Illiniwek celebrates summer solstice, the longest day of the year, with all-day activities

HAMPTON, Ill. (June 18, 2018) – In celebration of summer solstice, Illiniwek Forest Preserve is hosting its first-ever, all-day Summer Solstice Party on Thursday, June 21. Guests of all ages are invited to attend a variety of events ranging from sunrise yoga and a sunset hike to food trucks and sun-themed crafts.

“The solstice marks the first day of summer and the longest day of the year,” Mike Petersen, Illiniwek superintendent, said. “During the summer solstice, the sun is farthest north in the Northern Hemisphere which means it’s traveling the longest path through the sky, therefore we have more daylight.”

In the Quad Cities, there are roughly 15 hours of sunlight during the summer solstice.

“Fifteen hours of sunlight leaves plenty of opportunity to get outside and enjoy the sun,” said Petersen. “We’ve planned a full day of events for a variety of ages and interests.”

Events throughout the day include sunrise yoga, story time where volunteers will read two children’s books followed by an activity, a scavenger hunt, food trucks, a guided sunset hike, ending with the movie “The Sandlot” played on a projector in the park. All activities are free, but a $10 donation is suggested for sunrise yoga.

“It’s a great way to kick off summer,” said Petersen. “This is our first year doing it. If we have a strong turnout, we hope this becomes an annual event that the community looks forward to.”

Schedule of events

5 a.m. – Sunrise Yoga

  • Enjoy yoga at sunrise along the Mississippi River led by Illuminate Reiki Studio, from Davenport, Iowa. Bring a mat or blanket and meet at Illiniwek’s campground pavilion. All levels welcome. A $10 donation is suggested.

10 a.m. – Solstice Story Time

· Volunteers will read two summer-related children’s books followed by a craft – ideal for ages 3-10. Parents are asked to attend with their child.

5:30 p.m. – Food Trucks

· Wiley’s BackRoad BBQ & Grill LLC and Floyd’s Burgers and Sliders food trucks will be parked at Illiniwek’s campground from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

6:30 p.m. – Activities at the Pavilion

· Activities at the pavilion will begin at 6:30 with sun-themed crafts, games and a campground scavenger hunt.

8 p.m. – Sunset Hike

  • Park rangers will lead a guided hike to a scenic overlook to watch the sunset.

9 p.m. (dusk) – Movie in the park

  • To end the day, “The Sandlot” will be aired on the park lawn at dusk, or around 9 p.m. Guests are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets, snacks and beverages.

For those who would like to stay overnight, Illiniwek offers both primitive and RV camping sites. These sites are available on a first come, first served basis.

For additional information on the Summer Solstice Party and activities, visit Illiniwek’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/pg/IlliniwekForestPreserve/events.

Illiniwek is one of six facilities that make up the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District and is located at 1201 State Avenue, Hampton, Illinois 61256. For more information on Illiniwek, visit www.RICFPD.org.

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