Welcoming Fall with a Parade of Light

Yesterday was the Autumnal Equinox, the official first day of fall, and the end of summer. Seattle residents bid farewell to the warm weather and sunny days Wednesday with an annual light parade around Green Lake. KBCS’ Casey Martin was at the event.

As the last rays of sun set over Seattle’s Green Lake, glowing lights start popping up around the perimeter of the lake. People are carrying paper lanterns and kids wave glow sticks. A brass band has covered their instruments in little, glowing lights. This is Luminata, a parade of lights hosted by the Fremont Arts Center.  It’s held every year on the last day of summer to usher in the darkness of fall and winter. Lea Papernick works with the Arts Center and made a lot of the lanterns on display.

Some people have shown up in lavish costumes with multi-colored lights attached. Leslie Taylor and Lee Zooharz modified their summer solstice costumes for Luminata.

The parade attracted hundreds of families to Green Lake to say goodbye to summer- and greet autumn with a celebratory welcome.

Below: Photos by Casey Martin