John Ball Zoo is hosting its first-ever lantern festival in Grand Rapids.
The event runs April 19 through June 11. It will feature Asian lantern displays that illuminate the zoo and tell the intersecting story of wildlife and Asian culture.
“This is a really breath taking experience and it’s something that appeals to all ages," Promotions and Event Manager, Darci Napolillo told WGVU. "We’ve set up in partnership with Tianyu Arts and Culture a one-way path throughout the zoo. It’s about a mile long throughout the winding pathways of the zoo with hundreds of these unique Asian lanterns.”
This marks the first time that Tianyu Arts and Culture, one of the world’s leading Chinese lantern festival producers, will bring its work to Michigan. John Ball Zoo said the organizations will partner to put on the festival from 2023 - 2025.
“Their (Tianyu's) mission is very much related to the mission of the zoo which is all about saving the natural world and wildlife. So we’re really excited to have this event here and bring a very unique experience," Napolillo said.
The zoo has also brought in local organizations to provide entertainment. This includes Polynesian and Filipino dancers, as well as Kung Fu demonstrations.
Napolillo said the goal is to bring in 60,000 people into the exhibit this year, but tickets will be sold every half hour to avoid any crowding. The festival runs Wednesday – Sunday with tickets priced at $22 per person.
More information can be found here.
