anything else they can come up with. It’s fun to see all the different creations, and there will be prizes awarded at the event on September 16th for the most creative lanterns!” Attending a workshop is a great way to get decorating ideas, and to have fun with family and friends while creating these special lanterns.

The lanterns will be carried by participants around Lake Ellyn at dusk, creating a beautiful, glowing parade of light.

To register for a Paper Lantern Workshop, please visit www.gepark.org/register. The fee, which includes all materials, is $10 for residents and $15 for nonresidents. Contact Jeannie Robinson at jrobinson@gepark.org for more information.