A mesmerizing display of floating lanterns is set to light up Sunwest Park (17362 Old Dixie Hwy) in Hudson on April 5 as the Water Lantern Festival makes its way to the Tampa Bay area. This nationally acclaimed event, voted the one of the Best Cultural Festivals by USA TODAY, offers an evening of reflection, connection, and breathtaking visuals as thousands of lanterns drift across the water.
Tickets start at $28.99 and can be reserved online, while children 8 and under receive free admission. Each adult ticket includes a floating lantern, LED light, commemorative drawstring bag, marker, conversation and playing cards, and a wristband. The admission price also covers post-event cleanup, ensuring all lanterns and any existing debris are removed from the water.
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A dazzling family-friendly event
The festival welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds for a night filled with live music, food vendors, games, and activities. As the sun sets, attendees will release their lanterns, each carrying personal messages of love, hope, and dreams, creating a glowing spectacle on the water.
The Water Lantern Festival is committed to sustainability, emphasizing a “leave no trace” approach to preserving each event venue, according to the organizers. Its website states that a dedicated cleanup team “ensures that every lantern is retrieved after the event while removing any existing debris from the water and surrounding area.”
Utilizing eco-friendly material
The festival’s lanterns are made from eco-friendly materials, featuring a rice paper cover and a wooden base, while LED candles are reused and recycled whenever possible to minimize waste. By prioritizing these environmentally conscious practices, the event aims to create a meaningful and sustainable experience for attendees and the local community.
