InformateDFW participated in the VIP Preview Party for the Chinese Lantern Festival on Wednesday September 25th at the State Fair of Texas. This fabulous red carpet event provided their guests with cocktails and delicious bites from local Asian food trucks. SSahmBBQ, a Korean Food Truck was an example of tasty food featuring Asian gourmet nachos and tacos.
Speakers who created the Chinese Lantern Festival had a few words to share with the guests before the official switch went off to the “Light a New Dream” spectacular display. A countdown kick off began as the crowd waited for the brilliant light show to began.
5…4…3…2…1! Suddenly 25 unforgettable glowing lanterns of artwork came to life!
A huge Dragon Boat that sat in the middle of the lagoon became one of the first art pieces that fascinated the crowd. This gigantic boat stretches over 120 feet across the water. Another astonishing art piece was the 52 feet porcelain Buddhist Temple. It featured over 68,000 pieces of porcelain plates, bowls, spoons, and cups that were all hand-tied using traditional techniques. The next show stopper was the castle. It featured the characters of the Chinese zodiac and an enthralling “hallway” of great lanterns that will inspire wonder. These are all definitely a must see!
The Chinese Lantern Festival is an unparalleled experience, a modern take on the ancient art of lantern-making. From dragons to dinosaurs, tulips to flamingos, even a herd of longhorn cattle-figures will form dreamscapes of color and motion, including 17 brand-new scenes.
In addition to walking amid the lanterns, visitors can watch live acrobatic shows, see folk artists create unique handcrafts, taste authentic Chinese foods, and shop for souvenirs and gifts.
This marks the Chinese Lantern Festival’s second year in Dallas, and nothing like it has ever appeared anywhere else in the South or Southwest.
The Chinese Lantern Festival will run from Friday, Sept. 27, 2013, through Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014. During the State Fair of Texas (Sept. 27-Oct. 20), the Lantern Festival will be a paid attraction, with entry by food & ride coupons only: $14 for adults, and $9 for children (aged 4-12). New this year is that the price will remain the same, daytime or nighttime, and visitors will be allowed to re-enter the Festival as often as they wish on the same day. Organizers are offering a Texas-sized discount on admission during the Fair, knowing folks are passing through two gates to see the magnificent creations.
After the Fair, tickets will be $22 for adults and $14 for children, available in person at the Festival and via the website at www.chineselanternfestival.com.
Dates and Hours:
Sept. 27 – Oct. 20 (during the State Fair), daily, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Oct. 24 – Dec. 8, every Thursday through Sunday, 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Dec. 12 – Jan. 5, daily, 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
For groups of 20 or more on any date, please contact Wayne Adam at 972-876-0065.
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