Illuminating Nature: Grand Rapids Lantern Festival Shines at John Ball Zoo
Grand Rapids, Mich. — As dusk settles over John Ball Zoo, a magical spectacle unfolds. The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival, now in its third year, features hundreds of handcrafted Asian lanterns, transforming the zoo into a vibrant tapestry of light and color.
Darci Mitchell, promotions and events manager at the zoo, explains that the festival is a one-mile walk through the zoo, with each year bringing a new theme. "This year, we have our Chinese culture section, which we always include in the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival," she says. The highlight includes the Chinese zodiac, where visitors can discover the animal that represents their birth year and delve into its meanings.
The festival’s enchanting environment caters to all ages, making it a delightful experience for families. "My favorite part of managing this event is to see people walk up and to be surprised about what the lantern festival even is," Mitchell notes, adding how heartwarming it is to see adults as fascinated as children.
Among the many displays, interactive elements engage attendees, allowing them to connect with art in a fun way. Mitchell highlights activities like bubbles floating through the air for guests to pop, showcasing the light-hearted spirit the festival embodies.
While reveling in the lantern-lit wonderland, visitors also contribute to vital conservation efforts. This year, a custom Poweshiek Skipperling lantern honors a rare butterfly native to Michigan, a key species in the zoo’s efforts to restore biodiversity. "Their numbers were once very close to extinction in the wild, and that’s a program that we're very actively involved with," Mitchell explains, emphasizing the festival's role in supporting such initiatives.
The festival also features nightly cultural performances, enhancing the overall experience with rich traditions and artistry. "This is the first and only lantern festival like it in Michigan, and it's a completely unique experience," Mitchell says. She encourages visitors from far and wide to partake in this spectacular event, suggesting they take advantage of the many attractions Grand Rapids offers.
Running through June 15, 2025, the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival opens its gates weekly from Wednesday to Sunday, extending to Tuesdays starting May 20, 2025. For those planning to attend, purchasing tickets in advance is advised to ensure a spot in this luminous celebration.
In the end, the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival isn’t just an event; it’s a beacon of hope, illuminating both art and wildlife conservation. What are your thoughts on combining cultural festivals with conservation efforts? Share your views with us in the comments!