We Energies sponsors third year of China Lights

China Lights has returned for its third year at Boerner Botanical Gardens in Hales Corners. We are sponsoring the event once again as part of our commitment to supporting arts and culture in the communities we serve. Last year’s event sold out, attracting more than 100,000 visitors.

The gardens are illuminated by more than 40 handmade lantern sculptures, each assembled on-site by artisans from China. With the theme of Panda-Mania, this year’s festival features many new lanterns shaped like pandas, other endangered creatures and their environments. Visitors can take a walking tour through the displays, and children can swing and step on lights in a pair of interactive exhibits.

Two concession areas offer Asian and Western cuisine, and in the marketplace, vendors make and sell traditional Chinese handicrafts and gifts. A parade at about 6:15 p.m. every evening leads guests through the gardens. Following the parade, stages sponsored by our company host a variety of live performances, including spinning tops, Chinese string instruments, juggling, masked dances and martial arts demonstrations.

China Lights runs through Oct. 21 from 5:30 to 10 p.m. and is closed to the public on Mondays. Learn more about the event, including information on tickets and parking, at chinalights.org.