Chinese Lantern Festival brings millions in economic impact

It may be difficult to block off a large portion of Riverfront Park for the Washington State Chinese Lantern Festival, but park director Jon Moog said the cultural and economic benefits far outweigh the inconvenience.

Moog said he and his staff have made an effort to respond to criticisms about the first festival last year. There are more walking corridors open in the park, and signs are being added to help people find their way.

“The community wants an open park that they can come and enjoy,” he said.

Last year’s event attracted 80,000 people and brought in just over $1 million, Moog said. The city got 6 percent of that total, which was used to cover staffing and other costs. This year the city will get 8 percent of the proceeds.

The city estimated the festival spun an extra $4.3 million into the Spokane economy through hotel stays, restaurant visits and other spending.

“The business owners, definitely, in this area got a benefit,” Moog said.

In the end, however, it’s all about the carefully constructed lanterns that create an awe-inspiring show every night for six weeks.

“These are all handmade, crafted lanterns,” Moog said. “It’s very culturally enriching.”

Last year’s festival also had a different kind of economic impact. After the show ended, many of the lanterns were donated to the Sister Cities Association, which raffled them off to raise money for a garden inside Riverfront Park.

Some lanterns were damaged during a windstorm after the show closed. This year, organizers “stepped it up a notch” by firmly anchoring the lanterns to the ground, sometimes using concrete blocks.

“These lanterns are well anchored to the ground,” he said. “I do not expect them to blow around.”