Frequently Asked Questions
What organizations make the parade happen?
The Great Halloween Lantern Parade is a one of a kind
community celebration designed and built by Nana Projects
under the direction of artist Molly Ross.
The Creative Alliance, Friends of Patterson Park and The Southeast Community Development Corporation produce the Parade.
A big thank you to our funders!
Clayton Baker Trust, William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, Baltimore Housing, Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, Constellation Energy, The Hoffberger Foundation, M&T Bank, Magic Hat, Maryland state Arts Council, Metroscape Development, Joseph & Harvey Meyerhoff Charitable Funds, National Endowment for the Arts, PNC Bank, Parks and People Foundation, Schultz Development, Susan A & Paul C Wolman Jr, Fund.
What workshops are available?
Community Lantern Making Workshops- Free! $5.00 suggested donation
Advanced Lantern Making Workshop-$10.00 suggested donation
Stiltwalking - $35.00 for a pair of stilts
Gourd Orchestra – Free! $5.00 suggested donation
Day of the Dead Altar Making Workshop - Free! $5.00 suggested donation
Day of Parade Lantern Making at the Festival - Free! $5.00 suggested donation
Buy lantern kits to make at home - $10/ kit
Available for pick up at community workshops or call Creative Alliance to arrange purchase 410-276-1651
When and Where are the workshops?
What can you do in the parade?
Be a lanterneer, puppeteer or gourd band musician!
Nana Projects designs and builds large lanterns inspired by each year’s theme. Round up some family, friends or colleagues and help us carry lanterns, puppets, and floats or be a parade marshal!
Costumes- Wear your own unique and wildly outrageous costume in the parade, there is no limit to your imagination.
What you can’t do in the parade
Self Promote
The Great Halloween Lantern Parade is not the place to for self-promotion of organizations or businesses. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the parade, please contact Creative Alliance at 410-276-1651.
♣ No distribution of fliers, postcard or promotional materials during the parade
♣ No banner or signage with out approval of Nana Projects
♣ No lanterns, objects or large costumes can be in the parade without the approval of Nana Projects. Due to the use of candles to light many of our lanterns and the fact that the parade marches in the dark, we have strict regulations to prevent fires, injury or potential hazards to all parade participants and spectators. Our liability Insurance requires ALL objects must be approved.
But what if I really want to make a lantern that is different from the styles offered in the community workshops?
Then come to the Advanced Lantern Making workshop! Build your own personal lantern around this year’s theme Grow! Anything garden related you could dream up we can help you build. This workshop is not intended for large groups or organizations to build lanterns. $10 suggested donation. See the MAKE page on our website for more details and contact information.
What if I really want to build something big for the parade?
Come help us at our Volunteer Build Day or contact us if you have time to assist during the month of October. We will need extra hands this year building our giant glowing garden.
Contact us at info@nanaprojects.com
What if I really want to build something for the parade with my organization?
There are sponsorship packages available. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the parade, please contact Creative Alliance at 410-276-1651.
Each year Nana Projects designs lanterns around a theme and will design a series of lanterns that can be customized by organizations or businesses that partner in the sponsorship of the parade. This years design is” Seed Packet” lanterns that can be custom painted by your organization or business. Please contact Creative Alliance at 410-276-1651 for more information.
What is the date of the Lantern Parade?
Saturday October 30, 2010
Rain date
Sunday October 31, 2010
What happens if it rains?
Check our website or call 410-276-1651 to confirm the day of the parade that we have called our Rain Date, which is Sunday, October 31. If the parade is held on the Rain Date, it will start at the same time and be held at the same location.
What time does it start?
The parade lines up at 7:00 pm.
The Front of the parade steps off at 7:30 pm.
The middle and the back leave as soon as the front has moved out of the way approx 15 minutes after the front.
What time does the Festival Start?
3pm -9pm all day of festivities!
Where does the parade start?
At The Pulaski Monument
On the corner of Eastern and Linwood Avenues
What is the parade route?
The parade travels in a circle through the park and the annex across Linwood Avenue returning back to the monument.
Is there a charge to attend the parade?
The Lantern Parade is FREE, however, DONATIONS are gratefully received.
People can make a donation to support the parade at any of the workshops or:
♣ Send a check or stop by the Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. Baltimore, MD 21224. Checks made payable to Creative Alliance.
♣ Call Creative Alliance at 410-276-1651 to make a donation with a credit card
Some activities at the festival will have a fee. Arts & crafts, food, drinks and beer will be for sale.
How can I get to the parade?
Parking is always tricky the closer to the parade start time.
See the SHUTTLE INFO page on our website for information on alternative transportation, shuttles and parking.
WHERE is the BEST PLACE to WATCH THE PARADE?
Are there FACILITIES for people with DISABILITIES?
The Lantern Parade encourages people of all backgrounds and abilities to participate. Please call Nana Projects at 443-621-6045 if you have specific questions. The Pulaski Monument area of Patterson Park where the Lantern Festival takes place and where the parade begins and ends is wheelchair accessible. The parade route is also accessible although we march in the dark and over curbs, so please contact Nana Projects to ensure proper safety and assistance to a person in a wheelchair who will march in the parade.
What can I do before the parade starts?
Come early and enjoy the Lantern Festival. Hay Rides! Lantern Making! Bands!
The festival starts at 3pm and continues after the parade until 9pm.
Day of Festival Lantern Making is in the big tent from 3pm until 6pm or until the lanterns run out. Some activities at the festival will have a fee. Arts & crafts, food, drinks and beer will be for sale.