Sky Lanterns

After watching Disney's hit Tangled I wondered if the glowing sky lanterns featured were real. They seemed so magical and beautiful that I figured they were a fantasy imagined for the film. A few weeks ago a Tuscaloosa News assignment came my way that proved that these light as air heat propelled wonders are in fact a reality. The Child Abuse Prevention Services of Tuscaloosa hosted their 3rd annual Sky Lantern Festival for child abuse awareness and I felt almost as exhilarated as Rapunzel as I watched the firey paper globes take flight into the night.


04-25-11 -- Tuscaloosa, Ala. -- Mason Grace Ward, 4, gets ready to release a sky lantern during the 3rd annual Sky Lantern Festival held by the Child Abuse Prevention Services of Tuscaloosa Monday at Sokol Park.


04-25-11 -- Tuscaloosa, Ala. -- Deb Mason and others release sky lanterns during the 3rd annual Child Abuse Prevention Services of Tuscaloosa Sky Lantern Festival at Sokol Park.


04-25-11 -- Tuscaloosa, Ala. -- Katie Pope and daughter Mary Collier Pope, 4, release a sky lantern in memory of a friend's baby who died during the 3rd annual Sky Lantern Festival held by the Child Abuse Prevention Services of Tuscaloosa Monday at Sokol Park.