On Saturday, the Boerner Botanical Gardens in Hales Corners will open 40 recently-installed Chinese light displays of dragons, floating lanterns and bright pagodas to the public.
The Milwaukee metro area was one of only 100 cities around the world chosen by the Chinese government to host the traveling light show, called China Lights, as part of a five-year campaign developed by the Sichuan Provincial Department of Commerce to promote cultural exchange.
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.
UPDATE: See BizTimes’ image gallery of China Lights highlights.
