Every year when the Summer Solstice hits we have the longest day of the year. Technically every day is 24 hours, but as far as the daylight that appears during those 24, it doesn’t get longer than the first day of summer which is upon us today. 

The length of the day ranges from 13 hours in Hawaii to 24 hours during the Midnight Sun period of Alaskan Summer. From the shortest day of the year at the Winter Solstice on, the days grow by about two or three minutes each. This week the Southern Standard asked locals what they were planning on doing with that extra few minutes of sunshine.

Sean “Grizzly” Graham with Choice Transportation: 

What would I do with the extra two to three minutes of time on the first day of summer? To be honest I’ve spent a great many years stuck living in my past and equally as much time worried about my future. And so I suppose I would spend those extra two or three minutes just living in the moment.  Whatever those few moments brought, I would just be present. 

Deborah Evans, former Warren County Commissioner:  

For our extra two or three minutes of daylight on the Summer Solstice, my husband and I are going to Saint Thomas to celebrate our 48th wedding anniversary! Unfortunately, it’s not THAT Saint Thomas. It’s the Saint Thomas in Nashville where my love will be undergoing cardiac catheterization for his 21st and, hopefully, 22nd coronary artery stents. He has Coronary Artery Disease which he inherited from his mother and father who both died at 47 and 53 respectively. Ironically they both died in July 1978 from massive heart attacks. So we appreciate even just an extra two or three minutes to celebrate our life together! 

Charity Perry, director of the Harmony House: 

Tomorrow, I plan to use my extra, “free time” to squeeze in some self-care. I plan to put on my headphones, pop on ELO’s Mr Blue Sky, turn on my sunlamp and close my eyes to take a much-needed break around midday. 

 Christy Ross, Warren County Commissioner:  

I hope to be with friends squeezing out those few extra minutes of daylight after a day of work behind the barber chair! Throw in some good food and laughter to me that just about makes a perfect day. Who wouldn’t want that to last a bit longer?