Solstice Bonfire

The Rey Center celebrated the coming of light with our first ever Solstice Bonfire on the shores of Corcoran’s Pond. Seventy-five people turned out to enjoy the beautiful night after the rainy day. Hot cocoa and hot cider were supplied by the Rey Center, and many folks brought delicious desserts to share! There were of course, marshmallows for roasting, which was a popular activity with young and old alike. A few solstice snowmen appeared along the beach as well.

Although we celebrated it on December 27, the actual winter solstice occurred on December 21. The winter solstice is is recognized as the first day of the winter season. This is the day of the year when the sun is at it most southernly (lowest) place in the sky in the northern hemisphere. There are the fewest hours of daylight. In the southern hemisphere this same day is marked as the beginning of summer, with the longest hours of daylight. This is because the northern half of the planet is titled away from the sun and the southern half is tilted towards the sun. After the winter solstice the days begin to grow longer. With the promise of more daylight and warmer days, this is a time of celebration. This special day has been marked by celebrations all over the world; including our own bonfire right here in Waterville Valley. We plan to hold this event again next year, I hope you will join us to help call back the Sun!

Thank you to David and Birdie Britton for donating firewood, to the Waterville Valley Recreation Department for use of the fire pit, and to volunteers Ken and Tanaia Vallery for helping to make the whole event happen!

Diagram courtesy of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).