You’re a Sky Full of Stars: The Lantern Fest

If you’ve ever heard Coldplay’s “A Sky Full of Stars”, you’ve probably felt inexplicably inspired, empowered or energized while listening to it.

Regardless of whether you’re a fan of the band, this particular song has a way of making you feel powerful and free at the same time.

That’s the same feeling you get when attending The Lantern Fest, an annual event that draws thousands of revelers across the country to light and lift off paper lanterns. The result is a sky full of “stars” that stretches as far as the eye can see.

Prior to liftoff, attendees gather around campfires to enjoy live music, roast marshmallows and decorate their lanterns.

Many people choose to dedicate their lanterns to lost loved ones or use them to celebrate special events. Mike and I have done both.

In the two years that we’ve attended, we’ve sent up paper lanterns dedicated to his dad, who passed away in 2016, and decorated others to celebrate our engagement and the addition of a new furry family member (our kitten Callie).

Once decorated, the lanterns become highly personal, making the act of lifting them off that much more meaningful.

As the Coldplay song plays in the background, you light your lantern, let it fill with hot air, and wait for a gentle tug to remind you to let go and watch your dreams, wishes, prayers, love – whatever it may be – float up with the wind and light up the sky.