If the annual Lantern Parade along the Atlanta Beltline is one of fall’s most popular events (trust us, it is), then guess what runs a close second:
Lantern-making workshops.
You have to have a lantern to take part in the parade, a joyous nighttime spectacle which marks the beginning of the annual Art on the Atlanta BeltLine exhibition, the largest temporary art exhibition in the south! This year, the parade kicks off at 7:15 p.m. on Sept. 9 at Irwin Street along the Eastside Trail.
The parade's creator, Chantelle Rytter and the Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons, scheduled a number of workshops beginning in late August where people could make lanterns -- everything from globe versions to illuminated parasols and hats.
Most of the workshops filled up quickly: By the Tuesday before Labor Day, only 25 slots remained in one globe lantern workshop. It takes place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday Sept. 2 at Colony Square.
(Find complete information on the Lantern Parade and workshops at art.beltline.org.)
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Never fear, though, if you're still itching to join in the festive parade that last year drew more than 70,000 participants. By purchasing a DIY kit in advance, you can take part in a shortened version of a lantern-making workshop during the third annual Old Fourth Ward Fall Fest .
Held at Historic Fourth Ward Skate Park on the Eastside Trail, the festival takes place from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 8 and from noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9. Along with music, food trucks and an artists market, the event boasts it offers "The best view on the BeltLine of Saturday's annual Lantern Parade." Find complete information at the www.oldfourthwardfest.com.
