Let There Be Light

The Winter Solabration started 28 years ago as a feast celebrating the holiday season, and has since evolved into a full-on party (minus the potluck). “We do a lot of the same things every year because people love it,” says organizer Chris Kermiet. “There’s a continuity to the event. We...

By Amber Taufen

December 19, 2013

Audio By Carbonatix

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The Winter Solabration started 28 years ago as a feast celebrating the holiday season, and has since evolved into a full-on party (minus the potluck). “We do a lot of the same things every year because people love it,” says organizer Chris Kermiet. “There’s a continuity to the event. We go with what works.”

And what works is a smorgasbord of holiday fun for people of all ages, though Kermiet notes that the late hours can be tough on the smallest children. There will be Christmas carols; a ceremony crowning the Winter Solstice king or queen; live performances by musical groups, dance ensembles (including solstice sword dancers) and even an extreme juggler; storytelling; a grand march; a mummers’ play; and opportunities to dance the night away, whether it’s waltzing, swing dancing or participating in a traditional American community dance. “All of the dances are taught and walked through,” Kermiet adds, so newcomers and veterans alike can feel comfortable strutting their stuff.

The Winter Solabration starts at 6 p.m. at the Sons of Italy Hall, 5925 West 32nd Avenue in Wheatridge; admission is $33 for adults, $19 for teens and students and $9 for kids. Visit wsolstice.org for more information.
Sat., Dec. 21, 6-11:30 p.m., 2013

Amber Taufen has been writing about people, places and things in Denver since 2005. She works as an editor, writer, and production and process guru out of her home office in the foothills.

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