Tom Lee’s Mississippi River Gumption Revival Lantern Parade

Gumption (noun): A spirited initiative, courageous, level-headedness, resourcefulness, get-up-and-go that make undertaking difficult things possible.

A century ago, Tom Lee’s courage on the Mississippi River inspired Memphis and the nation. Though he could not swim, he risked his life to rescue 32 passengers from a capsized steamboat. Again and again, he rowed his small skiff, Zev, through the rushing current, lantern glowing from its bow. “Shine on, Tom Lee, shine on!” wrote the AME Church in his honor.

This Tom Lee Day—October 3, 2026—let’s honor his bravery and revive our own at the second annual Tom Lee’s Mississippi River Gumption Revival Lantern Parade. March alongside the Lucky 7 Brass Band and Chantelle Rytter’s larger-than-life lantern puppets through Tom Lee Park. The parade steps off at 7:00 p.m. from the roof of Beale Street Landing.

Want to be part of the parade? Join a lantern-making workshop this September—or simply enjoy the magic from along the route.

Let’s make this Tom Lee Day one to remember!

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

RSVP

  • Get Tickets

    Want to light up the parade with your own handcrafted lantern? 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.

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

    • 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.

    SCHEDULE:

    Family-Friendly Workshops

    • Sat. 9/12 | 11 AM - 1PM (Tom Lee Lantern)

    • Sat. 9/19 | 11 AM - 1 PM (Catfish Lantern)

    • Sat. 9/26 | 11 AM - 2 PM (Illuminated Parasol)

    Adults-Only Workshops

    • Sat. 9/12 | 4 - 6 PM (Tom Lee Lantern)

    • Sat. 9/19 | 4 - 6 PM (Catfish Lantern)

    • Sat. 9/26 | 4 - 7 PM (Illuminated Parasol)

    Secure your tickets today!

  • Can’t make it to a workshop but still want to participate? Click here to view our lantern material list or get lantern ideas and inspiration here. You can also 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!

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

  • 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. View artist statement.