It’s Friday in May and the time has come for another Lantern Parade in Decatur. This is the most well attended parade to date with thousands of people gathering at Color Wheel Studio off of Howard St. to kick off the festivities. As the sun set, the parade took off from the studio and made their way through the streets to the square. Like in years past, the parade is made possible by the Decatur Arts Alliance, Color Wheel Studio, Decatur Education Foundation, and the Downtown Development Authority.
Nina Rasnik-Stryker (right) checks under Samira Ilyas’ lantern as they hang out at Color Wheel Studio before the start of the 2018 Decatur Lantern Parade on Friday, May 11.
Cameron Williams helps with a little music as the Baltimore City Southside Phenoms’ drum line performs before the start of the 2018 Decatur Lantern Parade.
Baynra Gither dances with the rest of the color guard of the Baltimore City Southside Phenoms before the start of the 2018 Decatur Lantern Parade.
Barbara Smith (center) and Kiki Abom dance while the other members of the Black Sheep Ensemble play at Color Wheel Studio on Friday.
Allison Bombardier (right) points out a fun lantern to her mother as they wait for the start of the 2018 Decatur Lantern Parade.
Beverly Beyer peeks out from her full sized lantern before the start of the 2018 Decatur Lantern Parade.
Kaundra Madge (left) and Nancy Lamb work the heads of their bird lanterns as they wait for the start of the 2018 Decatur Lantern Parade.
Thousands of people walk down Sycamore Place carrying lanterns during the parade.
Lilly Tackett (right) and Maya Alvarez work together to march their lantern down the street during the Decatur Lantern Parade.
Garo Fuerstenberger (right) marches in the Decatur Lantern Parade with friends.
Liam McDonald (left) and Jack Ingram hold their lanterns as they ride in a wagon during the parade.
Alexander Park looks up at his X-Wing fighter lantern during the 2018 Decatur Lantern Parade.
The Decatur Makers walk with their giant robot and robot heads during the 2018 Decatur Lantern Parade.
Elsa Larson rides on her father Brian’s shoulders as they carry their lanterns during the 2018 Decatur Lantern Parade.
Charlie Quade marches with her jellyfish lantern during the 2018 Decatur Lantern Parade.