To participate, Earl said, folks buy a ticket that includes a rice-paper and wood lantern kit, that includes an LED light, markers, some conversation cards, playing cards, and directions for the scavenger hunt. The vibrant colors - blue, yellow, pink, purple and green - would create, the organizers said, 'a rainbow of happiness' for the runners, which often included whole families, sometimes even in costumes and zany outfits.Ībout five years ago, Earl said, the company began organizing water festivals and does about 100 a year. The participants would run through mists of nontoxic, biodegradable, 'magic color power,' a food-grade cornstarch that washes out of clothes, hair and skin. The Logan, Utah-based company that puts on the modern Water Lantern Festivals said their events grew out of the Color Vibe, which organized five-kilometer, paint races nationwide. Organizers said they didn’t attempt to base their event on any cultural traditions, although, by many accounts, Asian cultures have traditions that include releasing lights on rivers, lakes and into the air that goes back thousands of years. And just before the release, there is an open mic moment, that often leads to a flood of emotions, generating smiles, laughter, and tears. In addition to the lantern launch, Earl said, there are food trucks, vendors, and a scavenger hunt. Others are covered with intensely personal messages and letters written on them. Some are brightly colored with elaborate designs. The lanterns, which the participants decorate, 'will really stick out,' Earl said. 7, in Lansing at Adado Riverfront Park, 201 E Shiawassee St.

Organizers expect about 2,400 people to buy tickets to it, and release at least that many lanterns.Īnother festival is set for Oct. Clair Metropark, 31300 Metro Parkway in Harrison Township.

In Michigan, the next event is set for Aug.

A township tale free