In anticipation of a Lantern Parade within Fairfield Hills on the evening of Saturday, September 19, lantern making workshops will be ongoing during the day.

Saturday will be the opening day of the 2015 Newtown Arts Festival. The festival will provide the supplies, and some instruction, and participants will supply the imagination and the joy.

Meant for festival attendees of all ages, the lanterns, and self made costumes, will light up the night starting at 6:30 pm on Saturday as they, and their makers, create a parade starting at the softball fields on Mile Hill Road South.

The marchers will follow the new trail back to the arts festival grounds, where a centerpiece lantern will be lit to crown the night and the Lantern Parade.

Live music each day, curated artisans and crafters from across New England, food from across the state, dance performances, poetry, lantern making, textile presentations, and children’s activities are all part of the $5 admission for the 4th Annual Newtown Arts Festival. Children ages 12 and under will enjoy all of this free of charge.

The festival, sponsored by Newtown Cultural Arts Commission, will return to the grounds of Fairfield Hills Saturday and Sunday, September 19-20, 10 am to 6 pm each day.

For additional information on the arts festival weekend, including the events schedule, visit newtownartsfestival.com.