Lantern Station
Goshuin

During Spring Break of 2017, Bakuhatsu Taiko Dan's “Heirloom Tomato” float was built here in the Hop Yard at Sudwerk leading up to the second Davis Cherry Blossom Festival. During the festival, participants painted lanterns to hang on the float, which was entered in the Picnic Day Parade, carrying the spirit of the community with it in this unique hand-powered float. The float won the Marshall's choice award on this first entry in 2017 and again on its second in 2019.​

Ever since then, painting lanterns (chochin) has been a staple activity of the Davis Cherry Blossom Festival. Paper lanterns sometimes simply carry names or logos of businesses and organizations, though they can also be used in Obon to remember those who have departed. We use them to share the multitudes of hopes and dreams of the community, who come together to share their artwork and celebrate their diversity.​