Lights of the Albemarle Lantern Parade

10/09/2026

Look for us in Our State Magazine!

We’re thrilled to share that Visit Elizabeth City has honored the Lights of the Albemarle Lantern Parade with an ad in the December issue of Our State Magazine!

We’re so excited to spread the magic of this special event and celebrate the creativity, community spirit, and wonder that will make the Lantern Parade so memorable.

Keep an eye out for us in the December issue, and stay tuned for more updates!

Thank you for helping us make the Lights of the Albemarle shine bright!

10/01/2026

We had a great time at Arts of the Albemarle for SPLASH WEEK making star lanterns. Thanks to all who attended the workshops. Enjoy your lighted lanterns!!! If anyone wants to make one we have kits for $15 with all you need at the Lights of the Albemarle Lantern Parade’s table in the gallery at AOA.

09/29/2026

Stars will shine at SPLASH!
Come create your very own 12-inch lighted star lantern at Arts of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City!

Choose your workshop date:
Tuesday, September 29 OR Wednesday, September 30
10 AM–12 PM
Maguire Theatre
$15 AOA members | $20 non-members

Your handmade star can add a little magic to your home as a whimsical decoration—or bring it along and let it shine in the Lights of the Albemarle Lantern Parade on New Year’s Eve in downtown Elizabeth City!

Space is limited, so sign up and make your star shine!
https://www.artsaoa.org/splash-registration/p/star-lantern-making-workshop

09/28/2026

Step into the magic of Splash Week at Arts of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City, NC and enjoy a stunning showcase of lanterns crafted for the Lights of the Albemarle Lantern Parade. We're in the Gallery. These completed lanterns are ready to shine on New Year’s Eve, offering a preview of the creativity our community will bring to the parade.

09/28/2026

Huge thanks to Dr. Ruiz, a wonderful man and key supporter of the Bra HaHa fundraiser.
Your heart for this cause inspires us all.

🎀✨ BRA-HA-HA 2026 IS A WRAP!

What. An. Afternoon. 💕

Before we share the images, the smiles, the hugs and ALL the incredible moments from this year’s Bra-ha-ha, we have to start with RECAP #1 — OUR WINNERS! 🏆

And making these winning creations even more meaningful? They were modeled by some absolutely incredible breast cancer survivors who helped bring each design and its story to life. 💗

🏆 BEST CRAFTSMANSHIP
⚖️ “Bra & Order” — Parks Zeigler, PLLC - Attorneys at Law - Elizabeth City Office
🎀 Worn by survivor Cindy Martinez

🏆 MOST CREATIVE
🏮 “Light the Way to a Cure” — Lights of the Albemarle Lantern Parade
🎀 Worn by survivor Jan Mills

🏆 MOST INSPIRATIONAL
💕 “Finding True Joy” — Revitalize Fitness
🎀 Worn by survivor Carol Adams

🏆 ELIZABETH CITY BRA DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
✨ “Four Years Down” — Holland Designs
🎀 Worn by survivor Mel DiPietro Drew

🏆 PEOPLE’S CHOICE
🇺🇸 “Hero” — VFW Auxiliary Post 6060 Elizabeth City
🎨 Worn by Glenda Manning

CONGRATULATIONS to every one of our winners, designers and survivor models! 👏🎀

But this is only the beginning of the recap! A full event album highlighting this seriously uplifting afternoon are coming soon! 📸🎥

Thank you to everyone who designed, voted, attended, sponsored, donated, volunteered, judged and helped make Bra-ha-ha 2026 such a special celebration of strength, survivorship, creativity and COMMUNITY. 💗

AND thank you to the Chesapeake Regional Healthcare Foundation for bringing such an incredible experience to Elizabeth City!

Every bra told a story. Every vote made an impact. And every person who showed up helped support breast-related services right here in Northeastern North Carolina.

🎀 Kinda chic. Seriously up-lifting. And one AMAZING community.

09/26/2026

We’re excited to announce that Lights of the Albemarle Lantern Parade Committee was given the “Most Creative” bra award at today’s Bra HAHA event in Elizabeth City!

We're proud to celebrate creativity and community spirit while shining a light on finding a cure for breast cancer.

Special thanks to Larry Jones for the Dolly Parton inspiration and to Janice Jones and Susan Hankinson for designing and constructing our fabulous entry.

We also want to honor Dolly Parton, one of the most incredible women and supporters of women — whose spirit of generosity, humor, and empowerment inspired our entry.

09/26/2026

There she is!!!

09/26/2026

Enjoying the Bra Ha Ha event in Elizabeth City.

09/26/2026

What a blast with The Pandemic Picklers — the most spirited pickleball group around! These incredible women know how to bring the fun.

Catch their lanterns lighting up the night at the Lights of the Albemarle Lantern Parade on New Year’s Eve. Trust me, you’ll spot them.

09/25/2026

Still glowing from the lily lantern workshop at 2 Souls W**e Bar — such a fun, top‑notch experience. Thanks to everyone who came out and participated!
Huge thanks to Nicole and Mel at 2 Souls for their incredible support of the Lights of the Albemarle Lantern Parade, to our dedicated Lantern Committee Members, and to Nichole Smith for her beautiful guidance!