An evening rich in culture and full of exciting performances, the university’s Vietnamese Student Association’s Lunar Lantern event was one that brought a sense of joy to everyone in attendance. The event was held to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, a holiday looked forward to by many youths in Vietnam because of its enchanting lanterns, tasty snacks, and family oriented mood.

VSA members working hard to make sure lanterns are ready to be sold. (Heather Kim/Bloc Photographer)

A lone water lantern floating down the McKeldin fountain. (Heather Kim/Bloc Photographer)

Colleen Konkol (left), junior elementary education major, and Amanpreet Kaur, junior public policy major, pose with their newly bought paper lanterns. (Heather Kim/Bloc Photographer)

Sisters, Alina and Vivian Bui, sing and perform harmonious ballads for attendees. (Heather Kim/Bloc Photographer)

Justin Pan, sophomore computer science and electrical engineering major, impresses the crowd with his thrilling chinese yo-yo performance. (Heather Kim/Bloc Photographer)

Tianyi Dance Team poses after a graceful performance. (Heather Kim/Bloc Photographer)

Colorful lanterns ready to be sold to students for the celebration. (Heather Kim/Bloc Photographer)

VSA did not disappoint as they sold both colorful handmade lanterns and beautiful water lanterns, along with delicious snacks, including bubble tea and fortune cookies. Under the moonlight with nearly perfect weather, students assembled to release their water lanterns on to McKeldin’s fountain, resulting in a surreal sight. The night concluded with good vibes and a feeling of community as everyone felt that they were a part of the Terp family.

A single water lantern stuck on the edge of a waterfall. (Heather Kim/Bloc Photographer)

Students take advantage of the beautiful scene and use the opportunity for their Instagrams. (Heather Kim/Bloc Photographer)

Water lanterns float down the McKeldin fountain making for a picturesque scene. (Heather Kim/Bloc Photographer)

Students wait patiently along the McKeldin fountain in preparation for the water lantern release. (Heather Kim/Bloc Photographer)

Lanterns being held during the festivities. (Heather Kim/Bloc Photographer)

UMD Juggling Club member puts on an exhilarating performance with fiery props. (Heather Kim/Bloc Photographer)

Colorful lanterns ready to be sold to students for the celebration. (Heather Kim/Bloc Photographer)

Featured Photo Credit: Water lanterns after they have been released. (Heather Kim/Bloc Photographer)

Heather Kim is a freshman journalism major and can be reached at heather.kim42@gmail.com.