Discover the Puppets
Walking Puppets
Indigo and Cornflower
Seen in the picture above, these Great Blue Herons are home at the river year-round.
Click and Clack
These wood storks are happy to be off the endangered species list and grateful to Georgia’s conservation efforts
Sanderson the Flying Pig
Sandy Springs had tried to incorporate for many years, so it was common to hear the phrase, Sandy Springs will become a city when pigs fly!
And in 2005, when City of Sandy Springs voted to incorporate, Sanderson the Flying Pig took flight!
New this year!
At the Lantern Parade, you may also see new friends:
BB & Bessie - These catfish have cousins in muddy waters around the world. Resilience and adaptation are their super powers!
Lulu, Gigi, Fifi, and Coco - These Convict Fish get their name from their silver and black stripes and good-trouble dispositions. They are showgirls at heart with their big Carol Channing smiles. They taught the other fish to sing!
River Puppets
Mama Kissyfish & Junior Kissyfish
Seen in the photo above, the Spotted Georgia Kissyfish is a species unique to the Lantern Parade. These fish might remind you of little minnows that nibble-kiss you while swimming in the fresh water of Georgia.
Alice the Alligator
There are many stories of alligator sightings in the Chattahoochee River, but have you ever seen Alice? This creature is an albino alligator, and she's almost 26 feet long!
Hardy the Hippo and Laurel
Laurel is a white egret riding on the rump of his best friend, Hardy the Purple Hippo. Their friendship is rooted in laughter and imagination.
New this year!
Mama & Her Kids - River Cooters are the iconic local turtles seen sunning, swimming, and snacking up and down the Chattahoochee and across the southeast. Can you spy a mama and her kids?
Know Before You Go
🚗 Parking - For everyone's safety, cars are NOT allowed near the parade route. Park at 7840 Roswell Rd, then shuttle or walk to the Pre-Parade Party (0.4 miles, or a 10 minute walk).
🗺️ 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.
⏰ Schedule - The Parade is Saturday, May 9, 2026 with festivities starting at 6:00 p.m. Pre-Parade Party is 6 - 8:30 pm. Parade line-up is at 8 pm, and step-off is at 8:30 pm.
🚍 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 (9-11pm). Staying for the parade? Plan to walk to Overlook Park or back to Parking.
🎨 Lanterns - Make a Lantern in advance, then bring it to the parade. Only LED battery powered lights are allowed; No fire or flying lanterns.
🚻 Restrooms - Located at Parking, Pre-Parade Party, and Overlook Park. There no restrooms along the parade route.
Learn more
The Lantern Parade brings Light to Life on Saturday, May 9th.
Public Meeting
Design Guidelines Public Meeting
Thursday, April 23
At this fifth and final public open house, the project team will share highlights of the draft guidelines.
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Recreational Program
Mother Son Dance
Friday, May 1
Celebrate Mother’s Day at the City’s sixth annual Mother-Son Dance! This event is for participants age K-5. Attire is business casual to semi-formal.
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Park
Murphs Surf
Murphs Surf provides visitors with a perfect opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Chattahoochee River. Now open on weekends for all your paddle needs. Rent a kayak or paddle board and explore the Chattahoochee River. Book in advance online.
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