Serpent Mound can bee seen from the air with the sun setting on the horizon during the Summer Solstice on June 21. (Photo by DRONE OHIO)
By Ryan Applegate
People’s Defender
A unique blend of ancient tradition, modern artistry, and community spirit filled the air this past weekend as the Friends of Serpent Mound (FSOM) hosted their annual Summer Solstice Celebration Festival. Held at Soaring Eagle Retreat—adjacent to the historic Great Serpent Mound in southern Ohio—the multi-day event welcomed a steady flow of visitors, including many local families, vendors, and returning participants.
The Great Serpent Mound itself is a 1,300-foot prehistoric effigy constructed by Indigenous peoples. Each year, its alignment with the setting sun during the summer solstice draws visitors eager to witness the natural spectacle and honor the season’s significance. FSOM began holding events at the mound in 2004, and the Summer Solstice Celebration was introduced as a one-day event in 2009. Over time, it has grown into a multi-day festival combining educational programs, arts, music, and nature-based experiences.
This year’s gathering offered an especially vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. “We are happy to be a small to medium size festival, because we treat everyone like family,” said Delsey Wilson, Executive Director of Friends of Serpent Mound. “If our presentations and workshops are well attended and our vendors feel like they were successful, and people followed the rules, it was a good event!”
Throughout Friday and Saturday, visitors of all ages took in the variety of offerings, from vendor booths and food trucks to a broad selection of workshops and presentations. Children participated in hands-on activities, while adults explored topics ranging from the arts to nature and culture. The steady attendance and relaxed environment reflected the event’s emphasis on accessibility and friendliness.
In the vendor area, artisans displayed handmade goods, wellness practitioners offered natural products and services, and local food vendors served refreshing and flavorful meals. Kettle corn, lemonade, and other festival staples contributed to the sensory experience, along with the sounds of live music and casual conversation.
Workshops and presentations invited participants to engage in a range of creative and educational experiences. The schedule included topics on natural healing, ancient practices, storytelling, and artistic expression—intended to encourage reflection, learning, and community.
One of the weekend’s standout events was the guided float on Brush Creek, led by Serpent Mound historian Jeffrey Wilson, author of Ancient Monuments of the Mississippi Valley – The Expanded Edition. Participants joined Wilson on a kayak tour of the creek running beside the Serpent Mound, listening to his insights on the surrounding landscape and its historical context.
Nikki Gerber, owner of MoonDoggie LIVERee, shared a personal highlight from the trip. “Summer Solstice has proved to be a scorcher the last couple years, so I’m grateful to enjoy anytime on and in the water,” Gerber said. “I decided to think outside the boat. During the Guided Paddle with Jeff Wilson for this year’s celebration and encouraged others to do the same as we beached the Old Towns and took a dip when we reached the grotto. Being able to finally do that with like-minded folks truly was a solstice blessing.”
The spirit of celebration carried into the evenings as guests gathered to witness the sunset over the Serpent Mound. The alignment of the effigy’s head with the setting sun during solstice is a powerful draw and one of the key features that makes this location so meaningful to many who attend.
“We want to emphasize that the event is family friendly every year,” Wilson added. “And we encourage more locals to come out and enjoy the arts, workshops, and presentations available at the Summer Solstice Celebration Festival.”
The FSOM Summer Solstice Celebration continues to offer a space for community gathering, creative expression, and connection with the land. As the weekend came to a close, many guests left with new friendships, handmade treasures, and a deeper appreciation for the solstice and the natural beauty of the Serpent Mound area.
With another successful year in the books, the Friends of Serpent Mound look forward to continuing the tradition of this seasonal celebration—honoring the sun, the earth, and the people who come together to share in its light.
