The inaugural “Lake Zurich Water Lantern Festival” drew more than 5,000 people to Henry J. Paulus Park recently, where the lighted crafts were launched into the beach waters and illuminated the night.
“We’re really fortunate that this evening’s event had an overwhelming response,” Village Manager Ray Keller said about the May 18 event.
The Lake Zurich Lantern Festival was a multi-purpose event May 18, 2024 at Paulus Park in Lake Zurich. Some people used the event to create luminaries in remembrance of loved ones. (Karie Angell Luc/Pioneer Press)
According to the event organizers, One World Lantern Festival, the event was a multi-purpose one, including an opportunity to “experience … therapeutic power, where the serene setting and the act of releasing lanterns provide a unique space for emotional healing and rejuvenation.”
It was to also offer attendees a space for reflection and introspection – among other intimate and community experiences, according to organizers.
Lanterns were launched at about 8:30 p.m. on the beach in Lake Zurich. People waiting to get down to the waterfront to get their lanterns going queued formations through the hilly park, making it look almost like a religious shrine. The lanterns could be personalized with messages of their choice.
The festival included numerous food trucks. Lines were long to purchase food but many brought their own dinner or snacks. Lawn room was taken up in spots closer to the beach as families spread picnic blankets or sat on inflatables they brought. Music on the stage was serene with much of it solo singing and guitar.
“That’s why we do these festivals, just to unite the community, bring everyone outside, give an opportunity to celebrate life, this park is the perfect place for it,” said Sydney Head, event coordinator for Logan, Utah-based Water Lantern Festival. “We couldn’t have asked for a better venue.”
Lake Zurich Mayor Tom Poynton attended, noting that Paulus Park was similar that Saturday evening to being as busy as the Fourth of July there.
“It’s the most we’ve seen (in attendance) to start the nice summer season off,” Poynton said.
He called the festival “a nice, mellow event,” adding that “we need something like this once in a while.”
People attending were not just Lake Zurich residents, and came from such places as Villa Park and Kane County.
Lanterns seen that evening included names of loved ones being remembered. People were invited to step up on the stage to share their personal stories and journeys. Some folks came in groups.
Mary Lupou, of Roselle, was among loved ones in a group of nearly 25 who attended in memory of their loved one and Lupou’s daughter, Monica Maria Mrugacz, a nurse.
Mrugacz died March 29 at age 29 from cancer. The group wore purple T-shirts with messages about Mrugacz – who would have been 30 in May.
Purple is “her favorite color,”said Lupou. “She loved lilacs. We’re here to keep her memory alive.”
Jenny Johnston, of Villa Park, helped her 10-year-old son Nathan Johnston with his lantern. The message on the boy’s luminary was about strength.
Len Foley, of north Hoffman Estates, attended with family, including his son Ryan Jones, of Inverness. Foley made a lantern and used words on it of dream, care, share and love.
“This is a great place to come,” said Foley. “This is something that the whole world should be doing. … We need it.”
Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer.
