Father and daughter sit by the pond. (CASSIDY SHAPIRO / FOR MONTCLAIR LOCAL)
AAPI Montclair hosted its 3rd annual Lantern Festival in Edgemont Park Sunday. The magical and meaningful event lights up the park with thousands of lanterns in remembrance of those harmed by violence and injustice, including anti-Asian hate and brings Montclair — and its many community organizations — together for an evening like no other.
The Lantern Festival included remarks by local and state leaders, performances, live music, delicious offerings from food trucks, community partner tables, activities for children, and the opportunity to dedicate a luminary with a special message.
Attendees read about the advocacy work of AAPI Montclair during the Lantern Festival. (KATE ALBRIGHT / FOR MONTCLAIR LOCAL)Leonora Brooks and Jessica Jenns chat during the Lantern Festival. (WILLIAM PENN / FOR MONTCLAIR LOCAL)Martina Paez, left, and Vera Lee make paper lanterns at the AAPI Montclair Lantern Festival. (KATE ALBRIGHT / FOR MONTCLAIR LOCAL)AAPI Montclair’s Susan Shin Andersen was emcee at the Lantern Festival for Justice and Remembrance at Edgemont Memorial Park. (KATE ALBRIGHT / FOR MONTCLAIR LOCAL)Attendees dedicated lanterns to loved ones. (KATE ALBRIGHT / FOR MONTCLAIR LOCAL)Chip Lemar, left, plays chess with Steve Moctezuma, an instructor at Zuma Chess. (KATE ALBRIGHT / FOR MONTCLAIR LOCAL)Attendees check out a table advocating for anti-Asian resources and support in public schools. (KATE ALBRIGHT / FOR MONTCLAIR LOCAL)Dancers Blu Furutate, left, and Mayu Nakaya perform “In-Visible” by Obremski/Works, directed and choreographed by Jesse Obremski. (KATE ALBRIGHT / FOR MONTCLAIR LOCAL)KOE duo Eva Ding, left, and Emma Kato perform on flute and cello. (KATE ALBRIGHT / FOR MONTCLAIR LOCAL)Glowing lanterns line the paths and pond. (KATE ALBRIGHT / FOR MONTCLAIR LOCAL)The festival comes to a close. (KATE ALBRIGHT / FOR MONTCLAIR LOCAL)
