Ah, summertime. Long, hot days, short, cool nights and an endless array of weekend activities to discover.
Families can celebrate the official start of the season today at the Summer Soulstice in Monument’s historic downtown.
The fun starts bright and early with a sunrise meditation led by Sue Buell of the town’s Yoga Pathways Studio.
“Monument is a very artistic town, and wellness is a huge component of our community,” says Heather Buchman, vice president of the Historic Monument Merchants Association.
In the “Soul-stice Sanctuary” tent, located in downtown’s Limbach Park, look for other wellness-themed offerings, including free massages, yoga classes and ongoing meditation groups.
One of the highlights of the event is a “Chalk Walk” for kids, at which aspiring artists are encouraged to claim a spot, grab some chalk and get creative. “It’s sort of an on-the-street art workshop,” Buchman says.
Several large stretches of sidewalk around the five-block downtown district will have taped-off squares, or concrete “canvases,” for creating masterpieces. The chalk will be provided for free, and in case the kiddos need inspiration, professional artists also will be on hand, painting throughout the day.
If sidewalk chalk isn’t your artistic calling, drop by the Town Hall building between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for other fun activities such as a kids coloring contest and craft tables. Visitors can build their own suncatchers or get their hands dirty in the gardening area and then take home a potted plant.
Rounding out the group activities are ongoing hayrides around the district, an outdoor beer garden, and live music scheduled from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. with performances ranging from steel drums to rock. Bands will be placed at locations around town and booked into staggered performance times to encourage people to explore the town.
Most of Monument’s downtown shops and restaurants are offering their own mini-events such as sidewalk sales, face painting, craft booths, raffles and door prizes.
Buchman’s shop, Second Street Art and Wine Bar, is hosting a summer wine tasting with 15 breezy sippers to try including riesling, rose, muscat and even apple wine.
And though the recent weather pattern of daily storms might have folks worried about attending an outdoor festival, Buchman is solidly optimistic: “It won’t rain the whole day,” she says.
Long day of fun
Historic downtown Monument’s free Summer Soulstice celebration is all day today; call 719-460-4179 to sign up for a Chalk Walk Square, or for the schedule.
