The ‘zany’ race is part of the Midsummer Festival.
BETHEL – Billed as a celebration of art and science, Bethel’s Summer Solstice Sculpture Race from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 21, literally gets artisans and their work out into the streets.
The competitive, zany race, which attracts creative people of all persuasions, features human-powered sculptures that must be newly created, not existing sculptures.
It is just one segment of the day’s Midsummer Festival, which features several free, noncommercial events and activities for creative people of all ages.
Although the sculptures can be created and raced by individuals or teams, they must incorporate wheels, legs or other means of movement. They can be pushed, pedaled or pulled, but not dragged or carried.
Prior to the race, for which entrants gather at and cruise around the Bethel Common, Jack Nordhal will present the science of the Solstice at Gould Academy’s McLaughlin Science Center at 10 a.m. Here, the movements of the earth and sun will be discussed.
Then at 11 a.m., at the Bethel Library on Broad Street, Betsey Cooper will read “Stories of The Season.”
The afternoon portion of the festival runs from 2-4 p.m. at “The Meadow,” which is located a half mile west of town on Route 2.
Activities include “Life in a Medieval Court” with Vanessa Greeley, where children can learn about medieval times, try a traditional food, play a traditional instrument, see a suit of armor, period clothing and other items.
Other activities include a performance by the Art Moves dancers, a traditional “Midsummer Birch” maypole-like dance, group sculpture creation for all ages, flower-garland and wreath making, face painting, costume decoration, giant bubble blowing, a drumming circle, music sing-alongs and art from nature crafts activities.
At 2:30 p.m., Heather Pierson, a pianist, vocalist, percussionist, songwriter and owner of Vessel Recordings, an independent music label, will perform songs of love, strength, peace and gratitude on keyboard and world percussion.
For more information, visit www.midsummerfestival.org or call 824-3246 or 824-3170.
tkarkos@sunjournal.com
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