Out N’ About: Celebrate the Summer Solstice at Local Events Near TT Campgrounds!

This year’s summer solstice is a rare occurrence. Not only does June 20th mark the longest day of the year, it is also the Strawberry Moon. It is known as the Strawberry Moon because it is how Algonquin tribes knew it was time to gather ripening fruit. Plenty of folks around the country will celebrate the beginning of the summer season, but here are just a few events you can partake in while staying at Thousand Trails this summer.

8th Annual Summer Solstice Lavender Festival, Wilmington, OH

Welcome the longest day of the year at the 8th Annual Summer Solstice Lavender Festival at Peaceful Acres Lavender Farm in Martinsville, Ohio. This free event allows guests to experience the overwhelming beauty of acres of organic lavender in full bloom. Lavender food, vendors, wreath and wand workshops, yoga in the field, massage therapy, children’s activities, music, and much more. The festival takes place over two days, June 17 – 18. The Peaceful Acre Lavender Farm is about a 20 minute drive via OH-350 E from Wilmington RV Resort. For more information about the Summer Solstice Lavender Festival, visit peacefulacreslavenderfarm.com.

Summer Solstice Parade, Santa Barbara, CA

The streets of Santa Barbara will be filled with performers, bands, vendors, and people in costume for the annual Summer Solstice Parade. The celebration’s theme this year is “Legends,” as in magical creatures like Nessie and Bigfoot, and heroes like Robin Hood and King Arthur, plus urban legends, Hollywood, and music legends, too. The party continues at Alameda Park, one of the city’s oldest parks featuring an 8,000 square foot playground, picnic sites, and much more. The parade will begin on State and Cota Streets in Santa Barbara. To get there, take Paradise Rd and CA-154 E/San Marcos Pass Rd from the Rancho Oso RV & Camping Resort. For more information about the Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Parade, visit solsticeparade.com.

 

Tilted Earth Festival, Cottonwood, AZ

Just a couple of days before the official summer solstice on June 20, Riverfront Park in Cottonwood, Arizona, will be bumping for the Tilted Earth Festival the weekend of July 16 – 18. The City of Cottonwood and Page Spring Cellars teamed up for the festival’s third year, which was founded to “foster the growth of culture, community and our economy by bringing together artisans in the fields of craft drink, food, music and the fine arts.” There will be visiting wineries and breweries and every adult ticket includes a ballot entry to vote in the “People’s Choice Wine Awards” for the best red and white wines of the fest! Page Spring Cellars, whose 2013 Vino de la Familia won the festival’s “People’s Choice Red,” will be providing 15 minute chair massages (they offer wellness amenities at their vineyard like yoga, massage, and aromatherapy). Riverfront Park is located just 8 miles north of the Verde Valley RV & Camping Resort via AZ-260 W and South Main St. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit tiltedearthfestival.com

 

Greensboro Summer Solstice Festival, Greensboro, NC

If you’re looking for a family friendly affair with a bit of whimsical fun, head to the Greensboro Summer Solstice Festival in Greensboro, North Carolina, on Saturday June 18. This year’s event takes place at the Greensboro arboretum from 2- 10pm. The festival organizers’ mission is to “create an experience for our festival-goers that blends local artisans, performers and budding entrepreneurs with a little bit of magic, opening up imaginations to the possibilities in each of us.” The festival also features the Parasol parade, which will be lead this year by the Bulltown Strutter’s “Second Line” and giant Paperhan Puppets. The colorful parade will wind through Lindley Park and end at the Greensboro Arboretum. Attendees are encouraged to dress up for this festival, but it’s not required. To get to Lindley Park, take US-64 E and I-85 N from the Forest Lake RV Campground. For more information on the Greensboro Summer Solstice Festival, visit greensborosummersolstice.org.

How will you celebrate the longest day of the year? Tell us all about it in the comments!