Allysza Castile (left) the sister of Philando Castile and Valerie Castile (right) the mother of Philando hold candles in his honor. (Chris Juhn/MSR News)

Around 250 people showed up Friday, June 7 outside of the Falcon Heights City Hall for a planned lantern release celebration to honor the life and memory of Philando Castile. The event was organized by the Castile family for community members who were unable to attend the Celebration of Life Anniversary gathering held at Gibbs Farm on July 6.

Pastor Danny Givens tells the crowd to put lanterns with candles and cell phones
with lights on in the air to honor the memory of Philando Castile. (Chris Juhn/MSR News)

Many Castile family members, friends and loved ones were in attendance, including sister Allysza Castile and mother Valerie Castile. Attendees enjoyed speakers, music and food for the event, held one year and one day after the fatal shooting of Philando by former St. Anthony Police Officer Jeronimo Yanez. The shooting occurred just blocks away from the City Hall July 6 of 2016.

Due to fire hazard concerns, organizers decided against releasing lanterns and instead held up candles and cell phones.

See video by Phil McGraw below:

See more photos below. All photos by Chris Juhn

Falcon Heights Mayor Peter Lindstrom listens to activist John Thompson speak.

Falcon Heights Mayor Peter Lindstrom bumps fists with activist John Thompson, a friend of Philando Castile

King Demetrius Pendleton takes a selfie with the Castile family and friends.

After being asked by a speaker to go talk to someone new, attendees started conversations with each other.

Attendees raise their fists with a hip hop artist that performed honoring the memory of Philando Castile.

Valerie Castile dances next to the DJ booth.

An attendee of the event honoring Philando Castile stands in the audience.

A child climbs on top of a vehicle to watch the event behind the DJ booth.

A mother holds her child as they listen to a speaker

NAACP Minneapolis President Jason Sole (left) greets Pastor Danny Givens

Valerie Castile (left) and Chauntyll Allen (right) converse at event

Allysza Castile (left) the sister of Philando Castile and Valerie Castile (right) the mother of Philando hold candles in his honor.

A child dances as the crowd cheers her on.

Pastor Danny Givens speaks to the crowd.

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