Begun in 2018, the Talbot Avenue Bridge Lantern Walk is an annual family-friendly local community event that weaves together neighborhoods once divided by racial segregation and fittingly takes place during Montgomery County’s Remembrance and Reconciliation Month. All are welcome! Come join us in shining our lights in the darkness, promoting unity over division, remembering the past and taking steps toward a brighter future.
WHEN: Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 5:00pm.
Gather: 5:00-5:15 pm
Short Program & Lantern Walk: 5:15-6:00 pm
Community Reception: 6:00-7:30 pm
WHERE: Rosemary Hills Elementary School parking lot, just below intersection of Talbot Ave. and Lanier Dr. Address: 2111 Porter Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910
The route will start and end at the same place, crossing over the new Talbot Avenue Bridge twice and going around the two blocks closest to it, one in North Woodside and one in Lyttonsville.To view the route, click here and scroll down.
BRING: Warm clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and a lantern
The Talbot Avenue Bridge Lantern Walk is organized by the Talbot Avenue Bridge Committee and co-sponsored by the Lyttonsville Civic Association, North Woodside Citizens’ Association, and Rosemary Hills Neighbors’ Association.
The new Talbot Avenue Bridge remains an active construction zone. The bridge is not currently completed, nor open to pedestrians and cars, and will not be so by the date of the Lantern Walk. The Purple Line team has confirmed that Lantern Walk participants may cross the bridge within a designated area and limited time frame, in order to access and participate in the event. Participants may cross, but NOT hang out and linger on the bridge. Please be respectful of these guidelines. After the community reception at Rosemary Hills ES has concluded and the lights on the bridge have been turned off, anyone entering the construction site will be considered trespassing. Please review the full safety guidelines on the Lantern Walk webpage and visit it for any last-minute updates.
Special this year: New route, new bridge, and the first time the community will have an opportunity to cross this historic space in 4 1/2 years! In observance of Montgomery County’s “Remembrance and Reconciliation Month,” be part of marking the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship of the communities connected by the bridge. Many special guests will be joining us, including members of Washington Revels’ Jubilee Voices.
WHEN: Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 5:00p Gather: 5:00 – 5:15 pm Short Program & Lantern Walk: 5:15 – 6:00 pm Community Reception: 6:00 – 7:30 pm
WHERE: Intersection of Talbot Ave. & Lanier Dr. (Lyttonsville) The route will start and end at the same place, crossing over the new Talbot Avenue Bridge twice and going around the two blocksclosest to it, one in North Woodside and one in Lyttonsville.* (scroll down to view map) BRING: Warm clothing and good walking shoes, and a lantern (and a bell to ring, if you have one) Note: Any type of lantern will do, from a tea light candle in a glass jar to something more elaborate, either handmade or store-bought. You can find many ideas online: bit.ly/HomemadeLanterns. If you have the time and energy, we encourage you to get creative! Extra lanterns and tea light candles will be available for those who need them.
* The Lantern Walk will conclude with an indoor community reception at Rosemary Hills Elementary School. All participants are invited to join us for refreshments, music, and warm mingling! The reception will be held in the school’s all-purpose room, which is accessible from the Lanier Dr. side of the school, right next to where the Lantern Walk will start and end.
Event organized by the Talbot Avenue Bridge Committee and co-sponsored by the Lyttonsville Civic Association, North Woodside Citizens Association, and Rosemary Hills Neighbors Association
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