Islander Karen Biondo and many “solstice elves” transformed Fisher Pond with 1,000 luminarias lining the footpath and glowing in the night last Thursday.

Biondo, who is known for spearheading the previous solstice tradition of lining a long stretch of island roadways with the lights, knew last year she wanted to remove cars from the equation and “recover some of that sweet, quiet peacefulness” of the event.

Last Saturday, she said she was pleased with this year’s result, which led people on a dimly lit walk in the woods on the clear night.

“At the moment, I am basking in the glow of the candles,” she said.

Many islanders attended — after the lights’ location became clear from hints given on Facebook. Biondo said she heard mostly positive comments about the event, which included many volunteers working throughout the day to make it happen. As in previous years, people came and went from her home, filling bags with sand and candles, and then with wheelbarrows borrowed from Kathy’s Corner, they lined the pond’s pathways.

Many people spoke to Biondo about the event’s beauty and said they hope to help next year if she does it again. But Biondo also fielded some frustration, she said, including about the darkness of the woods and tree roots in the paths. She dismissed the criticisms. Her mother, 79, made it all the way around the pond with a friend in her 80s — with assistance — she added, and several people told her their feet felt more connected to the earth.

“I thought that was awesome,” she said.

As for what Biondo and her elves might do next year, it’s still unknown.

“I always have thoughts about what’s next, but nothing confirmed,” she said.

— Susan Riemer