In a recent Huffington Post article by Carly Ledbetter titled “8 Quirky Spots Where You’re Free To Be You And Me,” Homer was listed first, and there’s no better time for Homer to show its true tie-dye colors than during summer solstice.
A cosmic event like the summer solstice deserves a cosmic celebration — something that Dax Radtke and a group of organizers are looking to give Homer this Saturday. The 2014 Solstice Celebration invites all ages to partake in the fun in the Ulmer’s parking lot. The event will feature music, competitions with cash prizes, an array of food and nonprofit booths.
“In the true Homer style, it should be based around families, fun and fundraising for good causes,” said Radtke.
One anticipated event is bed racing, where competitors have to use a mattress to transport someone from the start to the finish line — all while wearing the required entry outfit of pajamas.
A $20 team entrance fee is required, and $500 in cash prizes will be awarded to the first, second and “crowd favorite,” a title Radtke says will most likely be awarded to the team with the most style, not necessarily speed.
Radtke said he is excited to see what contestants will present during the “cosmic rides” event. With a $10 entry fee teams get to compete with any type of cosmic-themed transportation for an opportunity at $500 in cash prizes. Any type of transportation is eligible to win, and Radtke encourages a sign to describe the decorated ride.
A video covering the Solstice Celebration event will be made and in addition to food and craft booths, some vendors will sell packages like a whipped-cream pie and trashbag, or pillows for a pillow fight for a photogenic video opportunity.
Festival participants are encouraged to enter their videos to be included with the general coverage of the event that will later become a purchasable CD.
Other booths include a basketball free-throw contest, a low wire walk, and a face painting booth.
“After being in Homer for 13 years and not really doing much to contribute I thought it was high time I give back to the community by organizing an event like this,” said Radtke.
Radtke hopes that the Solstice Celebration will become an annual event, and create more fundraising opportunity in the future for the nonprofits present.
Venue set-up will begin at 6 p.m., and Radtke said the celebration is open to last-minute booth registrations. Cosmic ride entries are asked to be assembled at 6 p.m.
Radtke encourages all to dress for the cosmic occasion.
Visit the Homer Solstice Celebration Facebook page for additional information.
2014 Solstice Celebration
Where: Ulmer’s parking lot
When: Saturday, around 7 p.m.
What: Events include Solstice Bed Racing, Cosmic Rides Show, food booths, nonprofit vendors, entertainment and creating a solstice celebration video
Cost: Free admission; $20 team entry fee for Solstice Bed Racing; $10 team entry fee for Cosmic Rides Show; food and festival games for purchase
MORE INFO: Visit the Homer Solstice Celebration Facebook page
