The community that creates together is GREAT together!

The 19th Great Halloween Lantern Parade and Festival happens this Saturday Oct 27 from 3:30 – 9 p.m. in Patterson Park!

Each year on the last Saturday of October, the day begins with a family Halloween festival, featuring an adorable kids’ costume contest, lantern making, hayrides, yoga, live music, an arts & crafts market, and more. Local food trucks and a beer garden provide a place for families and friends spread a picnic blanket and enjoy the afternoon.

Once the sun sets, the magic begins. Everyone is welcome to grab a lantern and march with thousands of neighbors, artists, musicians, and performers. Many will line the parade route to watch the delightful Great Halloween Lantern Parade wind through the night!!

Here is the schedule of events for the day:

3:30 – 9:30 p.m.              Lantern Festival at Pulaski Monument

4 p.m.                                Kids’ Costume Contest (registration at 3:30 p.m.)

6:30 p.m.                          Parade Line-up at Boat Lake

7 p.m.                                Parade Start!

8:15 p.m.                          Finale and Dance Party with Marc Avon Evans & Soul Centered

For more information on this year’s Great Halloween Lantern Parade and Festival, visit http://www.creativealliance.org/signature-events/great-halloween-lantern-parade-and-festival.

Tess Abney is a freelance writer who was born and raised in the Quad Cities. She spends most of her time attempting to successfully raise three boys. In her free time, writing is her passion. Whether it is sharing local events and businesses with readers or sharing her thoughts on life, she finds comfort in the way words can bring people together.