For nearly two decades, the lantern parade has cast a magical glow over the Edge of the World Music Festival, thanks to the dedication of volunteers who shaped it into a beloved tradition. But this year, with no one left at the helm, the festival is looking for new hands to carry the light forward, or give the lanterns a final send-off worthy of their legacy.
Joanne Hayward and Germain Vigneault began the lantern parade at the Edge of the World Music Festival in 2007.
During the evening performances, locals who had made paper lanterns during festival workshops would parade through the dancing crowd.
Inspired by a Japanese lantern festival they saw during their travels, Joanne and Germain taught themselves how to bend and affix flat bamboo sticks to form the skeletons of these unique creations.
Tissue paper was carefully attached with a mixture of glue and water, then brushed again with the same solution to stiffen the paper and make it translucent.
For years, Joanne and Germain hosted lantern-making workshops, growing the collection for the parade. In 2011, Joanne sadly passed away after a long battle with cancer. Germain continued the workshops before eventually passing the baton to Elna McDonald.
Elna repaired, organized, distributed and created lanterns for years. She began experimenting with transparent fabrics instead of paper, as they could better withstand rain and rough handling.
In 2023, Elna handed the responsibility for the lantern parade back to the festival organizers.
Were we ever in for a shock when we realized how much energy it takes to light, hand out, lead, collect, re-hang, and turn off all the lanterns for that iconic 10-minute parade. Huge respect to Elna for doing that for so long. Don’t let her small stature fool you, and be sure to say a huge haawa if you see her around!
This year, the lanterns need some love. Without Joanne, Germain or Elna at the helm, chaos has reigned, and the lanterns have not received the care they deserve.
The festival is now looking for someone, or several someones, interested in carrying on this luminous tradition or giving the lanterns one final honour before they retire.
If you love light, magic, and wrangling lantern handlers, give the festival organizers a shout!
If lanterns aren’t your jam, there are plenty of other interesting volunteer positions still up for grabs.
The Hospitality Coordinator role is open, if you want to support local caterers and get in on the delicious food being served, this is the job for you.
The Gate Coordinator position is perfect if you enjoy being in the centre of the action (and maybe also love money, who doesn’t?).
New roles are also available this year:
Accessibility Coordinator and Green Sustainability Coordinator are two important positions that can help the Edge of the World Music Festival continue to improve the overall festival experience for everyone, and the planet.
Volunteering for EOTW is one of the most rewarding and fun ways to experience the festival. Don’t just come to the festival. Be the festival! (Or just come… tickets are on sale. Visit the website to grab yours and check out the lineup.)
Unlike the lantern chaos, this year is going to be amazing K-OS.
