| LanternFest Celebrates Sobo Spirit |
Molly Colman loves light. The
“I see the LanternFest as a celebration of the simple pleasures of community,” says Colman, who first came up with idea of a lantern walk after hearing of other events involving light, fire and community in
So far, students and families in
In addition to the lanterns, children in town have made hundreds of luminary bags decorated with their creative images of

Nicole St Pierre, president of the board of SoBo Central, suggested adding music and a picnic to open the event. Thus, the soft rock cover band PB&J will play at 5:30 pm on the grounds outside the restaurant, while participants are invited to bring a picnic or buy food available on the grounds. Spring Hill, which donated the space for the event, will sell burgers, hot dogs and other items. Beverages and bake sale items will be available from community groups.
“I wanted this to be a community event where truly everyone felt welcome,” said
“Besides being a beautiful night of light, a great chance to hear local music, and a showcase for creative art, the LanternFest should be a place where we as a town come together to enjoy each other and living in South Berwick.” SoBo Central, a two-year old non-profit group, runs the Hot Summer Nights concert series.
Dozens of high school age volunteers will staff lantern-making, face-painting, glow stick, lantern, and LanternFest t-shirt booths. School superintendent Mary Nash will be at the picnic to greet her new constituency and to help her hometown launch this new event.
The 7:30 pm parade of handmade lanterns will start just after sunset and end on the shores of Knights Pond, where water lanterns will be launched and dozens of sky lanterns will be set adrift into the night sky. As each water lantern floats away, it will carry the written wish of a participant.
After all these pieces were set in place, a few of the Fest planners decided to add an AfterGlow Party to close out the evening inside.
While listening to Pub Lunch, a local band donating their talents, adults will be invited to have “lantinis” in the adult room and kids will be given a free movie, mats and baby sitting in a neighboring children’s area.
“We came up with the idea of lantinis as a great way to close out the night,” said Mimi Abell, another volunteer planner. “After an evening of celebrating outside, we can all come into the restaurant and relax in the afterglow of a job well done.”
For more information contact: Molly Colman at 603-969-1179.