JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — The longest night of the year gives way to increasing light on the winter solstice.
The community is invited to celebrate a return to light and new beginnings on Dec. 21 by surrounding themselves with nature for an evening with friends, reflections and a bonfire at Audubon Community Nature Center.
Choose to come to the Winter Solstice Bonfire at 4:30-6 p.m. or 6-7:30 p.m., and drop in anytime during the scheduled time slot to participate in one of the activities.
Participants will gather in the pavilion on the west side of the property and are reminded to dress for the weather and bring a face covering.
Use this evening’s celebration of light as a time to reflect and reset.
Winter is often thought of as a time of increased dark and stagnancy, but the winter solstice provides the space and time to contemplate a new beginning. The winter solstice marks a time of hope and rebirth, when nature invites everyone to be still and listen. Winter offers a clean slate and an unobstructed view into personal passions, allowing for quiet contemplation of one’s intentions for the coming year and gratitude for the year prior.
Participants in a release ceremony will create a manifestation or representation of something they would like to let go into the world — it can be a hope or wish for others or a weight or burden they wish to be free of. Then toss it into the fire to release it.
There will also be short, reflective hikes at 5:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. led by Karen Hansen, co-owner of Samsara Yoga Center. Face coverings are required for the hike.
Attendees should wear appropriate footwear for a short walk on snowy or muddy trails to get to the bonfire. They are invited to bring their own hot cocoa or warm drink and snacks to eat around the fire.
The fee for participating is $6 for adults, $2 for children 3-15, and free for ages two and under.
Paid reservations are required by 2 p.m. on Dec. 21. They can be made by calling (716) 569-2345 during business hours or going to AudubonCNC.org and clicking on “Register for a Program.” Due to COVID-19 related precautions walk-ins are not permitted. All participants must be pre-registered to participate in the event.
Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren, Pa.
To learn more about Audubon and its many programs, call (716) 569-2345, visit AudubonCNC.org, or find Audubon Community Nature Center on Facebook.
