A hellebore blooms in March 2012 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Spring flowers in 2013 are behind the pace set last year when Iowa experienced unusually early warm temperatures. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

A hellebore blooms in March 2012 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Spring flowers in 2013 are behind the pace set last year when Iowa experienced unusually early warm temperatures. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Today’s weather offers hope that spring is on the way and this news, from the city of Cedar Rapids, is a reminder that the new season officially begins in less than one week!

Cedar Rapids – The City of Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation Department’s Ushers Ferry Historic Village, Indian Creek Nature Center, Matthew 25, and Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center are joining forces to bring the community a celebration for each of the four seasons in 2013 – Spring Equinox, Summer Solstice, Fall Equinox Harvest and Winter Solstice. Each of the four celebrations will be hosted by a different organization. All ages are welcome.

 The Spring Equinox Celebration will be held Wednesday, March 20 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, 120 East Boyson Road, Hiawatha. Equality, rebirth, renewal and the reawakening of things will be celebrated with indoor and outdoor spring-themed activities including miniature kites for flying and miniature pots for seedlings. A Goodwill donation will be accepted for admission. For more information, call (319) 395-6700 or go to www.prairiewoods.org.

 The Summer Solstice Celebration will be held Friday, June 21 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Indian Creek Nature Center, 6665 Otis Road SE, Cedar Rapids. Humankind has celebrated the sun’s journey on the longest day of the year for centuries. Revelers will enjoy an evening of music, create a suncatcher, discover some unique prairie plant “suncatchers,” and salute the sun as it sets on this beautiful prairie landscape. The program will be held indoors if it rains. A Goodwill donation will be accepted for admission. For more information, call (319) 362-0664 or go to www.indiancreeknaturecenter.org.

The Fall Equinox Harvest Celebration will be held Sunday, September 22 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. and will feature a community potluck hosted by Matthew 25.

The Winter Solstice Celebration will be held Friday, December 20 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Participants will enjoy a hike and a bonfire at Ushers Ferry Historic Village. More information about these two events will be released this summer.