Around the world, societies throughout the ages have celebrated the Summer Solstice in different ways.

In Niagara, it’s now become a tradition for many residents to celebrate the longest day of the year by drumming down the sun.

This year will be no different, despite some locations being changed.

Three Drum Down the Sun events will be held this year on June 21 — at Lakeside Park in St. Catharines; Charles Daley Park in Jordan; and Ryerson Park in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

In NOTL, the event will celebrate its fifth year, having been launched in 2014, when local resident Loretta Pietrobon got together with event founder Carla Carlson.

Pietrobon, who wanted to do her part to make the event larger, took the reigns to bring the event to Ryerson Park, which she said around 60 people came out last year.

She hopes to see an even larger crowd this time around, and encourages residents of all ages to come out and help make some noise.

“It’s a family event, everybody is welcome — kids, pets, whatever,” said Pietrobon.

She said “anything that makes noise” is welcome as an instrument — even a pot and spoon.

“A proper drum, a tambourine, rattles, maracas — anything that you can keep a beat on.”

There is no cost, but optional donations will be collected to cover the city park permit fees for the three events, and a portion will go to the Niagara Land Trust.

The drum session in NOTL will be led by Kevin Hotte, owner of Circular Motion Canada, who has also led the last three years.

Each event will also feature a free yoga session at 7 p.m.

In NOTL, yoga will led by Fox Den Yoga.

Locations and times:

St. Catharines: Lakeside Park
Yoga on the Beach – 7 p.m.
Drum Down the Sun – 8 p.m.

Jordan: Charles Daley Park
Yoga on the Beach – 7 p.m.
Drum Down the Sun – 8 p.m.

Niagara-on-the-Lake: Ryerson Park
Yoga in the Park by Fox Den Yoga – 7 p.m.
Drum Down the Sun – 8 p.m

The Ryseron Park event will be cancelled if it rains because there is no shelter.