East Madison to celebrate summer solstice

By Megan Williamson, Schenk-Atwood-Starkweather-Yahara Neighborhood Association

The beloved neighborhood summer solstice celebration will be held Sunday, June 22, from 4-10 p.m. at Olbrich Park along beautiful Lake Monona.

The celebration honors the changing seasons, the beauty of nature and the strength of our community. This year it will also celebrate Earth’s many companions: beings of sky, water and land that are part of nature’s everyday dance, using masks and large puppets. Starting at 4 p.m., artists will be available to help create masks. Music begins at 6 p.m. and the Procession of Earthly Kin and Creatures starts at 7:30 p.m., culminating with the lighting of the bonfire.

In masks, wings, fur, fins, hooves and flowing forms, attendees will circle in tribute to the season and the many kin we all share the Earth with. At twilight, the procession will come to rest — humans joining the creatures in a closing ring — ready to kindle the bonfire and welcome the shortest night with warmth, wonder and wildness.

Prior to the event there will be two mask and puppet making workshops. On May 25 and June 1, Aubergine, 1226 Williamson St., will host free mask and large puppet building workshops from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for all ages.

For more information on the solstice event, call Betty Chewning at 608-239-9426.