Water Lantern Festival and America250 Announce National Partnership to Inspire Reflection, Unity, and Service Across Communities Nationwide

America250, the national nonpartisan organization established by Congress to lead the nation’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence announced a national partnership with Water Lantern Festival, the nationwide event series known for bringing communities together through shared moments of reflection, remembrance, and hope.

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This partnership will build on Water Lantern Festival’s longstanding commitment to fostering
connection, service, and meaningful community experiences in cities across the country.

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From coast to coast and around the globe, Water Lantern Festival gathers thousands of
families, friends, and neighbors to pause, reflect, and celebrate what matters most. At each
event, guests personalize floating lanterns with messages of love, gratitude, remembrance, and
intention before launching them together at sunset , creating a powerful visual reminder that
while every story is personal, we are stronger when we come together.

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Beyond the lantern launch, each festival supports local nonprofits, encourages volunteerism,
and partners with community organizations to give back to the places that host the events. With
hundreds of thousands of attendees each year, Water Lantern Festival has become more than
a gathering, it’s a shared tradition that promotes healing, unity, and service.

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“Moments of reflection and unity have always been part of America’s story,” said Jen Condon,
Executive Vice President at America250. “Water Lantern Festival creates meaningful spaces for
communities to come together, and we’re proud to partner with them as we commemorate
America’s 250th anniversary.”

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“We are honored to partner with America250 during such a historic milestone for our country,”
said Dallin Watts, Owner at Water Lantern Festival. “Our events are rooted in reflection,
gratitude, and connection, values that mirror the spirit of America250’s mission. Together, we look forward to creating spaces where communities can celebrate our shared history while also
looking ahead with hope and purpose.”

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Through this partnership, Water Lantern Festival and America250 will collaborate on
programming that encourages civic pride, storytelling, volunteerism, and community
engagement. Select events nationwide will feature opportunities for guests to reflect on the
nation’s history, honor loved ones, and participate in service-driven initiatives that strengthen
their local communities.

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By combining America250’s national commemorative efforts with Water Lantern Festival’s
immersive, family-friendly experiences, the partnership aims to create meaningful moments that
unite Americans across generations and backgrounds, honoring the past while inspiring the
future.

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For more information about Water Lantern Festival events and locations, visit
waterlanternfestival.com.
To learn more about America250 and its national commemorative efforts, visit America250.org.

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About America250

America250’s mission is to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of
the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial. We aim to inspire our
fellow Americans to reflect on our past, strengthen our love of country, and renew our
commitment to the ideals of democracy through programs that educate, engage, and unite us
as a nation. America250 will foster shared experiences that spark imagination, showcase the
rich tapestry of our American stories, inspire service in our communities, honor the enduring
strength, and celebrate the resilience of the United States of America.

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