Cobblestone Museum summer solstice soiree will be at proposed visitors’ center on June 22
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Cobblestone Museum is planning to turn this house from 1824 into a visitors’ center. The site is prominent at the intersection of routes 98 and 104. The plans include a modern addition to the site with bathrooms and a meeting space.
CHILDS – Summer Solstice Soiree IV will take place this year in a historic location on June 22.
Maarit Vaga is organizer of the event this year, which will have an entirely different format, taking place in the proposed Cobblestone Visitors Center across from the Cobblestone Museum. This will be the first official event to take place in the Civil War-era home at the corner of Route 98 and Ridge Road.
Previous Soirees have taken place in picturesque locations with beautiful landscaping and flowers, but because the property just recently acquired by the Cobblestone Museum does not have any gardens, Summer Solstice Soiree IV will project beauty in a different way, Vaga said.
The Soiree, which will take place from 4 p.m. until dark, is being called a “Celebration of Beauty.”
Visitors can create art themselves by participating in an activity related to the language of flowers, Vaga said. There will be poetry readings, music, artists and their art, ceramic painting, Haiku, origami, a poetry mic and more.
A scavenger hunt is designed for children of all ages, and a promenade of quotes will incorporate poetry into the festival of 19th century poets whose works speak of beauty. Several local poets will be featured.
Music will be provided by Gary Simboli and the Orleans County String Band formerly known as Cabin Fever. Ray Santoro will play the spinet piano in the vestibule.
Cheryl Giacherio from Oak Orchard on the Lake will have lanterns that glow, which she makes.
Admission to the Soiree is free, but a $5 donation is suggested. All donations go to the Cobblestone Society Museum.
Charcuterie snack boxes are available by pre-ordering. Assorted savory snacks with a glass of wine is $15, or a snack box without wine may be ordered for $10. There will be a wine cash bar, baked goods and light snacks for sale. Visitors may bring a picnic basket if they wish. For more information or to pre-order, contact the Cobblestone Museum at (585) 589-9013 or through the website, CobblestoneMuseum.org.
Wine will be provided by Leonard Oakes Estate Winery. Non-alcoholic drinks will also be available.
“We have created an event where people can sit quietly or participate and engage in beauty,” Vaga said.
