![Lanterns floated in the pond at Como Park at dusk Sunday night. ] JEFF WHEELER ï jeff.wheeler@startribune.com The annual Japanese Lantern Lighting Festival took place before a crowd of thousands gathered at dusk around the pond near the conservatory at Como Park Sunday night, August 23, 2015.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/OKUWOKLOVG3DWTMRGW766AJZYQ.jpg?&w=1080)
Japanese Lantern Lighting Festival
Reminiscent of Japan's Obon holiday, a Buddhist custom to honor the spirits of one's ancestors, Como Park creates its own version of this event this weekend. This year brings an expanded slate of food vendors and exhibitors. Drumming groups will provide thundering beats. View martial arts and Japanese flower arranging demonstrations. The evening culminates in a lantern lighting. (3-9 p.m. Sun. $3-$5. Como Ordway Memorial Japanese Garden, 1325 Aida Pl., St. Paul. 651-487-8200. comozooconservatory.org.) MELISSA WALKER
