Search

Lantern Lighting Celebration

Lakewood Cemetery
Jun 11, 2020
3 min read

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this event! We look forward to seeing you again next year.

Mark your calendars for our 6th annual Lantern Lighting Celebration — an evening to gather with family, friends and community to honor and remember those we love and miss. We are so excited to bring this treasured tradition to our community once again. As with many events, the structure will change slightly to create a safe and welcoming atmosphere for all guests. Since large-scale events must be capped off at 250 attendees we are excited to offer this experience for three nights in September. All events will be structured the same so you only need to register for one night.

How it works

Decorate a floating lantern in memory of a loved one with words of love and remembrance (using art supplies provided at the event). As you create your lantern, enjoy expansive views of the cemetery including Lakewood's lake, Jo Pond.

At dusk, we'll light our lanterns together and release them onto the lake in a beautiful ceremony. The effect is breathtaking and magical — connecting us to our loved ones and to each other.

See below for the event schedule and other information.

Lantern Decorating: 5 - 7 p.m.

Lakewood will supply markers and other creative supplies to help you create your lantern while you enjoy live music and scenic views of Lakewood and our lake.

Remember - if you bring a photograph, please bring a copy of the image as you will not be able to get your lantern back after the event.

You will not get your lantern back after the event, so be sure to take lots of pictures!

Ceremony: 7 - 8 p.m.

Just before dusk, we will gather on the shores of Lakewood’s lake to light and release our lanterns. As darkness settles, our lanterns will dance and float on the waters — illuminating our individual intentions, reflecting our collective impact and lighting up the night.

What to bring:

A facemask or face covering
Copies of photos to attach to your lantern (no originals please, as lanterns will not be returned)
Your camera or smartphone to take pictures of your lantern
Something to snack on
Folding chairs or blankets for the ceremony
A flashlight or phone with a flashlight app to help you find your way after the ceremony
Art supplies will be provided, but you may bring your own if you'd like

Parking is available along roads inside the cemetery. We strongly encourage carpooling. Due to the nature of the grounds and roads within the cemetery, you may need to park a distance from the event site – wear comfortable shoes! There is handicap parking and drop-off available on either end of the event site near the lake. Signs will point the way from the front gates.

Rain / thunderstorms

The event may be canceled if rain. Should this happen, we will email all registered guests in advance of the event start time. We will also post here and on our Facebook page.

Food and Beverages

At this time we will not have food trucks available onsite, however guests are able to bring snacks or food to the event. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on Lakewood grounds.

Please note: We will not have refillable water stations.

Covid Safety Precautions[endif]

In accordance with Minnesota State and CDC Guidelines, Lakewood is offering this event at a reduced attendance over two dates, so be sure to get your tickets early as capacity is limited.

We are offering the following safety precautions to ensure all those participating are safe:

Requiring registration of all guests to keep attendance under the current requirement of 250 event attendees per night
Spacing all workshop tables 6 feet apart with 4 chairs per table
Providing hand sanitizer, gloves, and sanitizing wipes at all workshop tables and info tents
Sanitizing tables and chairs between events
Requiring all guests to wear masks at check-in and in heavily-trafficked areas

Please note that we will continue to follow these guidelines and make any necessary changes as laws and regulations change. If the event must be cancelled - refunds will be issued.

If anyone in your party is sick or experiencing Covid symptoms and you need to cancel your reservation, please email amandal@lakewoodcemetery.org or call 612-540-5165 and we will refund your order.

Questions? Call the Lakewood events line at 612-540-5165 or email to amandal@lakewoodcemetery.org

Stay in touch

Join the growing Lakewood community and learn more about upcoming events and opportunities. Find us here: