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“School’s out for the summer!” Well, for some of us, school’s out forever! I’m sure the question “What am I going to do with my life” has crossed your minds. We will address that matter later. For now, let’s focus on a more important issue... like SUMMER!

 

Today, June 20th, is the summer solstice. It’s known as the longest day of the year; a whopping 14 hours of daylight! Gee whiz! Folks, this means the end of hibernation. Get out of your caves, holes, tree trunks, wherever you’ve been hiding, and enjoy the first official day of Summer. Soak up some glorious Vitamin D 'cause lord knows you need it! ‘Tis the season for beach-bummin'!

 

Summer is my state of mind. Year-round. When my mental and physical summer stars align, Rita Metermaid starts to party like it’s 1969! The time has come to celebrate the Summer Solstice! It’s only fitting that I share a list of events with you, so take a look at some of the festivities happening in the U.S. Pick one, any one! Just enjoy and be a care-free kid for a day. All aboard, say I! I knew we were on the same page! Here ya go:

 

Solstice Parade - Talk about a 3-day extravaganza bonanza! This Summer Solstice celebration in Santa Barbara begins with a festival on Friday at 4pm. There will be food, vendors, arts and crafts, and more! If you have your heart set on seeing some floats, then don’t miss the parade on Saturday at noon!

 

Culver City Art Walk - Kick off summer with your first official sunburn! Explore Downtown Culver City on the longest day of the year! Drink some spiked lemonade, listen to live music, and check out the grand opening of Expo Line’s Culver City Station. Be sure to carpool because parking is limited!

 

Summer SOULstice Festival - On Sunday, June 23, the 12th Annual Rock the Soulstice Celebration will take place from 11am - 7pm on Main Street, Santa Monica. Enjoy this free musical event with over 16 bands! There is also an activity area for kids! Definitely a fun-filled day for the family!

 

Solstice in Times Square - Yoga... in the middle of Times Square? Yup! Kick off summer with thousands of yoga enthusiasts at a day-long yoga fest! Classes from 7am to 8:30 pm. Find some peace among all the madness and don’t forget to say “ohm”. The first 1,500 people will receive solstice goodie bags and Manduka yoga mats from Athleta.

 

Bonfire at Muir Beach - Gather around the bonfire, my friends. Get close and snuggly. Share some stories and songs. Don’t forget your mugs, sweaters, and blankets! It’s going to be a chilly night! Celebration takes place from 6 - 8pm.

 

Fontana Chamber Arts Solstice Celebration - We’re a-truckin’ down to Kalamazoo, Michigan, for the 2012 Solstice Celebration. I hear tickets are $100 a piece, but well worth it! Delight in a three-course meal, live jazz music, dancing, fireworks special, and a silent auction. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Fontana Chamber Arts.

 

1st Annual Summer Solstice Celebration - This free (music to my ears) day-long celebration with live music, food trucks, live art-making, and tons of other family activities will take place at the Kennedy Plaza in Providence, Rhode Island. Did I mention the beer garden for adults? Fun-fest starts at noon!

 

Westview Summer Solstice - Spend a summer afternoon in Southwest Atlanta. Boogie down to some funkay music, participate in a grill-off, please your taste buds with some mouthwatering food, play games, and check out the vendors!

 

Summer Solstice at Sunstone Winery - Delight your palate with a glass of wine or beer at Sunstone Winery. Festivities to take place on June 23rd at 4pm. There will be plenty of food trucks to appease those growling tummies. Enjoy special performances from Zee Avi, Howlin’ Woods, Rico DeLargo, and more!

 

Go, my children, be free from these prisons we call work and school! Let’s all break away and explore all the sights, sounds, and beauty of this season together! What do you say? Splendid! Aloha, Summer!

 

 

- Rita Korkounian, YH Staff