In celebration of Solstice 2008

SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park will host its annual benefit, “In Celebration of Solstice,” on Saturday, June 21, 7:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m. “The event features heavy hors d’oeuvres, open bar, silent auction and American Indian games,” said Mary Beth Caudill, President of the volunteer SunWatch Associates Board.

“Guests are encouraged to wander leisurely through the Village and enjoy themselves at this National Historic Landmark.”

American Indian-inspired dishes will be located throughout the grounds of the Village, including a “Three Sisters” themed food station in the garden. “Three Sisters” refers to a planting technique utilized by many American Indian cultures in North America. Squash and climbing beans are planted around center maize stalks. The maize stalks provide a structure on which the beans can climb, and the three crops act to keep the nutrients in the soil balanced.

“In Celebration of Solstice” pays tribute to the importance of the sun in the Fort Ancient culture. Archaeological findings indicate that daily life and community survival depended on the movement of the sun tracked by a 40-foot pole located in the middle of the Village. “The shadow from the Center Pole aligns with important community areas, marking planting season in late April, harvesting season in August, and the change of seasons during the winter solstice in December,” said Andy Sawyer, Site Manager and Anthropologist at SunWatch. “Agricultural alignments prevent premature or late planting and harvesting that could leave the crop vulnerable to frost, and the community in danger of starvation.” “ In Celebration of Solstice” falls near the summer solstice, a significant solar event that seems appropriate for an event dedicated to a community that heavily relied on the sun.

Reservations required. $75 per person. Contact 937.275.7431 ext. 136 to make reservations. All proceeds benefit educational programming at SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park.