Into the light. Out of the darkness. The slogan perfectly encapsulated Enderby’s now annual Winter Lantern Parade on Sunday, Feb. 18.
Hundreds of lanterns were made, each unique in their disposition, and were carried in a procession on a walk near the Salmon River.
The theme this year was home and those who created their own lanterns did so to resemble one’s own place of comfort.
The lantern parade was initially made to celebrate the life cycle of the salmon, and was based on Salmon Day (Oct. 8). In 2022, the parade was in February, based off of the Floating Lantern Festival.
“We decided to do this on what was Salmon Day previously, but this year we have evolved the celebration,” said Michelle Carriere, a director for the Runaway Moon Theatre Society. “We used to do it in the water, but we found clean up was very difficult, so this year we decided a walk was best.”
The theatre hosted three free workshops in Enderby, Armstrong and Salmon Arm, for those interested in making lanterns.
“The initiative also went into the schools, with students at Shihiya, Heartwood, AL Fortune and MV Beattie Elementary all creating these works of arts.”
The nearly one kilometre processional walk ended with a large globe lantern being spun by attendees, in an effort to ‘spin your world around.’
A shadow show greeted attendees of Enderby's Winter Lantern Parade on Sunday! pic.twitter.com/ehhttMHHw7
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Hot chocolate and a fire greeted walkers as well, while the children were entertained by a shadow show, put on by members of the Theatre Society.
Runaway Moon expressed its thanks for support from numerous organizations, including Twice But Nice Thrift Store, Bumble Bee Children’s Choir, Salmon Arm Arts Centre, Pv Blvd Coffee, Splatsin youth group, Tsm7aksaltn Society, Curly Willow Farm and several elementary schools.
More information can be found at runawaymoon.org.
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