Date & Time: September 27, 2025, at 7:00 PM
Cost: $5 per lantern
Location: Harzell Lake, Memorial Hospital, Carthage, IL
Pre-orders strongly encouraged
As part of Memorial Hospital’s 75th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, September 27, we are excited to host a beautiful and memorable Water Lantern Festival. The celebration runs from 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM, with the water lantern portion beginning at approximately 7:00 PM. At dusk, around 7:20 PM, Hartzell Lake—located right on our hospital campus—will come alive with a glowing display as lanterns are gently released onto the water. This serene and symbolic event will offer a perfect way to close out a day of community, celebration, and reflection.
Each lantern is just $5, and all proceeds benefit the Memorial Hospital Foundation, supporting our mission to enhance health and wellness in our community for years to come. You may purchase your lantern in advance using our order form or buy one at the event. Pre-orders are strongly encouraged to ensure we have enough lanterns for everyone wishing to participate. Markers will be available for you to personalize and decorate your lantern—whether with a heartfelt message, a loved one’s name, or a creative design—making the experience even more meaningful.
These lanterns are environmentally safe, featuring LED candles rather than open flames, and will be retrieved from the lake after the evening concludes. Whether you dedicate a lantern in honor of a loved one, as a wish for the future, or simply to take part in this breathtaking experience, the Water Lantern Festival promises to be a highlight of our anniversary celebration. Gather with friends, family, and neighbors to watch the lake shimmer with light, creating a moment that will be remembered long after the last lantern drifts away.