Fairbanks Winter SOLSTICE CELEBRATION.

• Author: PILKINGTON, STEVE
• Position: Alaska - Brief Article

The Fairbanks Winter Solstice Celebration is becoming a bright event engulfing the heart of the town and its businesses and community centers in a series of events honoring much more than the longest day of winter. With the success of the summer Midnight Sun celebration, which brings thousands to Fairbanks for special summertime events, downtown organizers are hoping to bring the same results in the winter.

Solstice days have had special significance in many parts of the world. According to scientists, the earth is actually nearer the sun in winter than it is in summer by millions of miles. But what causes the changing seasons is something different. The planet leans on its axis somewhat like a spinning top in an off-kilter position. Astronomers have pinpointed the precise angle of the tilt. This planetary pose is what causes the variety of our climate, the drama and poetry of our seasons-since it determines how many hours and minutes each hemisphere receives sunlight. For Fairbanks, the heart of winter has its own challenges.

"It's dark and it's cold up here," said Guy Douglas, chairman of promotions for the Downtown Association of Fairbanks/Main Street. "It's not going to get the better of us."

The Fairbanks solstice celebration begins Nov. 25 and continues through Dec. 2-solstice day. During this period, special events are scheduled each Saturday, with some things happening on Fridays right through to Dec. 21.

One focus of the schedule is promoting the Winter Lighting...