Summer is quickly coming to a close and we are squeezing in as much as we can before it does! New York can be such a tricky area because one minute it’s sunny, the next, we have 12 inches of snow falling. We decided to try something new, The Lantern Festival in Erie, PA.
“I partnered with The Lantern fest for this post. I received tickets for the event to help facilitate my review. I was not required to write a positive experience all opinions expressed are my own”
I really had no idea what to expect. We brought some warm clothes in a backpack, blankets and camping chairs. When I looked at the website they discouraged bringing in your own food and drinks. Keep that in mind because they DO check your bags. The wrist bands they give you at the door have your tickets for the Lanterns and S’more kits.
When we went to get the “Goodie bags” little man didn’t get anything. I think if we go again, I will buy him an adult ticket so he can have his own Lantern to decorate (and S’more kit).
We shared my Lantern this time around! Many people say goodbye to loved ones or express their love to one another.
Of course little man had to pay tribute to the hockey players that have touched his precious heart this past season. Complete with a goal, hockey sticks and their numbers!
Did I mention we invited some friends along? I think for an event like this bringing a group with you is rather fun!
We all talked, ate S’mores, enjoyed the campfire, played corn hole and listened to the “band”.
I think they did a great job of sectioning off areas for families to spread out. Some events people are not very nice to one another but here everyone was friendly. They opened up their “campsites” invited you to play games as if we all knew each other for years!
As the sunsets the fun begins…..
Let me remind you…we had never done this before…so the next part is where our night went a bit downhill. First you need to light the Lantern they provide….
If the forecast calls for a windy night this event can be a challenge.
The wind was so bad at times the Lanterns would not even light.
Once you DO get them lite you have to hold them to the ground and let them fill with air.
Next you release them and hopefully watch them rise and fly away…
I will be honest with you out of the 5 of us none of our Lanterns flew. The wind was just to strong that night! Our Lanterns ripped before even taking off. Would I do this Festival again…YES absolutely! No one can truly predict the weather accurately when planning such events way in advanced! We had so much fun before “lift off” that we all vowed to come back next year and try again! I think events like this really break you out of your comfort zone, help you meet new people and converse with loved ones!
I would encourage you to look for a Lantern festival in your area. Maybe you will have better luck than us. If so, send US a picture, we would LOVE to see them!!
If you're looking for a venue for a small event in this area, you may want to stop by and check it out. Their staff is very friendly and the food is great. We preferred these venues in Chicago because they are all-inclusive, so you don't have to worry about chairs and catering because it's all part of the package.