Playfulness isn’t frivolous—it’s foundational. Parade artist Chantelle Rytter shares how the ancient act of parading is being reinvented as a community-powered form of healing and cultural storytelling. Through costumes, music, and fantastical creatures marching down neighborhood streets, she gives us a feast of visuals that gives us a glimpse of our best selves: kind, creative, and connected. Chantelle Rytter turns sidewalks into stages and neighbors into artists—one lantern at a time.Best known for founding the Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade with the Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons, she has spent the last 15 years creating community-driven parades across Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Hapeville, Hilton Head Island and beyond.Her art is grounded in the power of public space, creative play and shared celebration and her journey began in New Orleans, where she lived for a decade.Chantelle was inspired by the city’s parade culture—a tradition she saw as a, “civic wellness program.” When she moved to Atlanta, Chantelle was determined to bring that same spirit of joyful public engagement to her new home. Partnering with the BeltLine, she helped transform city streets into luminous spectacles of art and connection. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx