Community Lantern Building Workshop
When I entered the Patterson Park Charter School on October 23rd the cafeteria tables were filled with community members happily working together to create lanterns for the upcoming lantern parade at Patterson Park. The moment I walked in I could feel the excitement of the children anticipating the finish of their lanterns, anxious to hold them high and march in the annual event.
For a few families, this was their first time participating. Luisa, Jasmin, and Dyland stated that they were very much excited to walk. Others, such as Gabriela, Allan, and Daniela, have attended the event; however, this would be their first time marching in the parade. This time around they were excited to show off their lanterns which they planned on decorating with coconut trees.
For a few families, this was their first time participating. Luisa, Jasmin, and Dyland stated that they were very much excited to walk. Others, such as Gabriela, Allan, and Daniela, have attended the event; however, this would be their first time marching in the parade. This time around they were excited to show off their lanterns which they planned on decorating with coconut trees.
One young lady by the name of Neema has attempted several times to march in the parade with a lantern. Two years ago she walked in the parade, but she did not have a lantern. Last year she came and created a lantern, however, she got the flu when it was time for the parade. Neema’s dad Brad remarked that “This time were gonna do it right.”
There were also some veterans, however. Participants Shaheen and Vytas have walked in the parade several times before. Charlie and Megan were also veterans of the march. They brought along newbie Ryan for the event. Charlie told us that he would teach Ryan how to make his lantern, assuring us that he's in good hands.
Considering that this event takes place in Baltimore I had assumed that everyone there was from the area. However, I soon found out that this event attracted a much wider community that I realized. A woman by the name of Carolyn Sault Stemarie came all the way from Ontario to learn how to make lanterns. Carolyn is the events manager at the Rotary Club back in Ontario, and is interested in putting on a Christmas parade.
Lizz Obara is the Community School Coordinator at Patterson Park Charter School. She has been working here for six years, and has been the coordinator for five of them. She stated that sometimes there is a really good turn out from both the school and community. Every year they hold two workshops in conjunction with the other workshops held at various other locations throughout the city. Of these two workshops one is geared towards the members of the school while the other is meant for the entire community. Both of these workshops are free for all participants courtesy of Patterson Park Charter School, Nanaprojects, and Creative Alliance.
According to Lizz, most of the people that create lanterns also walk in the parade. Some people reuse the lanterns they make from year to year. These lantern building workshops, however, are not the only community events that the school participates in. Patterson Park Charter School hosts many family involvement events including the bike jam, which, also takes place in Patterson Park. Lizz believes that bringing in outside resources, and using the school as a community hub strengthens the school.