Groton's Midsummer Night's Dream

A morose creature in purple hospital scrubs sauntered down the children’s book section of the Groton Public Library, his pink goat head crowned with layers of discolored lacy undercarriage. Standing over 6 feet tall, he was an easy spectacle and a sure distraction for the usual guard of library patrons.

For attendees of the Summer Solstice Festival, this creature was one of many sights on Tuesday.

The festival began with a free afternoon of crafts, where solstice-goers were provided with tools for making their own instruments. (What better way to celebrate the longest day of the year, than by providing young children with loud, banging noisemakers?)

A whirl of pings, pops, and pounding greeted guests, as colorful members of the Mystic Paper Beasts gave a live, interactive performance of fun and fancy.

Guests were escorted to a garden courtyard, where the Beasts provided solstice masks and hats for an impromptu parade.

“The Mystic Paper Beasts are so much fun,” said Solstice Director Barbara Candler. “The kids are really following their lead.”

Spirits remained high through a live book reading, and guests were encouraged to view a community arts exhibit on display in the library’s meeting room (also serving as a polling place through the day’s election).

The festival ended with a family-friendly, picnic concert by percussionist and funny-man Bob Bloom. 

“We live in military housing and heard about [this] from our neighbors who are library members and come quite often with their kids,” said Rachael Clark. “I think that the craft idea was really awesome. It was simple and easy for the kids; I thought it was really cute. My daughter had fun doing it. I think it went really well.”

The Groton Public Library has increased its focus on arts exhibition and curation this year. Next year’s event is likely to follow this initiative, with even more opportunities for live entertainment and local arts.

“We’d love to bring in more musical groups next year;” said Candler, “make it an afternoon-long event.”