A Dying Tradition? | Community Spirit

A more than 104 year old tradition in Pacific Grove could become history if it's not saved.

Red paper lanterns are hung every year from the thick gnarled branches of trees lining downtown Pacific Grove and from the porches of many homes in preparation for the Feast of Lanterns.

Feast of Lanterns board president Sue Renz said her phone has been ringing off the hook.

"They will call and say, 'when are you going to be doing the Feast of Lanterns at the beach with the pageant and the fireworks?' And I have to say to them, 'we aren't doing it there this year,'" said Renz.

For decades, the pageant and fireworks took place at Lover's Point, but this year it's moving to the middle school. That means no fireworks, a scaled back show and $20 tickets. There's room for about 700 people at the middle school theatre, but only a dozen tickets have been sold.

In the past, the Feast of Lantern's celebrations have cost more than $40,000, but because of the recession, the board doesn't have the money this year. They have a shoe string budget of less than $10,000.

"Many people are really disappointed that it's not going to be like in years past at the beach with the beautiful pageant and the fireworks and the music and entertainment," said Pacific Grove business owner Emily Owens.

"It was a shock to the community that it wasn't going to be done like in prior years," said one Pacific Grove city council member.

But Renz said she hopes the community will pay for tickets and stand by the historical celebration.

"This event has been here in Pacific Grove for 105 years and it's at the very heart of the city. It deserves to be here for another 105 years and that's what we are desperately trying to do and we are asking for the support of the people," said Renz.