We’re walking on the beach when we notice lights in the sky. It’s foggy, and the lights seem mysterious. We get closer and find people near the water launching delicate floating lanterns constructed of special paper and balsam wood. A tiny device is set afire inside causing it to glow brightly and heat the interior. Then the lantern is gently released. There is no string–it is free as a gull.
The paper lantern is pinkish white as it quickly floats up and out over the ocean, getting smaller and smaller in the night sky. It continues to be illuminated until it vanishes into the dark universe.
JOHN DENVER:
(EDITOR’S NOTE: See safety announcement in comments below)
What’s that phrase? “Pretty, but not too smart.”
In 2019, during the 150th anniversary celebration, the CMA and the OG fire dept. allowed a bonfire on the beach. And this past summer, 2021, the CMA did it again
That has to be more risky than that lantern floating away over the ocean.
Also, they used to allow Civil War reenactments on the Ocean Pathway where the actors built campfires. But that was stopped because of fire dept concerns.
This just means that there should be no exceptions
Equal justice for all. . PG Editor
Reblogged this on Blogfinger and commented:
There were those who tried to launch some lanterns like this, but the police put a stop to it. However, hearing that reminded me of how beautiful such lanterns can be, as shown in our post from October, 2013. PG
EDITOR’S NOTE: We have been informed that a Division of Fire Safety bulletin issued in May indicated that these devices are illegal and potentially dangerous if they were to float west instead of east. This is a public safety announcement . —-PG
Although they may be pretty to watch, these are incredibly dangerous. Last Fall, a family was releasing off the OG Beach. Wind change, and all those lanterns drifted inland.. right at our houses! Talk about a fire hazard in our tinderbox of a town.