Get ready to celebrate the longest night of the year

In anticipation of the longest night of the year, families are invited to the Richmond Nature Park on Dec. 20. Between 1 and 4 p.m., visitors to the park can mark the occasion by drumming and roasting marshmallows. They can also create lanterns to light up the night sky, write a wish on paper to toss in the fire to set it free, decorate the wildlife tree to help birds survive the winter and make evergreen door swags to take home.

In addition, there will be face painting and storytelling.

The event wraps up with an easy winter walk by lantern light through the park led by the Frost Fairy.

This year’s winter solstice, the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, occurs on Dec. 21. There is a gradual lengthening of daylight everyday after the winter solstice until the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, is reached in June.

Admission to the event is by donation, with proceeds supporting nature education programs.

While at the Nature Park, take a stroll through the trails to enjoy the unique bog setting.

The Richmond Nature Park is located at 11851 Westminster Highway.

For more information, please call 604-718-6188 or visit www.richmond.ca/parksprograms.