Pathways around Swan Lake at Wildwood Park for the Arts were illuminated with luminaria on March 2 for the nighttime winter festival Lanterns!
The three-day event was a fundraiser for the park and a celebration of the first full moon of the Lunar New Year.
The paths led to areas representing different countries where festivalgoers could buy food and enjoy activities, crafts and entertainment.
China was represented in the park's pavilion decorated with hanging red paper lanterns.
Hosted by the Arkansas Chinese American Association, festivalgoers could enjoy jasmine tea, make paper lanterns and learn to use chopsticks.
Inside the theater guests could visit Morocco, Egypt and New York.
Other countries represented around the lake included Ireland, where Irish coffee and Leprechaun lemonade were available and McCafferty Academy of Irish Dance entertained; Cuba had music by the Ouachita Baptist University Tiger Steel Drum Band; and in Italy, guests could enjoy a cannoli while listening to opera.
The three-day festival is the park's largest fundraiser and supports Wildwood's gardens, education programs and performances.
-- Story and photos by Cary Jenkins
High Profile on 03/11/2018