Today is the astronomical first day of summer in the northern hemisphere– the longest hours and minutes of daylight and the shortest of night. Today, the sun rises in Greensboro at 6:01 a.m. and sets at 8:41 p.m; over 14 hours of LIGHT! Today’s photo was taken yesterday at the Summer Solstice Festival during the parasol parade. The above solstice celebrant, in his bright yellow and iridescent outfit, radiates solstice sunshine. Stilts place him high above the crowd, seemingly reaching the sun, peeking through the trees.

If you by chance missed yesterday’s Summer Solstice Festival, held in the Greensboro Arboretum and Lindley Park, start collecting fairy wings, parasols, and floral garland for next year’s event. Also, consider hosting your own event in your Greensboro neighborhood. In the meantime, mark your calendar for next Sunday June 28th. The MUSEP Concert will be conveniently located in LeBauer Park. The Greensboro Concert Band will perform, starting at 6:00 p.m. Wear your solstice outfit then!

Happy Sunday. Happy Solstice!