Three Andover conservation groups welcomed winter with a solstice party.
The night of Friday, Dec. 21, officially marked the start of winter. To celebrate, the Shawsheen River Watershed Association, Andover Trails and Andover Conservation Commission held their third annual Winter Solstice Celebration. The event was held at Serio’s Grove Conservation Land, off Lowell Junction Road, and more than 30 people attended.
Attendees parked in the field and walked through the woods on the darkest evening of the year. There was a short presentation on the astronomy, history and folklore of the winter solstice and entertainment followed. Some attendees brought bells to signal the start of winter, said conservation volunteer Ellen Townson of Andover.
“There were families and everyone was having fun,” Townson said.
An Oak King banner was raised to symbolize this time of year when days are lengthening.
- Judy Wakefield
