Hermitage event will bring light to shortest day of the year

A celebration linked to ancient traditions returns to the City of Hermitage on Thursday night as the community gathers to observe the shortest day of the year.

The city is inviting everyone to attend its Winter Solstice event where people can cast their worries aside and celebrate their intentions for the new year.

The gathering,  scheduled from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Rodney White Olympic Park, will feature a moonlit horse-drawn wagon ride, the melodies of Jane Gregg and Mark DeWalt, as well as roasted chestnuts, beverages from Draft Horse and Big Rail Brewing, as well as food from Third Eye Pies and Unstable Eats.

The highlight of the evening is the burning of the Yule Log. According to tradition, the burning of a special log is for luck and fortune has been a holiday tradition long before the arrival of Christianity in Europe. Fire and light are traditional symbols of celebrations held on the darkest day of the year.

You'll find Rodney White Olympic Park at 800 N Hermitage Road behind the Hermitage Municipal Offices.