By Tucker Henderson

Reporter

The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is hosting their 17th annual Longest Night Festival on Sunday, Dec. 21 with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and music at 7 p.m.

The evening will highlight the talents of a number of local artists as well as some from further away. With a tentative mix of eight musical artists performing, the community is invited to attend this free event as a relaxing respite in the middle of a busy season.

“It’s one of my favorite events of the year,” said Executive Director, Betsy Roder. “It always has a really magical feeling. I have memories of walking to the Cultural Center in a perfect snow, you feel like you’re in a snow globe and the stars are out. It isn’t like that every year, but it’s been like that enough years that it always feels that way.

“I always anticipate that magical feeling—everyone coming together—everyone’s just there to support each other, local music, the arts, and to make connections,” she contined. “I feel like this is a really unique opportunity to pause amidst the busyness and craziness of the holiday season and just enjoy a night of relaxing and connecting and listening to music.”

Roder also commented that the Longest Night Festival is also unique in that it is always set so near to Christmas as the winter solstice comes just days before the holiday. As uncommon as that may be in event scheduling, she noted that the festival has been a success each year since its inception. With schedules full and people doing their last bit of Christmas shopping, it’s no wonder that community members enjoy being able to find a bit of peace and harmony during December.

“Somebody started it 17 years ago and it’s been a real success,” said Roder. “I always look forward to the regulars that come a lot of years and then it’s always fun to mix in some new people too. This year, our visiting artist is a musician and a poet, so he will be sharing, that will be fun.”

With regulars like Dave Virnala, who has participated in every Longest Night Festival since the beginning, as well as newer additions to the roster, the musical variety will have something for everyone. Tentative artists this year include Dave Virnala, Kevin Mattel, Ken Waldman, Amanda Standalone, Nick Bordwell, Aaron Johnson, Keith Johnson, Zac and Sarah, Elliot Frost, and Kip Peltoniemi.

“This is really a chance for the Cultural Center to host a gathering that’s really a way to thank the community for their support,” said Roder. “Part of our mission is supporting local artists, so we’re doing that by bringing these local musicians to the stage, paying them for their performance and we’re offering the event free to the community.”

Roder said that the Cultural Center embodies an example of a ‘third space:’ an area apart from the home and work environment where people are able to be comfortable and connect with others, a “second home” of sorts. She commented that their mission for hospitality and inclusivity allows a space for everyone to take part in their day-to-day events and activities.

“I think the Longest Night is important because it’s an annual opportunity for us to really lean into our values of hospitality and inclusivity and supporting artists and being a place where people can come and connect and belong,” said Roder. “Every time someone comes in they talk about the ‘good vibes’ of the space and how they can always see something new whether it be in the gallery or in the gift store. The staff is always welcoming, it just feels like a place that people feel good and enjoy coming.

“Being able to offer this evening for the community to come together and pause and enjoy some music created by their neighbors,” she continued, “it just always feels like a very magical evening.