A weather forecast calling for heavy rain and wind gusts of more than 30 mph Tuesday night and Wednesday has forced organizers of the 10th Annual New Year’s Day Peace Hike to hold all of it at the Yachats Commons starting at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday.
There will be no hike to the Amanda Grotto two miles south of town for a ceremony or gathering at the Little Log Church & Museum. Instead, the ceremony will start inside the Commons and then move outdoors for a fire circle.
Participants are asked to check in at the Commons from 9:15-9:30 a.m. New Year’s Day. A peace ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. involving drumming, candle lighting, telling the story of Amanda De-Cuys, and a silent procession to the fire. The ceremony should end about 11:45.
Founded in 2011 by the Yachats Trails Committee, the annual hike was originally organized to provide a way to enjoy a lively walk, share company and empower the concept of peace on earth on the first day of the new year. Since then, the event has grown in size and meaning and also become an important element of communication between area residents and Native Americans.
Members of the Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians will relate the story of 1864 forced march De-Cuys from Coos Bay to an army fort in Yachats.
For more information, email [email protected] or go to the trails website at www.yachatstrails.org
