Harmony Hall in winter, fronted by the Great Lawn. / Photo by Geoff Welch

Spring was about to be sprung early this year, when winter temperatures climbed to record highs. And then, suddenly the thermometer plunged back to below freezing. But no matter. The Vernal Equinox will be right on time and marks the official beginning of spring while also featuring a perfectly balanced day with equal parts day and night.

Harmony Hall Curator Geoff Welch will host an afternoon celebrating the Vernal Equinox on Sunday, March 19, from 2-4 p.m. (The actual Vernal Equinox takes Monday, March 20, at approximately 6:29 a.m.)

Poet and environmental educator at The Ramapo College of New Jersey will perform some of his work at this year’s Vernal Equinox at Harmony hall on Sunday, March 19, from 2-4 p.m.

The free event takes place at Harmony Hall and will feature live, original music and multimedia slide show by Geoff Welch, a seasonal blessing by Cindy Fountain, poetry by Howard Horowitz, and an opportunity to hang out awhile at the Jacob Sloat House. Replenishing refreshments will be served.

“Spring is my favorite season to play music,” Welch said. “I look forward to this afternoon with friends — some new to our seasonal gatherings — who come to celebrate the depth and beauty of nature.”

A photograph of one of the hawks that live and hunt above Harmony Hall at Liberty Rock Park in Sloatsburg, NY.

The event is presented by the Town of Ramapo and Friends of Harmony Hall.

Harmony Hall is the original name for the Jacob Sloat House, designed and built by the man himself back in 1848. The mansion is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and is a wealth of cultural and community activity. The Friends of Harmony Hall is the member organization that works behind the scenes to promote Harmony Hall, the history of Sloatsburg, and its place as part of New York’s Ramapo River Pass and Highlands environments.