River of Light 2025: ‘Wheels & Wings’
December 8, 2025 | Photos by Gordon MillerThe 16th annual River of Light parade fills Stowe Street on Dec. 6. Photo by Gordon Miller
The 16th annual River of Light Lantern Parade lit up the streets in downtown Waterbury on Saturday, Dec. 6. Hundreds of primary and middle school students and their families, along with lantern-makers of all ages marched with their “Wheels & Wings” creations and more. Hundreds more lined the sidewalks to watch.
Along the way, marching bands Sambatucada and Brass Balagan set the pace at the front and rear of the procession. Crossett Brook Middle School students formed their own marching band for the occasion led by Co-Principal and drummer Duane Pierson. Fire dancers from Cirque de Fuego in Jericho await the parade crowd at Dac Rowe field to perform their fiery routines. Nearby Harwood Union High School students served up hot chocolate in the pavilion as parade organizers collected the bamboo lantern sticks for next year.
A collection of larger-than-life ‘Wheels & Wings’ lanterns and their creators gather for a group picture at Dac Rowe Park. Photo by Gordon Miller
Click the images in the gallery below to enlarge. If on a mobile device, rotate to horizontal view to read captions.
Fire dancers from Cirque de Fuego in Jericho are an added attraction at the River of Light. Photo by Gordon Miller
If you missed the parade, here it is in under 6 minutes.
And yes, that’s Lowly Worm
Thanks to Rob Hofmann for the clip below.