Our first lantern festival had a huge turnout despite the rain. Thanks to everyone who helped make it a success...and that's a lot of people! Here are photos of the night's events.

Areas of the park were filled with beautiful lanterns and were the stage areas for local musicians and performers.

This is a bola swinging performance by Daniel Goldsmith shot with a slow shutter speed to capture the motion.

This tent was a favorite with the musicians and had big tomato cage lanterns and the biggest lantern at the festival.

Here's a close–up of the biggest lantern there...a gigantic bumble bee made by Amie, Jo and Andrew!

This is friend Lisa Mitchell playing her awesome tunes.

The following 2 photos were taken by Mark Kaarremaa, a local professional photographer. Check out more of his work here.

The individuality and uniqueness of the lanterns were such a visual treat!

Under another tent, there is Krista Ewert's swirl lantern installation.

One tent had shadow puppet theatre with some performers as young as 3. Thanks goes to Elizabeth for directing the shadow puppet play.

Here's the captivated audience.

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In the first video, Java Duchak from Ignited Passion spins fire. In the background, you can hear the lantern procession led by John's bagpipes amidst the pounding of rain on the tarps.

This next video shows Willow Chandler, also from Ignited Passion dancing with fire. Thanks goes to the Dinghy Dock pub for ferrying festival performers and spectators.

Community spirit rules! A special thanks goes to the festival organizers: Anthony, Andrea, Amie, Becky, Carol, Cheryl, China, Coreen, Dale, Denise, Elizabeth, Heather, Jason, Joan, Jo, Krista, Janet, Pamela, Rhiannon, Ross, Russ, Shawn, Tanis and Wendy. Thanks also goes to the Lions Club for their support.

If you have photos or comments you'd like to share from this festival, please send me an email.