Summer solstice is upon the central Kenai Peninsula, and it’s cause for celebration.

There are different events planned to mark the longest few days of the year, which kick off this weekend. The official start of summer is the solstice on Tuesday, June 21, but the sun will be high in the sky this weekend too.

On Saturday, twilight begins around 2:37 a.m. and the skies will stay light until twilight ends around 1:33 a.m. Sunday morning, according to alaska.org. Officially, the sun will rise around 4:36 a.m. and set at 11:35 p.m. Saturday. The sun will be out for even longer next Tuesday.

The Kenai Peninsula Food Bank is hosting its Spring Festival fundraiser on Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It includes an art auction, barbecue and ice cream sundae bar, petting zoo, a raffle and a variety of informational booths and presentations by local community groups. The food bank is hoping to raise $5,000 to receive a matching grant from the CIRI Foundation, in order to support local farmers and restock the food bank’s shelves with local goods.

Moose Pass is also celebrating the solstice with live music Friday and Saturday at the Trail Lake Lodge at 9:30 p.m. The Moose Pass Sportsmen’s Club is also hosting a full day of live music on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., as well as a live auction, bake sale and vendor fair from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

The Seldovia Solstice Festival is already underway, for its 21st annual celebration event. From Friday through Sunday, people will be able to cross the bay and participate in different workshops, peruse local vendors and listen to live music. For more information, visit the Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/SeldoviaSolsticeFestival.

The Creekbend Company in Hope is hosting live music from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday for its solstice festivities.

The Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center also canceled its Kenai Solstice Fun Run this week. Executive Director Brett Perry said Wednesday that not enough people had registered for the race.

Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.