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Event in Niagara’s Serenity Woods to mark Winter Solstice Sunday

Dwight Pataconi, grandson of Bill and Vi Dubord, sets up the wooden Nativity scene in the Dubord shed in the Niagara Area Historical Society’s Serenity Woods for last year’s Winter Solstice festivities. This year's event for the shortest day of the year will be Sunday. (Karen Klenke photo)

NIAGARA, Wis. — The Niagara Area Historical Society invites the community to celebrate Winter Solstice on Sunday at Serenity Woods in Niagara.

Festivities will begin at 4 p.m. with a Native American ceremony by Danny Joe Garceau at the museum’s second location.

NAHS President Karen Klenke said the presentation will include native flute music and stories among the towering pines.

“We hope everyone joins us on the shortest day of the year in this beautiful, quiet space as we get ready for Christmas,” she said.

The outdoor buildings have been decorated for the holidays and will be open for the evening.

The Niagara Area Historical Society will celebrate Winter Solstice at Serenity Woods at 4 p.m. Sunday. The event will feature a Native American ceremony. (Karen Klenke photo)

The group has once again purchased two wreaths from Main Street Makeover that are hung on the doors of the “Red Shed.”

A replica scene of the evergreen tree and vintage toys that sat on the DesJardins porch for many years will greet visitors in front of the red shed.

“The reproduction brings a lot of nostalgia to the community,” Klenke said.

Rolland “Bummy” DesJardins began to place a tree and red trucks on his front porch for his first wife, Vi, for the season because she was allergic to the real evergreen. After marrying Beverly St. Arnauld in 1988, the couple kept the tradition. After he passed away in 1999, Beverly also continued with the display until her death at age 94.

Klenke said the vintage Nativity will again be displayed inside of the Dubord shed. The pieces were painted by former Niagara teacher Eileen Ponzio. She and her husband, Pope, would feature them outside their home each season.

Klenke hopes to have a few live sheep and goats in the shed that evening.

“The animals at the park will add to the peace and serenity to the evening,” she added.

The red brick lined sidewalk will be lit with luminaries.

The society will have a bonfire to warm up, along with blankets on the church pew and chairs at the park. They will also serve hot chocolate.

“We want everyone and enjoy the celebration before they go home to enjoy Christmas with their families,” Klenke said.

Serenity Woods is at Jefferson Avenue and Quincy Street in Niagara.

All are welcome.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.

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