Saturday, August 28, 2010
Noon through 10 PM
Spades Park
1800 Nowland Avenue
Free Admission
This is a unique "must attend" cultural event on the near-eastside.
Overview
An adaptation of a Chinese festival started over a century ago on the east side of Indianapolis, the Feast of Lanterns attracted visitors from across the city to Spades Park. Newspaper accounts of the day detailed that thousands of lanterns lined the pathways in the park leading to the bandstand where there was music, dancing, singing, performances and games. Fading into memory in the 1940s, the Feast was revived in 2003 as a festival to celebrate the diversity and arts of the east side of Indianapolis. Highlights include kid’s activities throughout the day, local and regional musicians and artists, and at dusk a lantern parade and show that lights up the night.
Music
The Feast this year features the very talented Sarah Grain.
Feast Gong Show
Performers showcase their talents and risk the Gong at a chance for cash prizes. Serious or silly they take the stage to be judged by our local celebrity panel.
Art fair
Local and regional artist display their work in our outdoor gallery with work from jewelry to painting.
Kid's activities
Old time games for kids where everyone wins a prize. Hands-on arts and craft projects include photography, mural painting, sun prints, didgeridoo and lantern making for the lantern parade.
Lantern Show
Features luminary art produced by local artists and offered for sale in the Lantern Gazebo.
Lantern Lighting Ceremony
With a lantern parade, the Lantern Lighting Ceremony takes place at dusk. Tall oaks hung with candle-lit chandeliers, trees decorated with votives and hundreds of paper lanterns turn the park into a wonderland.
Admission to the Feast of Lanterns is free. Proceeds will benefit the community programs of the Near East Side Community Organization (NESCO). For information call (317) 633-7300 email: info@infyfeast.org http://www.indyfeast.org
Lantern Making Workshops
Lantern making workshops are Wednesdays and Sundays in July and August. Come learn to make lanterns and make lanterns for the silent auction at the Feast of Lanterns on Saturday August, 28 1020. Proceeds support the cost of the festival and help fund the not for profit Near East Side Community Organization.
Bring food, beverages, energy, a love of crafts, or a friend for fun-filled evenings of lantern making. Currently, this is a rustic cottage with no handicap access or restroom facilities. Additionally, you can be messy and creative and adult beverages are permitted.
Look for the signs along Highland and the big red lantern out front. Highland Avenue can be reached by way of St. Clair, Michigan Avenue, or 10th Street by going south on Oriental St. to St. Clair.
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Posted on 08/28/10
