Celebrate the arrival of spring by joining us for the Marzanna tradition on March 21 st.

Join us on March 21st at 12:30 pm to take part in this old tradition of saying goodbye to winter. We will celebrate Marzanna at Highbanks Metro Park. Enter from US 23, just south of the intersection with Powell Rd. We will meet in the Big Meadows Picnic Area at the end of the main road.

The tradition of destroying Marzanna, a hay doll, dates back to pagan times and is connected to the Mother Earth spring holiday of St Jary. People would parade Marzanna out of the village with rattles, whips, singing, and music to drive away evil. Then, Marzanna was thrown into a river and set on fire. This ritual was meant to chase away winter, welcome spring, and bring a good harvest.

Here’s what we have planned for the three-hour event:

• Spring parade
• Destroying the Marzanna doll
• Looking for the first signs of spring
• Enjoying a potluck picnic outdoors

What to bring:

• Bring your favorite dish to share.