The Institute is hosting their first-ever Winter Solstice Celebration on Sunday, Dec. 20 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Red Run Park in Rouzerville, Pa. The winter solstice is the longest night—or the shortest day—of the year, and falls on December 21 this year in the Northern Hemisphere.Since ancient times, people all over the world have recognized this important astronomical occurrence and celebrated the “return of the sun” in a variety of ways. After the solstice, the days get gradually longer.
The Institute’s solstice event is a family-friendly celebration of the season with entertainment and activities. Storyteller Bruce Rowland will tell winter folktales at 3:00 and 4:30 p.m. Activities for children include free grab-and-go kits to create edible outdoor garlands for animals, and others with materials to construct a paper lantern. These projects can be taken home, or created on site during the event. Fire pit stations and hot chocolate will provide warmth.
Members of the Tri-State Astronomers club will be on hand with telescopes to safely observe the solstice sun. After sunset, there will be opportunities to view the celestial features of the winter sky. Vendors include Artesano Bake Goods, offering cookies, holiday snack mix and whoopie pies for purchase, Four Sons Farm with handcrafted wool creations, and The Native Niche, featuring bird food bundles, outdoor winter decorations, and natural “solstice crowns” of winter foliage for sale.
The event is free but pre-registration is required. Attendance is limited. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed and signed safety waivers are required for registration. To protect everyone, face masks are required for this event. Register via email at info@instituteatrenfrew.org. The entire event is outdoors, so attendees should dress accordingly.
This event is supported by lead sponsor, Steel Warehouse, and by The Institute’s Today’s Horizon Fund contributors: The Nora Roberts Foundation; The John R. Hershey Jr. and Anna L. Hershey Family Foundation; APX Enclosures, Inc.; and the Carolyn Terry Eddy Family: Carolyn, with daughters Connie Fleagle & Kim Larkin. Facility support courtesy of Washington Township.