Dragon Lights, Knoxville’s first-ever Chinese lantern festival, will take place in the Midway at Chilhowee Park from March 16 to April 22. Featuring 40 larger-than-life lantern displays with thousands of light components, the displays are constructed onsite by dozens of Chinese artisans who travel across the world to keep this century-old tradition alive.
Created by hand with silk fabric stretched over steel frames, these expertly-crafted lanterns embody tradition as the artisans pass their skills from one generation to the next.
“In addition to being awe-inspiring and beautiful, this educational event celebrates the only ancient civilization that has continued to this day,” said Mary Bogert, general manager of Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center. Along with the light displays, the festival will feature stage performances by Chinese acrobats and Chinese folk art demonstrations. There will also be various children’s activities, food and drinks available. “Being able to provide cultural, affordable, family-friendly entertainment to the heart of East Knoxville makes me very proud,” Bogert said.
Knoxville’s upcoming festival will feature Malaysian tigers and silvered-leaf langur monkeys in celebration of Zoo Knoxville’s Asian Trek.
Knoxville’s Dragon Lights Festival will run from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Ticket prices range from $10.50 to $16.50 with discounts for military, seniors, students and groups. Event parking will be free. Tickets can be purchased at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum Box Office, charged by phone at 800-745-3000, or bought online at www.ticketmaster.com.
(Information provided by Moxley Carmichael Communications.)