“This year’s theme is ‘Realms of Wonder,’ so you get to walk in and just feel like you’re fully immersed into a different world.”
Mariah Malone is Events Coordinator for John Ball Zoo. She says last year’s Grand Rapids Lantern Festival drew over 145,000 visitors from all over the state.
“Detroit even tells people to come over to Grand Rapids for this. Even other parts of the state are like, ‘Please go to this! This is the best! You have to come!’ It’s the only one in Michigan.”
The 10-week nighttime event invites guests to walk one mile through the zoo illuminated by dozens of giant handmade lanterns in the shape of animals, flowers, and other objects. Live entertainment such as musicians and acrobats also perform. Malone says the festival is 95% brand new this year.
“We’re trying to show the message of conservation through art and culture and that it can be beautiful and natural and really impactful no matter what.”
Kent County officials estimate that John Ball Zoo has more than a $100 million economic impact on the region.
The festival runs through June 14th. Tickets can be purchased on the zoo’s website.
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