Lantern Parade - Puppets and Characters

A glowing fish lantern floating on the Chattahoochee River at night during the Lantern Parade

New Puppets!

Discover new puppet characters joining the Lantern Parade celebration for the very first time!

BB and Bessie (Catfish)

These catfish are inspired by species found in muddy waters around the world. Known for their resilience and adaptability, BB and Bessie represent strength in ever-changing environments. See them walk in the parade!

Lulu, Gigi, Fifi, and Coco (Convict Fish)

Named for their distinctive silver and black stripes, these convict fish bring personality and flair to the parade. With their playful energy and show-stopping charm, they add music, movement, and fun to the celebration. Catch their "live performance" at the Pre-Parade Party!

Mama and Her Kids (River Cooters)

River cooters are native turtles commonly seen along the Chattahoochee River and throughout the Southeast. This puppet group captures their everyday moments—sunning, swimming, and exploring the water together. Look for this family floating on the Chattahoochee River!

Walking Puppets at the Lantern Parade

Indigo and Cornflower (Great Blue Herons)

Great Blue Herons can be found along the river year-round, making them a familiar and iconic presence in the Sandy Springs landscape.

Click and Clack (Wood Storks)

These wood storks represent a conservation success story in Georgia, having recently recovered from the endangered species list thanks to ongoing environmental efforts.

Sanderson the Flying Pig

Sanderson the Flying Pig celebrates a piece of Sandy Springs history. For years, locals joked that the city would incorporate “when pigs fly.” In 2005, that moment became reality—and Sanderson took flight as a symbol of the city’s founding.

River Puppets at the Lantern Parade

Alice the Alligator (Albino Alligator)

Inspired by local legends of alligator sightings in the Chattahoochee River, Alice is an eye-catching albino alligator stretching nearly 26 feet long. She brings a touch of mystery and imagination to the parade.

Hardy the Hippo and Laurel (Hippo and White Egret)

Hardy the Purple Hippo and Laurel the white egret are an unlikely but joyful pair. Laurel rides atop Hardy, and their friendship reflects creativity, humor, and the playful spirit of the Lantern Parade.

Mama and Junior (Spotted Georgia Kissyfish)

The Spotted Georgia Kissyfish is a unique and playful creation of the Lantern Parade. These whimsical fish are inspired by the tiny minnows often found in Georgia’s freshwater rivers.

Know Before You Go

🏮 Lanterns - Make a lantern in advance, then bring it to the parade! Only LED battery powered lights; No fire or flying lanterns.

⏰ Schedule - The Lantern Parade is on Saturday, May 9th.

6 - 8:30 pm - Pre-Parade Party
8:00 pm - Parade line-up
8:30 pm - Parade step-off

Parade Route - Parade steps-off at the Pre-Parade Party (Sandy Springs Municipal Complex), walks along Morgan Falls Rd, and ends at Morgan Falls Overlook Park. The parade route is 1 mile, downhill. Learn more about the Parade route

Directions - Park at 7840 Roswell Rd, then shuttle/walk to the Pre-Parade Party (0.4 miles; 10 minute walk). Get directions and parking details

Shuttles - Shuttles run between Parking and the Pre-Parade Party until parade line-up (6 - 8 pm). After parade step-off, shuttles only run from Overlook Park back to Parking (9 - 10:30 pm).

Before Parade (6 - 8 pm): Parking ⇄ Party
After Parade (9 - 10:30 pm): Overlook Park → Parking

Note: After the parade starts, no shuttles run to/from the Pre-Parade Party. Plan to walk with the parade to Overlook Park, or walk back to parking.

Restrooms - Located at Parking, Pre-Parade Party, and Overlook Park. There are no restrooms along the parade route.

Learn more about the Lantern Parade

The Lantern Parade brings Light to Life on Saturday, May 9th.