Mohegan tribal members will light a fire at the future Preston Riverwalk site along Route 12 in Preston this weekend as part of a sacred ceremony.
The fire will be lit at the location of the old Norwich Hospital property, which is being redeveloped into the Preston Riverwalk.
Tribal leaders ask that passers-by do not photograph the fire out of respect.
The Preston Redevelopment Authority already endorsed the project, and it was approved by the town of Preston electors at a referendum in March.
Mohegan tribal members are lighting the fire to release spirits of those that passed away, or who worked or visited the land.
The ceremony is a blessing, about cleansing and healing the past. It is also about unity and bringing people together before the Preston Riverwalk is built. The Riverwalk is a large resort that is expected to bring everything from hotels to shopping to amusement rides.
The tribe will hold the ceremony four times, once for every season. The fire will burn for four days, and members will let it burn itself out late Sunday night.
