Celebrate Summer Solstice with Picnic in the Plaza

There are many ways to celebrate summer, from the year's first to the annual to the first sunburn.

One way that makes annual sense, however, is to celebrate the summer solstice. The calendar may say it falls on the 20th this year, but Transition Sonoma Valley has decided to turn their regular Third Thursday Free Movie Series toward more celestial ends, with a Solstice Picnic in the Park on Thursday, June 21.

In cooperation with the Grange, they suggest you bring a picnic and a blanket to spread it upon to the northeast corner of the park,  near the Bear Flag Monument, and join in a community celebration.

Don't neglect to bring plates, glasses (wine is allowed) and loads of yummy food to enjoy or share. - or even a good story or song.

Chef Isa Jacoby adds to the fun by suggesting a "Lettuce Gather," and yes that's a pun. Bring offerings from your garden - tomatoes, squash, even lettuce - to throw in the communal salad bowl.

A community "Curry in a Hurry" is on the menu as well - bring your ingredients and chopping knife at 5:00 p.m., or just show up at 6 to enjoy the feast.

"In Europe, from Stonehenge to the Carpathian mountains," says the web RSVP and announcement, "the longest day of the year was celebrated, either with solemn ceremony or lighthearted music and dance.  The Chinese honored Li, the Chinese Goddess of Light, on the first day of summer. "

In Sonoma, all it takes is a picnic.