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Summer Solstice Americana Music Celebration and Dance
Author: Pat Plantenberg, Broadwater Community Theater

Broadwater Community Theater (BCT) is proud to sponsor a Summer Solstice Celebration in Townsend on Saturday, June 20th. Helena Handbasket, an Old Time String Band, will be playing a range of old-time Americana, bluegrass, Celtic traditional, and some sweet harmony during an occasional western swing song.

Solstice celebrations, whether ancient or modern, provide a meaningful way to honor the cycles of the Earth, celebrate seasonal transitions, and foster cultural continuity. They remain a vibrant part of human tradition worldwide. Solstices celebrations often share recurring themes like:

• Connection to nature: Observing the sun’s movement and seasonal changes.

• Community and family: Gatherings, feasts, and shared rituals.

• Symbolism of light: Rebirth, renewal, and the triumph of light over darkness.

• Rituals and offerings: From burning logs to crafting prayer sticks or performing dances.

BCT’s Solstice Celebration Musical Celebration and Dance will be held In front of The Lodge of Townsend at 131 S. Spruce, Townsend, MT (inside The Lodge in case of inclement weather) on Saturday June 20th from 6-9pm. Bring your dancing shoes and help celebrate community and family!

There is no charge to attend so bring the family! Catered food and drink will be available.

Helena Handbasket members include fiddler Terry Gundersen, Jim Gundersen on concertina and banjo, David Payne on guitar, and Candace Payne on upright bass. For more information, please call Patrick Plantenberg (406)431-4615.