The winter solstice on Vashon has, in years past, been marked by a luminary drive through Paradise Valley, organized by islander Karen Biondo.

Last year, Biondo noted that 2017 would see changes to the event — notably, it would be moved to a “very popular walking trail” with no cars and a location that would remain a surprise.

What is known now is that the luminaria will light a walking trail somewhere on the island, beginning at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, and Biondo is offering location hints via a Facebook Event set up under “Vashon Solstice Luminary Walk Hints.” You must click the “going” or “interested” buttons to receive the hints. The Land Trust is helping to get the word out through its Facebook page as well.

“How and when will you know where is the Solstice luminaria trail? You will find it, I know you will,” Biondo said in one of several Facebook messages sent as part of the re-vamped event’s mysterious series of hints. “Part of the magic is being gobsmacked by the surprise and the beauty.”

The latest hint revealed that the “beloved” trail is open to people but not dogs, so furry friends should stay home.

Biondo has admitted that the location is not Judd Creek, as many people have reportedly been guessing.

In a more personal message, Biondo had this to say:

“Winter Solstice luminarias is a community experience of creating a simple, powerful magic. We visit with neighbors and friends and meet new friends as we fill 1,000 bags with sand and a candle. It is also a personal journey, as every year I dedicate my Solstice practice to a cause and a person. This year I dedicate the luminarias to Standing Rock and to a friend who recently passed on to the other plane of existence. I invite you to choose something to dedicate your personal Solstice to, there is power and strength to be gained and shared in dedication.”

Donations of clicker lighters are needed, and they can be dropped off at Biondo’s farm in Paradise Valley or at the Land Trust building in town.

For those interested in helping with the event, Biondo has put out a request for volunteers. Help is needed to put sand in the luminary bags, light candles, walk bags of sand out to the trail and clean up. Email her at labiondo@comcast.net to become a “solstice elf.”

— Sarah Low