One of Hillsborough’s most popular events is happening on Saturday as the town hosts its annual Solstice Walk.
The Solstice Walk is a non-denominational celebration of the Winter Solstice hosted by the Hillsborough Arts Council, where participants create lanterns to signify winter light and walk them through the town. The event is free to march in as long as you have a lantern and there are spots around town to watch the procession.
Hillsborough major Jenn Weaver says she’s excited for the walk and encourages residents to join in if they never have.
“The Solstice Walk is one of my favorite events of the year,” says Weaver. “It’s very beautiful. If you haven’t been before, you really have to make an effort to come out because it’s one of the most special things that happens in Hillsborough.”
Before the lantern parade begins down Riverwalk on Saturday, the Town of Hillsborough wants residents to be aware of when it starts and ends.
Setup for the event, which commemorates the shortest day and longest night of the year, will begin at 4 p.m. with the walk starting at 5:45 p.m. The event is expected to conclude by 6:30 p.m., with cleanup finished by 7 p.m.
The procession will begin at the Farmers’ Market Pavilion off East Margaret Lane and end at Orange County’s Eno River Parking Deck. No access will be permitted along the Riverwalk at any other entry points besides the starting area.
Weaver also warns that both foot and vehicle traffic may be affected by the Solstice Walk.
“If this isn’t your thing or you’ve got places to be,” she says, “just know traffic is going to be a little bit extra on Saturday. But thankfully it’s not a weekday [this year].”
The Arts Council requires all Solstice Walk participants to register. Registration or sign-ups to be a volunteer can be found on the Hillsborough Arts Council website.
(Photo via Visit Hillsborough.)
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