Strollstice - a candlelight walk through Downtown Knoxville

The winter solstice candlelight walk allows friends to join together to symbolically banish the darkness of the year's longest night. It is a welcoming opportunity for people of all ages to enjoy the lights of Downtown and to add to the holiday spirit of the community.

2020 Event

Because of local COVID-19 conditions, the 2020 Strollstice has been postponed to a more manageable time, hopefully no later than next year. More details will be available in 2021.

Thanks for your support through the years!


2016+ Events

The 2016,2017,2018...,2525 candlelight walks will held December 21, starting at 6:30pm; always December 21, always 6:30pm (unless otherwise noted). Mark your calendars!

2010

The 2010 event was held December 21 from 1745-1830. (This time was changed to accommodate the weather-induced rescheduling of the Tour de Lights.)

External sources:

2009

Almost 70 people congregated at the southern end of Market Square, at the bell, on December 22 at 1830. Candles and shields were distributed, and one candle was lit and the rest lit communicably from each other. Once the candles were lit, Father Joe Ciccone from Immaculate Conception Church blessed the candles thus:

A Blessing of Candles

These candles are lit
to dispel the darkness
of the night.

They burn in hope
that we be ever reminded
of the Creator, who gives us
light for the day and fire that
brings warmth and light to the
cold of winter.

O God,
source of eternal light,
bless these candles.
May they be a symbol
of light in the darkness,
and a sign of those, who
living with faith
and hope in you, might
provide light and guidance
for all who journey
through life.

May we,
who carry these candles,
go forth in faith
a living sign
of the God who has
brought forth
the Light of the World.

After the blessing, the group proceeded to the north end of Market Square, by the tree, and tarried there for a carol, before moving eastward along Wall. The group continued singing as it completed the circuit, crossing Gay, traveling southward to Clinch, westward to Walnut, northward to Union, eastward onto Market, then entering Krutch Park at the south end and ending at its northern entrance.

External sources:


[photo credit: C.M. Moxley]
[photo credit: C.M. Moxley]
[photo credit: C.M. Moxley]
[photo credit: C.M. Moxley]
[photo credit: C.M. Moxley]
[photo credit: C.M. Moxley]
[photo credit: C.M. Moxley]

About

The winter solstice candlelight walk allows friends to join together to symbolically banish the darkness of the year's longest night. It is a welcoming opportunity for people of all ages to enjoy the lights of Downtown and to add to the holiday spirit of the community.

Hosts

In 2009, the hosts for this event were Downtown residents Robert and Judy Loest and Charles Finney.

In 2010, the organizers included: Jacki Arthur, Patricia Benton, Alan Carmichael, Charles Finney, Rikki Hall, Judy Loest, Art Medcalf, Brent Minchey, Cynthia Moxley, and Laura Still.

In 2011, the organizers included: Jacki Arthur, Patricia Benton, Charles Finney, Art Medcalf, Brent Minchey, and Laura Still.

In 2012, the organizers included: Patricia Benton, Charles Finney, Rebecca Hoffecker, Art Medcalf, Brent Minchey, and Laura Still.

In 2013, the organizers included: Patricia Benton, Charles Finney, Rebecca Hoffecker, Art Medcalf, Brent Minchey, and Laura Still.

In 2014, the organizers included: Charles Finney, Rebecca Hoffecker, Brent Minchey, and Laura Still.