* T h e * F r e m o n t *
* S U M M E R * S O L S T I C E * P A R A D E *
In Photographs by Larry
Neilson
The Fremont Solstice Parade is held every year on the Saturday nearest
the Summer Solstice; in 1999 it will be on June 19. Begun in 1989, it is
the signature event of the Fremont Arts Council. The Parade was the brainchild
of Barbara Luecke and Peter
Toms, inspired by a celebration they were a part of down in Santa Barbara
before moving to Seattle.
Featuring colorful floats, giant puppets, stiltwalkers, and costumed
ensembles built around themes, the Parade is an outpouring of individual
inspiration and community creativity. This is a grass-roots event which
consciously seeks to enable everyone to become an artist. Children, seniors,
and folks from diverse neighborhoods and ethnic backgrounds all participate.
The Fremont Arts Council assists them by offering workshops, tools, donated
materials, work space, advice, support, and encouragement--all at a very
modest cost.
No live animals, motor vehicles, written words or logos are permitted
in the parade, but controversial subject matter and outrageous treatment
are not discouraged. The result: An entertaining and endlessly varied event
whose irreverence, inventiveness and impressive technical expertise keep
it fresh from year to year. It seems as though the richness of life itself
parades before the viewer, while sensuous dancers and throbbing drums set
the tone for an exhilarating spectacle.
The Solstice Parade, starting at noon, winds through downtown Fremont
to the delight of throngs of spectators--kids of all ages! The Parade kicks
off the annual Fremont Fair, a lively weekend
of performances, fun, concerts, and commerce with a street fair held along
the bank of the Lake Washington Ship Canal.
