This event is sold out.
Inspired by an old folk festival that honors winter while looking forward to the springtime to come...
Let’s celebrate the bridge between seasons with nature, candles, butter, and beer!
Please note: this event takes place in two parts at two different locations. You will have to drive between locations (carpooling can be arranged). You are welcome to join just one or both parts!
Part One: Nature Walk
@ Long Hill Reservation (Beverly, MA)
2:00 - 3:45 pm
We’ll take an easy, even-terrain 1.3 mile walk through the beautiful gardens and woods of Long Hill, looking for the early signs of spring and noticing how much life is still thriving in nature— even in the depths of winter!
While in the woods, we’ll pause for a nature connection and self-reflection exercise… a part of which includes making homemade butter!
Part Two: Crafts & Craft Beer
@ Coastal Mass Brewery (Beverly, MA)
4:00 - 5:30 pm
Coastal Mass Brewery is kindly hosting us for a seasonal craft: making and decorating our own beeswax taper candles! All crafting supplies provided. Beer, hard seltzer, + bar snacks available for purchase.
Cost is on a sliding scale $15 - $45.
There is a suggested minimum of $25 if you join for Part Two: Crafts & Craft Beer.
Venmo preferred or cash accepted. At this time there is not an online booking option (as I figure out a way to not have you get charged a booking fee!)
There are 10 spots available. The event will be marked ‘sold out’ when capacity is reached.
Workshop is for ages 10+ (minors must be accompanied by an adult).
** We believe in financial accessibility & mutual aid: please pay what you can!**
If cost is a barrier, feel free to reach out!
To register, please fill out the form below:
This event is SOLD OUT and registration is closed.
After registration:
To secure your spot, please do one of the following:
— send your payment to @Mikayla-Bishop via Venmo
— email mikayla@weofearth.co if you plan to pay cash/check
Registration is not complete without payment.
Workshop will take place rain or shine— if it’s particularly rough weather, attendees will be refunded.
Upon complete registration, attendees will receive an email with address and directions.
Cost covers: crafting materials, hand warmers, cream to make butter, and payment for time and labor
Any purchase at Coastal Mass Brewery is not included in the cost and must be paid for independently.
What midwinter folk tradition is this event inspired by?
February 1st marks the halfway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox. Across time and cultures, midwinter is celebrated as a time of renewal and rebirth, the return of longer days and first signs of spring.
My Celtic ancestors called the day Imbolc, debatedly meaning “in the belly” which refers to the time of year when the ewes were pregnant and producing sheep’s milk-- a delicious gift after a period of food shortage in the winter! There are traditions that revolve around dairy, such as making butter or leaving offerings of milk for nature spirits.
After the Christianization of Ireland, the day became known as St. Brigid’s Day, honoring the patron saint of poetry, blacksmithing... and beer. This day is also sometimes referred to as Candlemas, with a tradition of making and lighting candles to represent the growing daylight.
Midwinter is the perfect time to tend to the fire of inspiration with you and plant the first seeds of wishes and goals that you want to nurture in springtime. Trust that growth is happening in your life-- even if unseen.
Event photo by Dmytro Bukhantsov on Unsplash