Music, Theatre and Art Going On Every Night of the Week

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Islanders Are Inspired to Create

Linda Kuhlman Jellyfish

HHI's Linda Kuhlman's first jellyfish lantern making its debut at the Sandy Springs Lantern Parade

Lighted Lantern Parade Inspires Creativity & Community
by Linda Kuhlman

I was amazed by the brilliance of people being brought together for fun through a creative endeavor called a “lighted lantern parade”. On June 15, I participated in a such a parade in an Atlanta suburb (Sandy Springs), and it was nothing short of magical.

Pre=lit Herons

Inspired by the sea life here on Hilton Head, I had created a jellyfish lantern.  After looking over the parade creator’s website and finding some ideas on Pinterest, I started out with a large white paper globe, white crepe paper, white plastic tablecloths, narrow ribbon, and transparent gift wrap.

Like any artistic creation, the jellyfish was a work in progress until the day of the parade, and will probably continue to transform.

That’s all part of the experience: letting your imagination run wild, enjoying the creative process, and marveling at the end result. Building a lantern is a fun way to express your personal vision and create something unique.  

I had no idea what to expect from a lighted lantern parade, but as the sun was setting and the lanterns were all being lit, I could see it was going to be a unique and memorable evening

Carrying delightful homemade lighted lanterns from small, to very large with moving parts, hundreds of people (adults and children of all ages) were led by a brass band that was also lit up (including their instruments) like a moving holiday display.  Spectators along the parade route were oohing and aahing at the lanterns.  It was mesmerizing.

turtles

Hilton Head Island will be hosting our inaugural participatory lighted lantern parade on November 9, 2019, and I am super excited about it. Bringing our community together with beautiful, individually created lanterns will be fun and exciting for all.

My experience and the memory of it has had a lasting impact on me, and I believe the wonderful community spirit we enjoy here in the Lowcountry will be enhanced by this new event where people can come join to shine our lights together. 

It will be a great time.  Get ready!  It’s going to be awesome!

Note: For environmental and safety reasons, all lanterns will be lit with battery-operated LED’s (no live flames permitted), and the lanterns will be carried on sticks, not released.

dragonflies 2

All images of the Sandy Springs Lantern Parade were provided by Linda Kuhlman

More Info about the Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade can be found online here including workshop schedules and information for room discounts from our host hotel,The Beach House

beach house

"Legally Blonde" Opens this Week!

legally blonde

Don’t judge a blonde by its cover! The summer production of “Legally Blonde” at the Arts Center demonstrates “girl power” in the most fun, most pink way possible!

June 26 - August 4, 2019
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina

Tickets & Info Online Here 


New Community Creates Installation at the Rec