A little rain did not dim the glow of the second annual Luminaria Walk at Ballinger Park

Story & Photos by David Carlos

MOUNTLAKE TERRACE — A little rain did not dim the glow of the second annual Luminaria Walk at Ballinger Park on Saturday evening.

The event, held from 7pm to 9pm, invited visitors to follow a candlelit loop beginning at the park’s north entrance parking lot and ending near the Lake Ballinger Center.

Rain before the event threatened to dampen the turnout, but Mountlake Terrace Events Coordinator Andrew Appelwick predicted the showers would stop around 7:20pm and conditions would be perfect. He was right.

Volunteers placed approximately 350 luminaria bags along the route two hours before the event. Some were decorated by children at the Recreation Pavilion, giving families an opportunity to walk the path and search for their children’s artwork.

Appelwick described the Luminaria Walk as a fun way for visitors to experience the park while strolling through the illuminated pathways at their own pace.

Along the route, walkers could hear Seattle-based band My Next Planet performing behind the Lake Ballinger Center.

Formed in 2023, the band filled the park with an energetic blend of pop-punk and alternative rock, featuring catchy melodies and emotionally honest songwriting.

The Luminaria Walk was Mountlake Terrace’s final community event before the city’s tree-lighting ceremony in December.