Heart of Roundup
Posts
💙 Roundup Events June 20

💙 Roundup Events June 20

Sandra Gebhardt
June 20, 2024

Trivia Question❓

What ancient monument is famously aligned with the sunrise on the Summer Solstice?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Roundup Independence Day Updates

It's that time of year!

Dates have been picked...July 4th & July 5th at 11:00 am

The permits have been secured!

The Grand Marshall has been voted on!

and now....

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Click here to see the theme & register!

On behalf of the Roundup Chamber of Commerce we are super excited to keep this tradition alive and look forward to another great year.

~Sandra Gebhardt

Welcome to Heart of Roundup

The goal of the Heart of Roundup newsletter is to keep community members up to date on area events and fun stories. This is a passion project and we are excited to bring a variety of exciting new things to Roundup.

Please email any events you know of to [email protected]

BINGO Night at the Arcade Bar

June 26th

Movies Under the Stars

June 22nd

Open Gyms

Teen Dance | City Stage

Rescheduled! June 29 | 9:00 - 11:30 PM

Summer Movies Under the Stars

Rodeo Roundup

July 3-4

R.I.D.E. July 3-7

Cars & Pars Golf Tournament

Embracing the Light:

Celebrating the Summer Solstice

The summer solstice, occurring annually around June 21st, marks a special day in our calendars—it is the longest day and the shortest night of the year for those in the northern hemisphere. This astronomical event happens when the Earth’s pole reaches its maximum tilt toward the Sun, bathing us in extended daylight.

The summer solstice is not only a celestial phenomenon but also a day of rich cultural significance across the globe. In England, revelers gather at Stonehenge to witness the sunrise align perfectly with the ancient stones—a sight that connects modern audiences with the rituals of past civilizations. Meanwhile, Scandinavian countries celebrate Midsummer with lively festivities that include dancing around maypoles, lighting bonfires, and enjoying outdoor feasts that celebrate the bounty of the season.

The onset of summer also brings noticeable changes in our natural surroundings. Flowers like sunflowers and daisies bloom abundantly, wildlife becomes more active, and the growing season for fruits and vegetables reaches its peak, offering a plethora of fresh produce.

The extended daylight is a boon for our health as well. It is the perfect opportunity to soak in the sun and boost our vitamin D levels, which is essential for bone health and immune function. Health experts often suggest maximizing outdoor activities during this time, whether it's hiking, swimming, or simply enjoying a walk in the park.

For photography enthusiasts, the solstice presents unique opportunities to capture the golden hours that stretch longer than usual. Tips for capturing the perfect solstice shot include using the natural light to highlight landscapes and experimenting with shadows and silhouettes during the extended dusk.

As we embrace the longest day of the year, the summer solstice encourages us to reflect on the cyclical nature of seasons and the ancient rhythms that guide the natural world. It’s a day to celebrate light, life, and the turning of the Earth itself.

Weekly Joke

Why did the sun go to school on the Summer Solstice?

To get a little lighter!

Solstice Sunburst Salad

Ingredients:

- Mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and romaine)

- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

- 1 bell pepper (orange or yellow), sliced

- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)

- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds

- 1 carrot, shredded

- Edible flowers (like marigolds or nasturtiums) for garnish

- Dressing:

- 3 tablespoons olive oil

- 2 tablespoons lemon juice

- 1 teaspoon honey

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper slices, corn, sunflower seeds, and shredded carrot.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.

3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

4. Garnish with edible flowers for a burst of color and a touch of solstice festivity.

5. Serve chilled as a fresh, vibrant addition to your solstice celebration.

Midsummer Fire Grilled Skewers

Ingredients:

- 2 chicken breasts, cut into cubes

- 1 zucchini, sliced

- 1 red onion, cut into chunks

- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), cut into chunks

- Marinade:

- 1/4 cup olive oil

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tablespoons soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon honey

- Juice of 1 lime

- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.

2. Add chicken cubes to the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

3. Thread the marinated chicken, zucchini slices, red onion chunks, and bell pepper onto skewers.

4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

5. Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and vegetables are charred.

6. Serve hot, perfect for a summer solstice barbecue.

Fun Facts

1. Ancient Alignment: At Stonehenge, the sunrise on the summer solstice aligns perfectly with the Heel Stone and the Slaughter Stone, which is believed to have been significant for ancient druids and pagans during their midsummer celebrations.

2. Worldwide Celebrations: The summer solstice is celebrated around the world with various cultural festivities. In Sweden and Finland, it's marked by the Midsummer festival, where people dance around the maypole and sing traditional songs.