Tom Lee’s MISSISSIPPI RIVER GUMPTION REVIVAL LANTERN PARADE
Tap into the Mighty
Gumption (noun)
A Spirited initiative, courageous, level-headedness, resourcefulness, get-up-and-go that make undertaking difficult things possible.
About the parade
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.
On 901 Day—September 1, 2025—Memphians carried that spirit forward at the first-ever Tom Lee’s Mississippi River Gumption Revival Lantern Parade in Tom Lee Park. Hundreds of handmade lanterns lit the riverfront, joined by Lucky 7 Brass Band and artist Chantelle Rytter’s towering lantern puppets, celebrating Tom Lee’s mighty gumption while glowing with Memphis pride.
Stay tuned for details on the next parade!
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.
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Coming soon.
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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.
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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.