What's Happening in Cary, NC…

The community of Cary is playing host to a festival that celebrates a well-loved Chinese tradition.

The Booth Amphitheater was chosen as the site of the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival. This celebration involves a peaceful and quiet experience, with a variety of displays all lit by thousands of colorful LED lights.

The structures themselves are constructed of a silk like fabric over a frame of steel. They are put together by a group of artisans, and it can take them weeks to do so.

The displays at the Booth Amphitheater have been located throughout the property. Some have even been placed in Symphony Lake, where their twinkling lights can be reflected on the still surface of the water.

The designs range from everything from birds to lotus flowers, and a dragon that blows streams of mist from its mouth. There are also Christmas trees, pagodas, a variety of land animals, fish, and blue flowers. Several of the pieces move, and according to those who have visited the site, this is especially appreciated by the children. A company that produces ad specialties can create a range of items that can be sold at the site so visitors have something they can take home with them as a souvenir of the experience.

Along with all of this, there are performances by Chinese artisans.

The event runs until January 3, starting at 6:00 pm nightly.