Lantern Parade - Puppets and Characters

Two large stork lantern puppets pose next to a man.

The information on this page is about a past event. Stay tuned for details about Lantern Parade 2027!

Walking Puppets at the Lantern Parade

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

New this year! Named for their distinctive silver and black stripes, these convict fish bring "show-stopping" flair to the parade. Catch their "live performance" at the Pre-Parade Party!

BB and Bessie (Catfish)

New this year! 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.

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.

A glowing fish lantern floating on the Chattahoochee River at night during the Lantern Parade — The Georgia Kissyfish swim on the Chattahoochee River (Photo credit: Steve Eberhardt)

River Puppets at the Lantern Parade

Mama and Her Kids (River Cooters)

New this year! 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!

Mama and Junior (Spotted Georgia Kissyfish)

The Spotted Georgia Kissyfish is a species unique to the Lantern Parade. These whimsical fish are inspired by the tiny minnows in Georgia’s rivers that are sometimes "nibble-kiss" swimmers.

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.

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!

Kids pet a fish lantern puppet — After the parade, guests can meet the puppets up close. Snap a photo with your favorite!

Know Before You Go

🏮 Lanterns - Make your lantern in advance, then bring it to join 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 Overlook Park. The parade route is 1 mile, downhill. Learn more about the Parade

🚗 Getting Here - Park at 7840 Roswell Rd, then shuttle/walk to the Pre-Parade Party (0.4 miles; 10 minute walk). Get the details on Getting Here

🚍 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.

Gator Lantern Graphic — Alice the Alligator

Learn more

The Lantern Parade brings light to life on Saturday, May 9th. Make your lantern in advance, then join in the parade!