Bozeman’s Lantern Parade Lit Up A Winter Night

You never really know what is going on in Montana. One weekend it is ice sculptures downtown, the next it is a herd of cattle moving through Livingston, or a lantern parade lighting up a winter night. It is one of the many reasons I love living here.

Montana is packed with creative people. Take a walk through downtown Bozeman or spend an afternoon in Bigfork, and you will see gallery after gallery. Artists, performers, builders, makers. Even in the middle of winter, when cabin fever starts to creep in, people here find a way to create something memorable.

That is how I ended up at Gallatin County Regional Park Saturday night, bundled up and completely mesmerized. The event was put on by Random Acts of Silliness, an arts organization focused on bringing laughter and imagination to the Gallatin Valley through interactive art, theater, and playful public events for all ages.

The Menagerie of the Imaginary Lantern Parade transformed the park into something out of a storybook. Glowing, handcrafted lanterns carried by local artists and community members drifted through the darkness while singers filled the cold air with music.

Two massive illuminated creatures stood out from the rest. One floated above the crowd, “Curly Tailed Bird Horse Amelia”. The other glided through the procession, a dragon inspired by deep sea life, surrounded by lantern fish made by 11 artists. The dragon creation is named “Echo the Tassel Finned Dragoon.”

The idea behind the parade is simple. In the heart of winter, when nights feel long, bring light, creativity, and a little magic back into the community. It worked.