The Winter Solstice Celebration last year at the Northwoods Community Garden, which featured the burning of the AMASS art exhibit by artist Ian Van D., attracted scores of area residents. The free event this year will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, at the Community Garden located in the Field at Nicolet College.

RHINELANDER – Everyone is invited to celebrate the upcoming Winter Solstice at a community celebration 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, at the Northwoods Community Garden located in the Field at Nicolet College.

In classic folk tradition, the event will welcome the return of light on the darkest day of the year and feature hot beverages, treats and a warming fire.

“In the solstice tradition of letting go of the things that weigh us down, Rhinelander artist Ken Juon has created a site-specific artwork to burn at our annual solstice fire, offering a light to the diminishing darkness and growing length of daylight,” said Melinda Childs, Community and Cultural development director with ArtStart and Nicolet College.

The event is free and open to the public. It’s organized in partnership between Nicolet College and the Northwoods Community Garden.

To get to the garden, turn on Nicolet Way, which is about 100 yards before the main entrance to the college.

Attendees are advised to monitor the weather and dress accordingly for this outdoor evening event.