Lanterns led the way

DOZENS of bright and colourful lanterns lit up the dreary night sky in Belgrave on Saturday.
The sixth annual Belgrave Lantern Parade celebrated the winter solstice – the year’s longest night – in style, despite rain threatening to make some very soggy paper creations.
“It was a bit touch and go with some of the big lanterns,” one of the event’s organisers, Marina Dennis, said.
“It just wouldn’t have worked if it was raining.
“It stopped just in time. The show went on.”
Ms Dennis said the turnout was as strong as previous years and it was a great night.
She said band Miss Lizzie and the Night Owls performing in the Hayes Car Park was “a bit of a highlight”, as well as the fire twirlers and belly dancers.
Ms Dennis is looking forward to doing it all again next year, but said the event needed more volunteers to keep up the success.
“It’s hard to sustain the event without big support,” she said.
“We could do with a lot more people at our meetings. We need people thinking and planning.”
She doesn’t want current volunteers to burn out and said lending a hand would help people learn new skills and connect with their community.
“It just makes a stronger community,” she said.
Ms Dennis still hadn’t had time to catch her breath when the Mail spoke to her yesterday (Monday) morning. She was still busy returning marquees and other post-event chores.
“When you blow the candle out it’s not over. There’s more to be done,” she said.
But she’d encourage anyone to get involved.
“It’s just wonderful,” she said.
Call 9753 6234 or visit www.belgravelanterns.org.au for more information on volunteering.