Winter Solstice Celebration Providence 2023
by Francine Jackson
Biltmore Park was the scene for the City of Providence’s Solstice Celebration December 21st, 2023. Francine Jackson and Jim Hendrickson spent two freezing, windy hours introducing the public to the Moon with Francine’s Astroscan, and handing out NASA stickers.
In addition, Coordinator Sarah Summer had a xylophone duet, plus singers, who had the crowd join in songs for all the relevant holidays, sometimes flailing streamers in sync with the melodies. Also, two of the Big Nazo! Puppet troupe came as spacemen, with giant hands and flashing lights. As most of the young children knew who they were, and were not afraid of the large creatures, they both danced together. All in all, over 60 people came to the park for the fun celebration.
Just before packing up, Jim turned the telescope to Jupiter, which was just to the Moon’s left in the sky. Again, several who looked at it were amazed that the planet was so easy to see.
Although the night was so frigid, we’re hoping to return in 2024.
