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Winter Solstice Candlelight Walk
Dec 21, 2014 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
The hugely popular solstice tradition returns to The West Woods.
Among the longest-running programs Geauga Park District hosts, in its 25th year, the Winter Solstice Candlelight Walk is the kind of charming event that fast becomes a tradition for families.
What: Winter Solstice Candlelight Walk
When: Sunday, December 21 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: The West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road (Route 87), Russell Twp.
Visitors begin the year’s longest evening indoors with hot cider and cookies homemade by volunteers, as well as sing-along opportunities with the accomplished Pilgrim Brass Choir, which has contributed traditional holiday music all 23 years of the program.
Then head outdoors in volunteer-led groups of 40 to 50 to explore the roots of our modern holiday celebrations, derived from ancient civilizations that saw the winter solstice differently than we do.
Expect to encounter five exciting stations to educate and entertain you about the celebration of the longest night of the year, past and present. Cultures featured during the walk’s luminary-lit stations will include the origin of the Christmas tree; the Druids and their origins of mistletoe and holly; Native American traditions; and the Northern Barbarians and how they saw the solstice as the annual theft of the sun by the Frost Giants.
This program, held at Swine Creek Reservation for 14 years and The Rookery for seven, made its debut at The West Woods in 2010. Roughly 15 staff members and 40 volunteers make it happen annually, and with good reason – it regularly attracts about 400 people.
The last group will be sent onto the path at 9 p.m. Due to limited parking, carpooling is highly recommended; overflow parking will be at ASM International, 9639 Kinsman Road (Route 87), where a shuttle will offer prompt transport to the Nature Center.
The Winter Solstice Candlelight Walk is free for all ages but only wheelchair/stroller accessible indoors. Registration is not required. With questions, just call 440-286-9516.
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