The annual Musketaquid Summer Solstice Celebration will take place outside in Concord, MA on Thursday, June 21, 2012. This River Solstice gathering welcomes the arrival of Summer along the Assabet, Sudbury and Concord rivers. The evening begins at 6:30 pm with a picnic on the grounds of the Old Manse. Bring food, drink, and a blanket, and relax while listening to music performed by the Voices for the Earth Chorus, Snow Crow, among others, and taking in an incomparable view.
At 8 pm launch your canoe, rowboat, or kayak for an illuminated flotilla up the Concord River to the confluence of the Assabet and Sudbury rivers at Egg Rock. Bring along a candle lantern that you can attach to your boat. In all, over 60 vessels are expected to take part in the illuminated parade.
For those who plan to join the flotilla, please arrive at the North Bridge area for the picnic and music and in time for the 8 pm launch.
For those who want to participate without getting wet, the best viewing spot for the flotilla is from the Lowell Road Bridge just outside Concord Center. You are also welcome to participate in the Drum and Dance Circle, conducted by the Earth Drum Council, which will be held nearby at the Old Calf Pasture. The Dance and Drum Circle begins at 8:30 pm. All are invited to come for the picnic, the music, the flotilla, the drumming, or all four. And everyone is encouraged to bring a candle lantern.
This Musketaquid Arts and Environment solstice event is presented in collaboration with OARS (Organization for the Assabet Sudbury and Concord Rivers). The River Solstice, this year dedicated to the memory of Nat Marden*, is the kickoff event leading into RiverFest, which is produced by OARS and takes place the weekend of June 23-24. For more information, contact OARS at 978-369-3956, office@oars3rivers.org, or Musketaquid Arts and Environment at 978-254-1092 (Musketaquid Info Line), 978-371-0820 (Emerson Umbrella), musketaquid@emersonumbrella.org. You can also visit www.oars3rivers.org and www.musketaquidartsenvironment.org for updates.
For canoe rental, call South Bridge Boat House (www.canoeconcord.com) at 978-371-2465, and ask for the Solstice group rate.
*Nat Marden, a longtime friend of Musketaquid Arts and Environment, passed away suddenly. He was a true steward of the land and surrounding waters in Concord. An open house celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, June 23rd, from 9 am-5 pm, at 892 Fairhaven Road in Concord, overlooking the beautiful Fairhaven Bay section of the Sudbury River. Plenty of parking will be made available at nearby Arena Terrace, and rides will be offered to those who are unable to walk the mile in from there. All are welcome to come and celebrate!
