Five Summer Facts to Kick Off the Season

Today’s the first day of summer! Florissant Patch is rounding up five summertime facts to kick off the season.

• Civilizations have been celebrating the first day of summer, also known as Summer Solstice, for centuries, according to Chiff.com. The day was celebrated by the Celts and Slavs with dancing and bonfires, all intended to help increase the sun’s energy. Ancient Chinese people celebrated by honoring Li, the Chinese goddess of light, and the Druids celebrated the day as the “wedding of heaven and earth,” which might be why many present-day brides shoot for “lucky” June weddings.  
• While most people think that the earth is closer to the sun in the summertime, that’s actually not the case, reports Calendar-Updates.com. In fact, the planet is closest to the sun in December.
• Missouri has six national parks, which hosted nearly four million visitors last year, according to the National Park Service. Also, the first day of summer means you won’t have to pay fees at the Gateway Arch or the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial—it’s one of the National Park Service’s free fee days.
• The St. Louis metro area is packed with fun summer camps for kids. Check out or KSDK’s extensive Summer Camp Guide to find one that might be right for your kids.
• The summer heat can cause serious health problems, especially for the elderly and those with compromised health. If you or someone you know needs help cooling a home during the summer heat, you might want to know about the Air Conditioner Giveaway that Ameren Missouri is sponsoring. Fox2Now reports that 300 energy efficient air conditioners will be given away for residents in St. Louis City and County.