The origins of lantern festivals are hard to exactly pinpoint, and there are many legends that claim to tell the origin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lantern festivals can be traced back over 2,000 years to the reign of Chinese Emperor Han Ming. An advocate of Buddhism, he noticed monks lighting lanterns in temples on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. Emperor Ming then ordered all households, temples, and the imperial palace to begin lighting lanterns as well.<\/p>\n\n\n
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One legend tells the story of a beautiful crane that flew down to earth from heaven. Villagers killed the crane, which angered the heavenly Jade Emperor because he loved cranes. He planned to take revenge on the villagers by burning their village on the fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year. The Jade Emperor\u2019s daughter warned the villagers, who then devised a plan to trick the Jade Emperor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every family hung red lanterns around their houses, exploded firecrackers, and lit bonfires in the streets. When the Jade Emperor\u2019s troops arrived at the village, they were fooled and believed the village to already be burned down. From that day on, on the fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year, the village would celebrate their victory by exploding fireworks and firecrackers and carrying lanterns in the street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, festival lanterns come in more elaborate shapes and colors than red. And the evolution of lantern design and intricacy is perfectly showcased at Wild Lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Welcome to Wonderland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019ve visited the Zoo in the last month, then the Alice in Wonderland theme of Wild Lights will come as no surprise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tianyu teams have been assembling lanterns since early September. In just under a month, they will assemble thousands of lanterns into more than 60 displays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bridget Beckler, the Zoo\u2019s Director of Events, said that this year two teams were sent to assemble the lanterns. In the past, only one team has been required, but this year\u2019s display is so ambitious and grand that more manpower was needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is Wild Lights\u2019 third year of operation, and every year the lanterns are different. Of course, some fan favorites return annually. But the majority of the lanterns are having their Wichita debut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is not a lantern that you would think of that is lit and released to float in the water or released to float in the air,\u201d Beckler said. \u201cIt is actual sculptures of light that are made with different fabrics and metals.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Creating these sculptures of light is an elaborate task. First, the design is drawn out and the dimensions are configured, then it’s time to craft the lantern. Through sculpture molding and welding, the frame of the lantern is given shape.<\/p>\n\n\n
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Once the frame is assembled, electrical cables and LEDs are installed to light the structures. The first paperhangings and decorations are also applied. Finally, the larger paperhangings are hung and details are applied by the artisans crafting the lantern sculptures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Guests visiting the Zoo prior to Wild Lights’ opening are likely to see the sculptures being assembled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beckler says that while the sculptures are impressive during the day, it\u2019s at night when they\u2019re truly stunning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s amazing,\u201d Beckler said. \u201cI was floored when I first saw them lit up. It just absolutely blew me away.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unique Food Offerings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Did you know Wild Lights has a unique menu available? You won\u2019t be able to try these delectable delights anywhere else except during the lantern festival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Executive Sous Chef Kris Anderson has crafted a menu that\u2019s truly unforgettable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I love ‘Alice in Wonderland,'” Anderson said. “I wanted to create a menu that people would come in with their kids and have that fun feel.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You might want to try \u201cThe Mad Hatter\u2019s Platter,\u201d a sampling of three tea sandwiches. For something sweet, pick up the \u201cChurro Nachos,\u201d bite size churros over soft serve with a chocolate caramel drizzle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking for something more substantial, try the \u201cDragon Fire Burger.\u201d It comes with a sriracha honey aioli, smoked gouda, fried jalapenos, and onions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Craving Italian? Order \u201cThe Red Queen.\u201d This pizza has peperoni slices, mozzarella balls, and fried basil. Anderson says it\u2019s inspired by Alice painting the white roses red in the Queen\u2019s garden.<\/p>\n\n\n
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The \u201cDodo Chicken Sliders\u201d are an homage to Anderson\u2019s favorite character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“A lot of people don’t realize that the Dodo Bird in ‘Alice in Wonderland’ actually had several parts,” Anderson said. “He was the judge; he was the juror. He also played one of the soldiers. He kind of just ran around.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to the Beastro, Nganda Village will be serving up soups, paninis, and chili. Kookaburra Canteen will be offering gourmet popcorn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We\u2019ll have a s\u2019mores and cider tent across from the stage area in the grass by the stingrays,” Anderson said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Food and drinks will be available for the entire event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With so many unique and delicious offerings available, you won\u2019t go hungry at Wild Lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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