I'm standing huddled on a roundabout in the middle of town. Thousands of people line the streets around me, all waiting. It's getting dark and it's bitterly cold.
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A small boy beside me starts screaming. Not because of the cold. He's just super excited that a giant chicken lantern is heading his way.
His mum tries to curb his enthusiasm. But it's fruitless. It's just too amazing.
We're watching Lismore's annual Lantern Parade. It's held every year to mark the winter solstice and has become an iconic event, renowned around the world.
I've been to lots of Lismore's lantern parades in the 30 years it's been held - first taking my own small children, then as a journalist. It still takes my breath away.
t's a beautiful wonderland that reignites the magic of our childhood. And it brings our community together.
More than 30,000 of them in fact.
The influx of people brought a much needed boost to the town as people arrived early for the 41st Battalion's Freedom of Entry Parade and the Market DeLight before the parade, and stayed for the after parties later in the night.
And they were all smiling.
"How good is this?" they ask.
It's pretty good.
Lismore City News sends a massive thank you to Jyllie Jackson and her team at LightnUp, who work so hard to make it all happen for our community. Your dedication is appreciated.
No one celebrates the winter solstice quite like Lismore.
