MEDIA CONTACTS:
BOB ROTATORI - 216-635-3263, rrr@clevelandmetroparks.com
ALYSSA COOK-ALEXANDER - 216-635-3274, aca@clevelandmetroparks.com
The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year. Stemming from the Latin for �sun-standing,� the summer solstice this year occurs on Friday, June 21 at 1:04 a.m. Each year, the timing of the summer solstice depends on the sun reaching its farthest point north of the equator which usually falls around June 22.
Cleveland Metroparks invites everyone to wake up early and celebrate the solstice with these programs:
23rd Summer Solstice Sunrise
5:15 - 6:15 a.m.
Egbert Picnic Area � Bedford Reservation
Take this short hike through Bedford Reservation to see the beauty of spring sprouting and unfolding around the area. Bring a camera to record and remember the plethora of colorful flowers covering the forest floor. Egbert Picnic Area is located off Gorge Parkway in Bedford Reservation, off Egbert Road in Walton Hills. For more information, call 216-341-3152.
A Hike on the Longest Day
7 - 9 a.m.
Lakefront Nature Preserve
Join Naturalist Wendy Weirich for a hike at Cleveland's Lakefront Nature Preserve, located off Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, adjacent to Gordon Park. For more information, call 216-341-9228.
Awed by the great power of the sun, civilizations have for centuries celebrated the summer solstice. The Celts and Slavs celebrated the first day of summer with dancing and bonfires to help increase the sun's energy. The Chinese marked the day honoring Li, the Chinese goddess of light. And the Druids festivities celebrated the summer solstice as "wedding heaven and Earth." This belief resulted in the present day belief of a lucky wedding in June.
Savor another Summer Solstice sunrise with Cleveland Metroparks - Discover, Enjoy, Protect!
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