Take it back to the river during this free family-friendly event

Sandy Springs, Ga. (May 2, 2017) – Back by popular demand, Sandy Springs is proud to announce its second annual  “Take it to the River” Lantern Parade on Saturday, June 10, 2017. Just outside the Atlanta Perimeter, march to the Chattahoochee River with whimsically-designed, colorful lanterns or witness the breathtaking, family-friendly procession.  

The Lantern Parade is a free community event and an opportunity for the surrounding community and visitors to celebrate the river at one of Sandy Springs’ most beautiful parks. Participants will begin gathering at the Steel Canyon Golf Club at 8:00 p.m., and the parade will step off at 9:00 p.m. walking an easy path down Morgan Falls Road to Morgan Falls Overlook Park.  As the parade arrives at the park around 9:45 p.m., paddlers from High Country Outfitters will take to the river with specially-designed floating lanterns. Guests can enjoy the riverfront display along with live performances and tasty treats.

“I’ve always liked the idea of putting lanterns on the water,” said parade producer Chantelle Rytter. “I jumped on the opportunity to continue the Sandy Springs Lantern Parade for its second year and grow our family of floating lanterns. The Sandy Springs community was more than I could have asked for last year, and I can’t wait to see the turn out this June.” 

With more than 2,500 attendees in 2016, the 2nd annual Lantern Parade is expected to grow in more than just attendees. Chantelle has dreamed of a whole family of magnificent floating lanterns, and in this year’s display, she would like to introduce two new swan lanterns known as Lilly and Billy for guests to enjoy. The swans, Lilly and Billy, will join last year’s Alice, the 25-foot albino alligator, Big Mama Sandy, the turtle, and Jeremiah, the bullfrog, accompanied by his lilies. 

“I did a series of sketches, and our new swans, Lilly and Billy, seemed like a great fit for our river family,” said Chantelle. “I love the idea of taking your imagination to the river. Our lantern parade workshops will let everyone show off their imagination and creativity with their own river- and Sandy Springs-themed lanterns for the parade.” 

Lantern Parade workshops are available from June 3 to June 6 at Sandy Springs United Methodist Church on Morgan Falls Road. Registration begins May 3. Chantelle will host the workshops, which will include:

  •  New willow fish, with special materials from English-inspired lanterns that are great for craft enthusiasts
  • Globes and parasols, which are perfect for a parent and child of any age
  • Lantern hats, which are recommended for a child eight years and older with a parent 

The cost of the workshops will cover all materials, instructions and tools for participants. More information, workshop cost and registration will be available online on May 3: www.visitsandysprings.org/lanternparade. 

Bring your lanterns and flashlights to “Take It To The River!” To walk in the parade, please arrive at the Steel Canyon Golf Club prior to 9:00 p.m. on June 10. Parking will be available at:

  • Old WorldPay building – 600 Morgan Falls Road, Suite 260
  • North Springs United Methodist Church, 7770 Roswell Road
  • City of Sandy Springs City Hall, 7840 Roswell Road

Many thanks to participating sponsors:
Sandy Springs Hospitality & Tourism
City of Sandy Springs
Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks
High Country Outfitters 
Steel Canyon Golf Club
Bai
KIND

For more info on the parade and workshop registration, please visit www.visitsandysprings.org/lanternparade, and share your parade march to the river using #TakeItToTheRiver and #LanternParade.

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About Sandy Springs, Ga.
Bordered by the city of Atlanta on the south and the Chattahoochee River to the north, Sandy Springs is Georgia’s sixth largest city, and combines the best of urban and rural environments. Celebrated dining, one-of-a-kind boutiques and antique finds, and cultural experiences are all surrounded by more than 950 acres of parks and natural areas, including 22 miles of Chattahoochee River shoreline for kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing and more. Visitors from near and far come to experience Sandy Spring’s acclaimed culinary scene, which features award-winning chefs and showcases cuisines from around the world. Throughout the year, local events highlight and celebrate the unique community, from festivals to holiday markets. Sandy Springs makes for a relaxing getaway with easy access to several major highways and interstates, and the MARTA rail.

Sandy Springs Hospitality & Tourism is the Destination Marketing Organization for the city of Sandy Springs, Georgia, acting as the guide to all that the Metro-Atlanta city has to offer. For more information, please visit www.VisitSandySprings.org. 

Media Contact:
Brianna Evans, Pineapple PR
Brianna@pineapple-pr.com
404-237-3761