The City of Grand Junction will host the fourth annual Water Lights at Night on Oct. 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Butterfly Pond at Las Colonias Park. Admission is free.

“Water lanterns have been used in many different cultures for thousands of years, and their meaning can be a very personal one,” City of Grand Junction Recreation Coordinator Trish Rothwell said. “Grand Junction Parks and Recreation is excited to host this event again this year and looks forward to celebrating this festival of lights in the company of neighbors, friends and family.”

Attendees can purchase lantern kits for $8 or a pack of six for $42 prior to the event. Lantern kits include an LED tea light and marker for personalizing. Attendees are encouraged to bring additional materials to decorate their lanterns. Lantern kits will be available to pick up during the evening of the event. Lanterns purchased the night of the event are $10. A portion of the proceeds will benefit GJ Plays Foundation.

Sunset is at 6:41 p.m. and the lantern launch will take place at 6:45 p.m. Only lanterns purchased through Grand Junction Parks and Recreation are allowed.

At the end of the event, city staff will retrieve the lanterns, and no materials will be left in the pond. Attendees are welcome to retrieve lanterns to take home if they can be located after they are launched. Food trucks will be onsite, and attendees are welcome to pack a picnic and bring chairs, blankets and additional activities for kids.

The Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of recreational programming for all ages and abilities. For further information, contact Parks and Recreation at 970-254-3866, visit gjcity.org and click on parks and recreation, email gjparksandrec@gjcity.org, or visit the Parks and Recreation office at 1340 Gunnison Ave.