In October, more than 30 artists from Zigong City in the Sichuan Province of China, the birthplace of the traditional Chinese Lantern Festival, will create 40 large light displays that will include dragons, floating lanterns and bright pagodas at the Boerner Botanical Gardens in Hales Corners.
The Milwaukee metro area was one of only 100 cities around the world chosen by the Chinese government to host the traveling light show as part of a five-year campaign developed by the Sichuan Provincial Department of Commerce to promote cultural exchange.
A Milwaukee-based production company called Festival Pro, which produces events such as the Milwaukee Air & Water Show, entered into an agreement with an affiliate of the Sichuan provincial government on behalf of Milwaukee County Parks in July to bring the show to southeastern Wisconsin.
“We wanted to bring something spectacular to Milwaukee,” said Ralph Garrity, president of Festival Pro, in a statement released by the county. “With the air show on hiatus this year, we needed another great family event. The China Lights Festivals that have taken place in other cities have had great reviews.”
Travel Wisconsin received nearly $40,000 from the Department of Tourism to promote the event, which will be advertised regionally. It will be the first time the show visits the Midwest.
The lantern festival will run Tuesdays through Sundays during the month of October from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and will feature acrobatic and dancing performances as well as concessions.
Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and children. Admission for kids under the age of five is free.
More information is available on the lantern festival website.
