The Rock Island Public Library and Rock Island Parks Department are partnering to bring back the Rock Island Lighted Lantern Festival as part of the library’s 150th anniversary and the Rock Island Party in the Park.
The vintage lantern parade wraps up the free Party in the Park, which runs from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 13, at Lincoln Park, 38th Street and 11th Avenue, Rock Island, according to a news release.
The event will feature free hotdogs, popcorn and Kona Ice (while supplies last); a bounce house; face painting; balloon animals; music and more. Local businesses and organizations also will be on hand offering resources and information.
“The Party in the Park and Lantern Parade will be an exciting and well-rounded event, perfect for families and individuals looking to have a great time and learn more about their local community,” Carrie Roelf, Rock Island Parks’ marketing coordinator, said in the release. “It’s a great way to bring people together and celebrate in a festive atmosphere.”
The first lantern parade was held in 1924, the city’s release states. For roughly 60 years, Rock Island children in summer playground commission programs made cardboard silhouette lanterns for the nighttime parade. Area organizations also participated, and the events attracted large crowds to events at the Rock Island High School Stadium and Longview Park.
To enter this year’s lantern parade, gather at 7 p.m. at the large shelter near the bandshell in Lincoln Park. The parade will step off around sundown, and loop from the shelter to around the bandshell and back again. Parade admission is free and open to all ages and Rock Island organizations.
To create a lantern, visit the library website for a supply list and instructions. The library also will offer small kits at the Party in the Park at its table in the Lincoln Park pavilion.
“We first heard about this unique local tradition from community members, and bringing it back during our 150th anniversary seemed like a great way to celebrate Rock Island history,” said Lisa Lockheart, Rock Island Public Library publicity and outreach liaison, in the release.
“People still have strong memories of making these lanterns, and the festival was covered in regional and national publications,” she added.
In August 1953, the Des Moines Register reported that the 29th annual festival attracted 7,500 people and 900 lanterns. An August 1962 edition of Life Magazine also noted 500 participants had paraded silhouette lanterns through the night, according to the release.
The parade is one of multiple events held throughout the year in conjunction with the library’s 150th anniversary, which will conclude the celebration with a Rock Island Public Library Foundation fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 4.
For more information about the library, visit rockislandlibrary.org, call (309) 732-READ or follow the library on social media. For more information about Party in the Park, email parkrecmail@rigov.org or call (309) 732-7275. In case of inclement weather, call the rain line at (309) 732-RAIN (7246) after 3:30 p.m. Wednesday to check for changes or cancellations.
