Wednesday, November 7

Twilight (5:15)

Acker Park stage area

At the end of Virginia Street

Each November we have a Lantern Walk, this is a festival celebrating the inner light that shines through the darker days of the approaching winter. Legend says that one wintry night, Martin, a Roman soldier from the 4th century met a poor beggar, half-clothed and freezing. Martin removed the heavy military cloak from his shoulders and, drawing his sword, cut it in two, and gave half to the beggar in a gesture of human kindness. Celebrating the lantern walk at Mountain Oak School serves as a reminder that each of us has a divine spark that we must ferry out into the world and share with others. The children hear the story of Martin, sing songs and, as darkness falls, venture out into the night with their lanterns. The children walk along a path carefully carrying their lanterns into the quiet night. This symbolic act brings home the deeper truth, “there isn’t enough darkness in the world to snuff out the light of one little candle.”

Please come dressed in warm clothes and sturdy shoes, after you have eaten a nourishing dinner. Teachers will bring the lanterns that students are creating in the classroom. You are welcome to bring lanterns from past years or new ones you have created at home.