Photo By Richard Davis
Candy Lee from Candy Lee and the Sweets.
By Claire Ala
As 2013 approaches, many will still differ in their beliefs. However, some feel Friday marks a day on the Mayan calendar that could bring on a cataclysmic event.
Luckily, humanity can be assured ideas of doomsday are not accepted by the scientific realm of NASA.
NASA states “one of the most bizarre theories about 2012 has built up with very little attention to facts. … This idea holds that a cosmic alignment of the sun, Earth, the center of our galaxy — or perhaps the galaxy’s thick dust clouds — on the winter solstice could … lead to destruction. Such alignments can occur but these are a regular occurrence and can cause no harm.”
So, instead of senseless worrying over a scientifically unproven apocalypse, go out and enjoy the winter solstice and/or human enlightenment. The following is a list of fun things to do in or around Fayetteville while you welcome the shortest day, longest night of winter.
1. Passages Rising World Awakening Party
Passages Rising welcomes the community to “celebrate winter solstice and the dawning of a new consciousness. … Come prepared to release the old and bring in the new with loving intention.” They are having a night full of fun events, starting off with a community potluck at 6:30 p.m., then a solstice ritual and a variety of musicians. There will also be events such as belly dancing and an open drum circle.
Where: Passages Rising at 14 E. Meadow St., Fayetteville
When: 6:30 p.m.-12 a.m. Friday
Information: facebook.com/passagesrising
2. End of the World Concert with Lost Gonzo Duo, Earl & Them, and Fayetteville locals Candy Lee and the Sweets
Support local music and see musical legends from Austin as they plan on “slapping the Mayan calendar right in the face.” Candy Lee and the Sweets are Fayetteville folk who play tunes definitely worth listening to.
Where: Rogers Little Theater
When: Friday. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.
Tickets: https://secure.ticketsage.net/EventsPage.aspx?EvtID=9351&ws=1
3. George’s End of the World Party with T-Chicken and Don’t Stop Please
Dance into oblivion at George’s Majestic.
Where: George’s Majestic Lounge
When: 10 p.m. Friday
Information: georgesmajesticlounge.com/
4. Spend the day at Crystal Bridges Museum
Why not spend this day learning about art or taking a stroll/bike ride on the many trails? The museum has an all American art collection and a new GE sponsored exhibit featuring light themed works. Not to mention the special Artinfusion Event: The End of the World from 8 to 11 p.m.
Where: Crystal Bridges, Bentonville
When: Friday hours 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Information: crystalbridges.org
5. Northwest Arkansas Center for Spiritual Living’s Birth 2012
It’s an “all-day collaboration with unity” free event. The center will have live streaming media from events all around the world, along with evening music. There will also be peace readings accompanied by candle lighting at 7:15 p.m.
Where: Both center locations; see website for addresses
When: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday
Information: nwarkansas.csl.org
6. Star gazing
Set up an observatory in your backyard. Star gaze for free under the night sky, and don’t forget a bonfire to keep warm. Macintosh users can add the Starry Night widget on their dashboard that shows the constellations in their area. Non-Apple users can use this website to find a number of constellations visible tomorrow night: astronomyonline.org/Observation/ConstellationsNorthernHemi_Winter.asp.
