The Lantern Fest - Sparta, KY

About a month ago, my wife approached me in regards to a Groupon event for The Lantern Fest, June 24th, 2017 in Sparta, KY (Kentucky Motor Speedway) where tickets were 1/2 off which were still $25 per person to attend. To which my first thought was "what in the world... that's expensive", admittedly knowing nothing of this event other then we're paying for lanterns to light and let them go. Cut to Saturday night 6pm and we begin our 45-60 minute drive south to Sparta.

Feeling a little begrudgingly on the drive, not knowing really what to expect from this event; obviously hoping that it's well worth the 1/2 price tickets we purchased. We arrived to find a $10 (previously unmentioned) fee for parking which irritated both of us, and lots and lots of traffic. After we are ushered to a parking spot we begin to unpack our small cooler, chairs and camera/tripod. Trying to quickly get a 'lay of the land', so to speak, of where we're headed with our things. I was assuming that it would be popular and probably fairly large, boy was I unprepared for the 2,000 + people who were already there when we arrived.

We found a spot near a fire ring that was mostly unoccupied, 1 other couple sat near. We asked if it was alright for us to set up here and they kindly invited us to do so. Once we were all set up, I realized what this entire thing was we were attending.

Live Music / Live DJ
Occasional games
Prizes
Food trucks
Inflatables for kids

This was a sight to see, quite amazing. This wasn't show up, light a lantern and sent it to the heavens.. it was an entire event! No wonder the tickets were so much. I was beginning to settle in and it had an amazing atmosphere. Families and strangers all gathering to enjoy and experience what's to come.

Flash forward to 10:30 pm, and we are all given the "OK" to light the lanterns. I have to say, there is something amazing and magical when you see 4,000+ people starting this event out. This is a sight that makes you feel like you are a part of something much bigger. You feel connected to every other person who is here. The sight of all of the initial lanterns filling up and launching is utterly breath-taking. No words can capture the emotions and feeling of watching all of these beautiful lanterns lift to the heavens and float away on the breeze, slowly floating up and off into the distance. This is truly one of the most memorable and moving experiences of my life.

My wife is already planning on us attending next years event, and trying to encourage the rest of her family to also join us.

Enjoy the photos and video of the event that I took.