MARCH 20, 2008: 22nd ANNUAL VERNAL EQUINOX SUNRISE DANCE
ON LANTERN HILL

The Westerly Morris Men will celebrate the Vernal Equinox by dancing at dawn on the summit of Lantern Hill in North Stonington, Connecticut. The Vernal Equinox is the moment at which the center of the Sun lies precisely above the Earth's equator, astronomically marking the beginning of Spring.

Participants in the hike and festivities will start meeting at the base of the hill at 6:00 A.M. on Thursday, March 20. By 6:20 A.M., all present will start the 10-20 minute hike to the summit. Sunrise will occur at about 6:50 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time (Source: U.S. Naval Observatory web site at http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/RS_OneDay.html).

Lantern Hill is located on the Ledyard / North Stonington town line, just south of Route 2. The trailhead is on Wintechog Hill Road, which is one road east of Lantern Hill Road / Route 214, the location of the Foxwoods Casino. The trailhead is less than 1/4 mile south of Route 2.

The Vernal Equinox hike was originally started by Betsy Oller of the Pequotsepos Outing Club, of Mystic. Morris dancing was introduced to the event in 1987, making 2008 the 21st anniversary and the 22nd consecutive year of dancing at this time and place.

The public is invited and welcome to this open annual event. Typically, 50 or more people make this early morning trek. Since this event now happens during Daylight Savings Time, it is hoped that more people will take advantage of the "more civilized" time of the event.

The actual Equinox will occur at 1:48 AM EDT, March 20 (Source: U.S. Naval Observatory via NOAA web site http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ind/print_localdata.php?loc=txtdat&data=seasons.txt). This hike traditionally occurs at the dawn of the day in which the Equinox falls in the Eastern Time Zone. According to the referenced web site, the Vernal Equinox will occur on March 20 through the year 2019, therefore, long-range planners can place this event on their calendars on March 20 every year through 2019!

The Westerly Morris Men practice twice per month at McQuade's Marketplace (http://www.mcquadesmarket.com/) in Westerly, Rhode Island, and are currently seeking new dancers. To inquire about joining the team, please contact team founder and chief musician Peter Leibert of Preston, CT, at phone # 860-887-9184. You may also inquire about joining the team by sending an email to terrycran@cox.net.

For information about the event or background information on Morris dancing, please contact team founder and chief musician Peter Leibert of Preston, CT, at phone # 860-887-9184. This event is organized by morris man Norman Dudziak of Barrington, RI, phone # 401-437-0240.

This event occurs regardless of the weather, solely at the discretion and risk of the participants. It is suggested that individuals having any safety concerns related to the weather, expected trail conditions, or their own personal health or fitness, enjoy a good night's sleep, get up a little early, and have their own personal celebration at home.
Happy Vernal Equinox!

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