Tom Lee’s MISSISSIPPI RIVER GUMPTION REVIVAL LANTERN PARADE

Tap into the Mighty

September 1, 2025

Gumption (noun)

A Spirited initiative, courageous, level-headedness, resourcefulness, get-up-and-go that make undertaking difficult things possible.

About the parade

The gumption of Tom Lee to rescue strangers from drowning in the teeming current of the Mississippi River inspired Memphis and the nation 100 years ago. His heroism continues to inspire us today. Putting his own life at risk - he could not even swim - he saved 32 people from a capsized steamboat. He went back and forth in his skiff, Lev, hanging a lantern on his modest boat. “Shine on, Tom Lee, shine on!” wrote the AME Church in commendation.

This 901 Day —September 1, 2025—let’s raise a hundred lanterns down by the river in celebration of Tom Lee’s mighty gumption and revive our own. Join the 901 Celebration featuring good food, drinks and entertainment from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the Sunset Canopy.

The parade musters at 7:00 p.m. on the rooftop of Beale Street Landing (251 Riverside Drive) and steps off at 7:45 p.m. Everyone is invited to make a lantern at community workshops and march along the riverfront at Tom Lee Park with Lucky 7 Brass Band and parade artist Chantelle Rytter’s giant lantern puppets!

GET INVOLVED

Be part of the magic! From artist talks and lantern-making workshops to volunteer opportunities, there are many ways to join the parade. Find out how you can get involved below.

Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Please contact info@memphisriverparks.org.

LANTERN WORKSHOPS

Want to light up the parade with your own handcrafted lantern? Bring your own or join one of our community workshops at Beale Street Landing to create a Tom Lee kerosene lantern, catfish lantern or illuminated parasol for just $12. All materials are provided.

  • Family Workshops: (Register Here)

    • Saturday, August 9, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Tom Lee Kerosine Lantern

    • Saturday, August 16, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Catfish Lantern

    • Saturday, August 23, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Illuminated Parasol

    Adults-Only Workshops: (Register Here)

    • Saturday, August 2, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Tom Lee Kerosine Lantern

    • Saturday, August 23, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Catfish Lantern

    • Saturday, August 30, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Illuminated Parasol

    • Tickets are per lantern—two people may collaborate on one lantern and share it in the parade, but no more than two per lantern, please.

    • Workshops are best for ages capable of using scissors and handling hot glue safely. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

    • Please arrive on time to ensure you receive all instructions.

    • Each workshop is limited to 20 participants.

    • You are welcome to bring a beverage and snack.

  • Can’t make it to a workshop but still want to participate? View the lantern material list here or get lantern ideas and inspiration here. Explore other great lantern parades rooted in community participation here.

    For lantern theme inspiration, look to the wildlife of the Mississippi River, all thing Memphis and gumption.

    Fun fact: Catfish are particularly full of gumption as they have thrived in muddy waters for 70 millions years!

VOLUNTEER

Want to be part of the parade behind the scenes? Sign up for our mailing list to receive volunteer opportunities.

ABOUT CHANTELLE RYTTER

Chantelle Rytter is a parade artist best known for founding the Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade with the Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons, of which she is the proud Captain. Chantelle has created a family of annual parades based in community participation over the last fifteen years in many Atlanta neighborhoods and cities and communities across the southeast. Chantelle grew up in Baltimore and studied integrative arts at Penn State University. She lived in New Orleans for ten years and fell under the spell of parade culture and the notion that individual creative play can be a civic gift.