If Everything Goes To Plan, Thompson Park Lake Will Soon Glow

At the end of this month, if everything goes according to plan, there will be a night when the waters of Thompson Park Lake will glow. Do not worry; it isn't something to be worried about or supernatural in nature. The glow will come from lanterns floating across the water. Yes, Amarillo, Texas actually has a water lantern festival, and it's coming up soon.

What The Heck Is A Water Lantern Festival?

It goes by many names, but they all look relatively similar. People make floating lanterns, decorate them with messages and images, and then set them adrift. It's supposedly a very spiritual, calming, possibly profound experience. From what I can gather, it focuses on personal reflection with the tranquil beauty of floating lanterns as a backdrop.

Sounds somewhat romantic.

Get our free mobile app

The Amarillo Water Lantern Festival has a website that goes into great detail regarding the significance of the lanterns and breaks down everything you'll need to know. Here's a link.

How Does A Water Lantern Festival Work In Amarillo, Texas?

In recent conversations about the Water Lantern Festival, some interesting questions were brought up. First, what about the Texas panhandle wind? Second, how are these things lit? Third, what kind of mess are we about to make?

The wind could be a bit of an issue, I suppose, if it gets too out of hand. However, it would be rather boring if the lanterns just stayed in one spot while you awkwardly stared wishing they'd do something. The lanterns are lit with LED candles. No need to worry about everything burning down.

As far as the mess is concerned, the event organizers have a sophisticated kayak and bouy line method of retrieving the lanterns. On their website, they state that they have a crew devoted to cleaning up all lanterns and trash around the water.

When Is The Amarillo Water Lantern Festival?

The Water Lantern Festival is Aug 31 at the Thompson Park Lake House. Gates open at 5:30 PM, and the lantern portion of the fest begins at 8:30 PM. Check out their website for ticket information.

I've never heard of an Amarillo Water Lantern Festival, but I'm on board for having one. People say there's nothing to do in Amarillo, and I beg to differ. There's always something going on, even a water lantern festival.

Top 25 Things To Do In Amarillo

Here are the best things to do in Amarillo.

Gallery Credit: Jordan Richardson

Say You're From Amarillo Without Saying You're From Amarillo

Amarillo is a pretty quirky place. We've got the Big Texan, the weird signs, and (obviously) the famed Cadillac Ranch. But more than that, there's a distinct culture of close-knit community, eccentrics, a thriving arts scene, and much more.

The point is, living in Amarillo is a unique experience. Because of that, it's really pretty easy to tell who's a native or a long-time resident. And I can prove it.

Here's a couple of ways you can say you're from Amarillo.....without saying you're from Amarillo.

Gallery Credit: Sarah Clark