The Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Department has scheduled a new event featuring lanterns on water.

The event, titled Water Lights at Night, is set for 5:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Butterfly Pond at Las Colonias Park. 

The event also will include live music. Food trucks will serve meals, but participants may pack a picnic and bring chairs and blankets. 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,” said Ken Sherbenou, director of Grand Junction Parks and Recreation. “Grand Junction Parks and Recreation is hoping this event brings the community together for good food and the company of neighbors, friends and family.”

Participants can purchase a lantern online for decorating prior to the event for $6. Lanterns ordered online will be available for pick up at the event. Lanterns also will be available for purchase at the event for $8. Lantern kits purchased online prior to the event include a paper lantern, LED powered tea-light and a marker. Attendees can also purchase six lantern kits for $30. 

More information about Water Lights at Night and the lantern kits is available at https://www.gjcity.org/1245/Water-Lights-at-Night.

Lanterns will be launched by the Butterfly Pond about 6:45. City staff will retrieve the lanterns and no trash will be left in the pond. Attendees are welcome to retrieve lanterns to take home if they can be located after they’re launched. The LED lights in the lanterns will be retrieved by staff for reuse.