LEOMINSTER — The Winter Solstice, which kicks off the official start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, falls on Dec. 21, is the perfect day to celebrate the change of seasons, honor nature, and rejoice as more sunlight starts being added to each day.
The Leominster Public Library, the North County Land Trust, and the Trustees of Reservation are gathering the community together to mark the shortest daylight of the year with the Winter Solstice Walk and Celebration on the evening of Dec. 21 at Doyle Community Park and Center.
All are welcome to enjoy a wintery walk along the lantern-lit paths of the conservation area, enjoy solstice-themed stories, and s’mores by campfire. Attendees can bring battery-operated lanterns made at the library, or make lanterns onsite.
“Humans, since the beginning of time, have celebrated the return of the light on the winter solstice,” said Anna Wilkins, Executive Director of North County Land Trust. “It’s a tradition that crosses cultures and religions and connects us to the movements of the planet around the sun. Many people make this time of year a time of reflection and renewal. We want to remind folks to pause on this significant day for humans and nature alike.”
Volunteers are needed to help with both the set-up and take-down of the lanterns for the event. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the North County Land Trust at [email protected].
And to prepare, they will be holding an event to decorate Winter Solstice lanterns, which be held from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, at the Library, 30 West St. Children ages 4-13, and their caregivers, are welcome to decorate a lantern to celebrate the Winter Solstice on Thursday, Dec. 21.
“There are not as many activities to do outside this time of year, so we are thrilled to offer this event to celebrate the days getting longer,” said Sarah Chapdelaine, Head of Children’s Services at the Leominster Public Library.
To register for this library event, visit LeominsterLibrary.org or call 978-534-7522, Ext. 5. Both children and adult names are needed if you are going to decorate a lantern.
The Winter Solstice Walk and Celebration will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, at the Doyle Community Park and Center, 466 Abbott Ave.
This program is sponsored by the Leominster Public Library, in conjunction with the North County Land Trust and the Trustees of Reservation.