Buttonwood Nature Center, home of The Institute, will host its fourth annual Winter Solstice Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Red Run Park in Rouzerville. The event is free and open to the public.
The winter solstice is the longest night—or shortest day—of the year, and typically falls around Dec. 21 in the Northern Hemisphere.
After the solstice, the days get gradually longer. Since ancient times, people all over the world have recognized this astronomical occurrence and celebrated the “return of the sun” in a variety of ways.
“Our celebration is actually on the very day of the solstice, Dec. 21, so we can all experience ‘the shortest day’ together,” said Jessica Watson, Buttonwood assistant director and event organizer.
The solstice event is a family-friendly celebration of the season. This year’s Stories by the Fire storyteller is local actor Sam Little. Other activities for kids include making garlands of popcorn, berries and edible ornaments for animals, and a winter-related craft.
Fire pit stations and free hot chocolate will provide warmth.
Members of the Tri-State Astronomers club will be on hand with telescopes to view the celestial features of the winter sky, weather permitting.
Vendors include The Boro Baking Co., offering cookies and holiday snacks 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.
New this year is a raffle for chances to win one of two “snowman baskets.” In addition, Buttonwood will have a display about their developing nature center.
The entire event is outdoors, so attendees should dress accordingly.
For more information, visit www.buttonwoodnaturecenter.org, email to jessica@buttonwoodnaturecenter.org or call 717-762-0373.
This event is supported by lead sponsor, Steel Warehouse, and by Buttonwood’s Today’s Horizon Fund contributors: The Nora Roberts Foundation; Marge Kiersz; APX Enclosures; Don Gibe and Nancy Erlanson; and the family of the late Carolyn Terry Eddy, with daughters Connie Fleagle & Kim Larkin. Hot chocolate stations sponsored by Martin’s Grocery Store of Waynesboro. Facility support courtesy of Washington Township.
