Lanterns launch on New Year's Eve

PLAINS – On New Year’s Eve the Sanders County Fairgrounds were filled with light as the Cancer Network of Sanders County hosted the Fourth Annual Lantern Launch last Wednesday evening.

Volunteers assembled at the fairgrounds shortly before 6:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve to get the lanterns ready for the annual launch.

Shortly after the volunteers got the lanterns prepped for launch individuals from across Sanders County began to arrive and send the floating devices towards the sky.

According to Treasurer Joyce Dougan of the Cancer Network of Sanders County 100 lanterns were launched on New Year’s Eve.

Dougan explained there is some learning curve to getting the lantern prepared to go airborne.

She explained it is critical to heat the inside and to subsequently keep the lantern level before launch, so the flame does not scorch the outsides of the lantern.

Volunteers who had participated in previous New Year’s Eve launches including Fair Manager Mike Hashisaki and County Commissioner Carol Brooker were on hand to help out and to instruct volunteers on the best techniques to prep the lanterns for flight.   

In total the network sold 110 lanterns, with those not launched at the fairgrounds set off privately.

Dougan said CNSC raised $1,100 through this year’s lantern launch.

Dougan stated she was impressed with how quickly the volunteers were able to launch the lanterns during the event, considering the large quantity of lanterns in this year’s ceremony.  

“We got them all off in an hour. I was impressed,” Dougan said.

The lanterns launched from the fairgrounds last week varied with some carrying personal messages to loved ones.

Others had pictures, names or other personalized touches made by individuals who participated in this year’s launch.

Volunteers on site lent a helping hand to those who couldn’t make it to the launch, sending off their lanterns during the night’s proceedings.

As the lanterns gradually lifted off the ground and soared ever higher into the clear night sky, they provided a striking sight.

There was very little wind on New Year’s Eve in Plains, allowing the lanterns to gradually soar towards the western skyline, forming together as bright little orbs in the distance as they gained altitude.   

Dougan was pleased with how the evening turned out and was especially happy the launch’s younger participants had a fun time.

“It went really well. I thought the kids had a really good time,” Dougan said.

Dougan noted the New Year’s Eve launch is one of her favorite CNSC events because it provides families an opportunity to go out on New Year’s and share a special experience.

She added some CNSC events are geared towards adults and it is nice to get families involved.

“A lot of our events are more for adults. The lantern launch is always a good family event,” Dougan said.