Summer Solstice Festivals in the us
I must admit that I have been quite ignorant when it comes to anything having to do with summer solstice. I have gained a good bit of knowledge in just reading other's articles on the subject. Looking at the topic of best summer solstice festivals in the US intrigued me. I was unaware there were any festivals anywhere. I decided to go online and see what I could find. I was in awe of the search results.
Many communities around the country do indeed have festivals celebrating summer solstice complete with parades, t-shirts, folk music, dances, concerts and much more. Here are just a few of the many festivals I discovered that you might like to check out.
Santa Barbara, California: They kick off their festival on Friday, June 20, 2008 from 4-9 pm then it continues Saturday, June 21, 2008 from 12:30-8 pm. Their celebration includes a wide array of live bands in Alameda Park. On Saturday they have an area dedicated to the children featuring storytellers, musicians, juggling, and more. The parade will start at noon on Saturday and features over 1,000 parade participants.
Paul Winter's Solstice Celebration in New York City: This is the 13th year for this celebration. It will kick off with a concert at 4:30 am featuring Tibetan singer Yangjin Lamu on June 21, 2008 in New York City's Cathedral of St. John the Divine.
Alaska: Summer solstice festivals are held all over Alaska. Anchorage's festival raises money for the Abused Women Aid in Crisis program and features live entertainment and crafts booths. The tiny town of Seldovia, Alaska, hosts the Seldovia Summer Solstice Music Festival which is two days of great folk music, workshops, entertainment and fun.
Fairbanks, Alaska: For 97 years they have held the Midnight Sun Baseball game. The game begins at 10:30 pm on June 21. They also have a Midnight Sun Fun Run, the third-largest foot race in Alaska. The 10k run begins at 10 pm, and attracts more than 3,000 runners from around the state, and the Lower 49. In downtown Fairbanks you will find the Midnight Sun Festival with crafts, food, a street fair and live entertainment.
Juneau, Alaska: The celebration in Juneau is quite different than any other. Each year, the Juneau Yacht Club hosts the running of the "Spirit of Adventure Around Admiralty Race, a 200 mile sailboat race around the Admiralty Island National Monument. The Spirit of Adventure race is the longest inland water race on the West coast of North America. It starts and ends in Juneau, Alaska each year on the last Saturday before the summer solstice," (http://www.destinationsformen.com/summeralaska.htm)
East Lansing, Michigan: Their 2 day festival is from 4:30 to 10:30 pm both nights and features Jazz concerts.
Grand Marais, Minnesota: They celebrate summer solstice with a wooden boat show.
Seattle, Washington: The parade starts at noon on June 21. The festival runs from 1:00 to 8:00 pm and includes food vendors, a beer garden, live entertainment and a Solstice Pageant at 4 pm.
Tahoe City, Nevada: Their festival runs from June 19-22. Every day they have a different activity going on from a classic car stroll to a sip and shop wine walk.
New York City: Times Square holds a yoga fest that runs from 8 am to 8:45 pm and includes yoga for the beginner to the advanced.
Summer Solstice celebrations occur all over the United States. Many last more than just one day and most offer activities that your children will enjoy as well. While the activities may vary from place to place, the purpose of each is to celebrate the healing spirit of summer as the sun reaches it peak. Check out a festival near you and have a great summer.
