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Community Celebrations
Lantern Lighting Celebration
September 22 - September 23
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Save the date for Lakewood’s 9th Annual Lantern Lighting Celebration
Friday, September 22
Saturday, September 23
Rain Date: Sunday, September 24
Mark your calendars for our 9th annual Lantern Lighting Celebration — an evening to gather with family, friends and community to honor and remember those we love and miss. We are so excited to bring this treasured tradition to our community once again.
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How it works
Decorate a floating lantern in memory of a loved one with words of love and remembrance. Lakewood provides art supplies for you. You may bring loved one’s pictures to use, but please know that lanterns will not be returned to you.
At dusk, we’ll light our lanterns together and release them onto Lakewood’s Jo Pond in a beautiful ceremony. The effect is breathtaking and magical providing a unique connection to our loved ones. You are free to take photos of your lantern, as you will not be able to retrieve lanterns after the ceremony.
FAQs
What happens to the lanterns after this event?
To keep Lakewood beautiful for families who may be visiting loved ones and the wildlife that call Lakewood home, our grounds crew will clear out the lanterns and remove any excess debris from the lake each evening. The decorative part of the lantern will be recycled, and the lantern bases will be reused.
Can I still attend if I don’t have family buried at Lakewood?
Absolutely! Our Lantern Lighting Celebration is about coming together to honor those are missed and loved. All are welcome to attend our Lantern Lighting Celebration. Although many of our attendees are celebrating the life of someone at Lakewood, you are welcome to honor anyone that you would like on your lanterns.
Can I bring a photo to use my lantern?
Please bring copies of photographs! As mentioned above, the lanterns will not be returned after the event.
What happens if it rains?
The event may be canceled if there is heavy rain, strong winds, extreme heat, or thunderstorms. Should this happen, we will email all registered guests in advance of the event start time. We will also post on this event page and on our Facebook page.
All tickets for the affected date will be transferred to Sunday, September 24. If you cannot attend the rain date, you are welcome to request a refund.
Will any of the mausoleums or buildings be open for this event?
The Garden Mausoleum, Community Mausoleum, and the Memorial Chapel will all be open until 7pm. Please note that these buildings are about a half a mile away from the event location.
Questions? Call the Lakewood events line at 612-540-5165 or email to events@lakewoodcemetery.org
