Join Lakewood for our 9th annual Lantern Lighting Celebration — an evening for all to gather with family, friends and community to honor and remember those we love and miss. We are so excited to bring this treasured tradition to our community once again.

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How it works

Decorate a floating lantern in memory of a loved one with words of love and remembrance. Lakewood provides art supplies for you. You may bring loved ones’ pictures to use, but please know that lanterns will not be returned to you. 

At dusk, we’ll light our lanterns together and release them onto Lakewood’s Jo Pond in a beautiful ceremony. The effect is breathtaking and magical, providing a unique connection to our loved ones. You are free to take photos of your lantern, as you will not be able to retrieve lanterns after the ceremony. 

Lakewood is a nonprofit organization that is accountable and committed to serving Minnesota families and the community at large in a multitude of ways. We are honored to offer events, such as this, for people to come together and honor those loved and lost.

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Lantern Decorating, Food Trucks, and Live Music

Design a lantern to honor someone who you love and miss. Whether it’s a photo, a drawing, a memory, or simply a name – you are invited to create a beautiful work of art dedicated to someone special. Lakewood will supply markers and other creative supplies to help you decorate your lantern while you enjoy live music, food trucks and Lakewood’s scenic views.

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Remember – if you bring a photograph, please bring a copy of the image as you will not be able to get your lantern back after the event.

You will not get your lantern back after the event, so be sure to take lots of pictures! Lanterns and any debris from the event will be removed from the lake each night. 

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Musicians

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Food and Beverages

This year’s food trucks are: KCM Eggrolls, Chef Lucas’ Pizza, and Root to Rise.

Ceremony: 7:30pm – 8:30pm

Just before dusk, we will gather on the shores of Lakewood’s Jo Pond to illuminate and release our lanterns while reading the names of those who are loved and missed. A bagpiper will play as darkness settles and our lanterns dance and float on the water — illuminating our individual intentions, reflecting our collective impact and lighting up the night.

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What to bring

Copies of photos to attach to your lantern (no originals please, as lanterns will not be returned).

Your camera or smartphone to take pictures of your lantern.Folding chairs or blankets for the ceremony.

A flashlight or phone with a flashlight app to help you find your way after the ceremony.

Art supplies will be provided, but you may bring your own if you’d like.

You are welcome to bring snacks if you’d like. Food trucks will be available.

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Photo by Bre McGee for Uncommon Collaborative

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Event

Lakewood Lantern Lighting

Parking

Parking is available along roads inside the cemetery. We strongly encourage carpooling. Due to the nature of the grounds and roads within the cemetery, you may need to park a distance from the event site, so please wear comfortable shoes! There is handicap parking and drop-off available at the event site near the lake. Signs will point the way from the front gates.

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FAQs

What happens to the lanterns after this event?

Can I bring a photo to use my lantern?

Where does this event take place?

This event takes place down by beautiful Jo Pond on the southwest corner of Lakewood Cemetery. Signs will be posted directing attendees to the event location. Directions to Jo Pond (this will open Google Maps) – these directions may differ from posted signs.

What happens if it rains? 

The event may be canceled if there is heavy rain, strong winds, extreme heat, or thunderstorms. Should this happen, we will email all registered guests in advance of the event start time. We will also post on this event page and on our Facebook page.

All tickets for the affected date will be transferred to Sunday, September 24th. If you cannot attend the rain date, you are welcome to request a refund. 

Will any of the mausoleums or buildings be open for this event?

The Garden Mausoleum, Community Mausoleum, and the Memorial Chapel will all be open until 7pm. Please note that these buildings are about a half a mile away from the event location.

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