About 100 people braved the wind the evening of Friday, April 22, to attend the Concrete Couch Lantern Parade. This was the 12th annual parade, after COVID-19 forced a cancellation last year. The wind did nothing to dampen spirits, and hot chocolate and music by the Concrete Couch Jam Band further buoyed the mood.
The parade theme morphed this year. It started as a celebration of Earth Day, with the lantern materials mostly recycled plastics, used Christmas wrapping paper and Elmer’s Glue. But after the loss of the service dog Jinx, many of the builders were inclined to refocus, and a large-scale Jinx lantern was created.
The lanterns were built during about 15 in-school sessions, eight FAB LAB sessions and three special sessions at the Manitou Art Center over spring break.
The parade this year was sponsored by Manitou Arts, Culture, and Heritage funds, with additional support from School District 14, the MAC and the Smokebrush Foundation.
Next year’s theme? The Concrete Couch team is open to ideas! Contact us at info@concretecouch.org.
Courtesy of Steve Wood,
Concrete Couch