Celebrate summer at new lantern launch festival

CENTER HARBOR — The end of the summer is fast approaching, but not before hundreds of environmentally-safe lanterns will be released on Lake Winnipesaukee, to celebrate another great season.

The inaugural Lakes Region Lantern Festival, hosted by the Lakes Region Tourism Association and Mount Washington Cruises, takes place Sunday, Sept. 6, at the Center Harbor Town Docks.

Association Director Amy Landers said the event is not only a way to celebrate summer, but also provides funding for the organization, which will ultimately benefit students studying tourism.

“It will be a great family event, a farewell to summer, and an opportunity to celebrate our tourism season,” Landers said. “It’s a chance to get families together.”

The festival is a celebration of “hope, memory, and togetherness,” and Landers said participants can purchase lanterns online or a variety of Lakes Region establishments, to be sent off into the water at dusk.

The lanterns will be decorated, and can honor a friend or family member, make a well wish for someone, celebrate a special event like the birth or marriage, remember a lost loved one, or signify other hopes and dreams. Each lantern is personalized with a message or drawing before it is released.

“A lot of people use these for memories, a wish, or to commemorate a special friendship or anniversary,” Landers said. “It could just be to celebrate what a great summer it was, and the time we enjoyed in the Lakes Region."

The all-ages event starts at 4:30 p.m., with the lantern release happening at sunset. It will take place at the beach and lawn adjacent to the docks, with bounce houses, slides, face painting, photos, and other family activities. An emcee will keep the crowd entertained with music, and the M/S Mount Washington will dock at about 5 p.m.

Guests can buy a ticket to travel from Weirs Beach on The Mount to Center Harbor, returning by boat at the end of the event.

Entertainment will be offered on all three levels of The Mount, along with full bar service and food. Swipe Right Duo and Ralph Allen will play live music aboard the vessel.

There will be a variety of food options for festivalgoers from local establishments like Lynnie’s Food Truck, Gusto Italian Café, and Pours & Petals.

Lanterns are being sold ahead of the event, and will also be available the day of the festival. Decoration stations will also be set up.

In an effort to protect the lake, and ensure the artwork doesn’t blur in the water, organizers recommend using 100% natural beeswax or soy crayons. This is both an eco-friendly and waterproof option. Participants are asked not to use markers, petroleum-based crayons, paint, glitter, or stickers, which are not biodegradable. Lanterns with these materials will not be allowed to float.

Landers said protecting the lake is a top priority.

“All lanterns will be coming out of the water, and materials being used are all approved" by the state Department of Environmental Services, Landers said.

Attendees can bring lawn chairs and blankets for sitting along the shore.

Even those who can’t make it to the festival can get involved in the fun. All lanterns are equipped with a QR code, so they can be purchased, decorated, and sent back to the association to be put in the water. The code will allow people to see their lantern when it is sent off into the lake.

“They can log into the website and will be able to see the lantern being launched,” Landers said. “Maybe you vacationed here, and couldn’t get back for Labor Day weekend. You can be involved."

This is a fundraising opportunity for the Lakes Region Tourism Association, to help increase marketing efforts and enhance the economy. Funds will support three scholarships offered yearly: the Ron Meade “On Track to Tourism” Scholarship; the Mel Borrin Scholarship; and the Mildred A. Beach Hospitality Scholarship.

“These usually go to tourism-related students who have shown initiative to enhance their career,” Landers said.

While the funds will be vital for the association, she said the real goal is getting families out for a final summer hurrah. Landers expects this to be a fun, unique event she hopes can continue for years to come.

Lanterns can be purchased at the Mount Washington Cruises Gift Shop at Weirs Beach, Hart’s Turkey Farm in Meredith, Ames Farm Inn in Gilford, the New Hampshire Boat Museum in Moultonborough, Gusto’s Italian Market in Center Harbor, and the Lakes Region Tourism Association office in Tilton. A limited number of lanterns will be sold at the event.

For more information, visit lakesregionlanternfestival.org.