Overview of Seattle's Fremont Summer Solstice Celebration

In Seattle, summer is cherished-valued as if it is a rare gem unlikely to see the light of day. That's because summer can't be taken for granted in Seattle; there is no guarantee that it will truly arrive in spite of what the calendar may say. During an average year in Seattle, the clouds part giving way to deep blue skies revealing snow-capped mountains in every direction between late June and mid to late September if we're lucky. Seattle's moody weather can hang on for what seems like an eternity. Residents of Seattle recognize summer as a magical time when there is no more beautiful place on earth.

Summer in Seattle is welcomed by residents as if it were a long lost lover returning from a lengthy trip abroad. The old, young, hipsters, geeks, yuppies, hippies, bikers, conservatives, and liberals all join together in celebration of the arrival of summer in Seattle's Fremont neighborhood every year. The Fremont Summer Solstice Parade draws quite a crowd and for good reason-it's fun and funky with enough positive energy to brighten the darkest souls. Seattle's Fremont Summer Solstice Parade isn't your average parade. Clothing is sacrificed by many in an effort to appease the gloomy weather overlords. The Fremont Summer Solstice Parade features dancers, musicians, and even naked bicyclists who paint their bodies in elaborate patterns and markings to show off for the crowd.

While the naked bicyclists of the Fremont Summer Solstice Parade are not officially sanctioned participants, they always show up. The arrival of the naked bicyclists is an unofficial sign that summer has truly arrived in Seattle. You know they are coming when you hear the crowd come to life in the distance and see their brightly painted bodies descending the parade route. In spite of the fact that there are naked adults pedaling their way through the parade route, this is a family-friendly event. Most of the bicyclist's painted bodies seem more well-covered than someone in a modern day bathing suit. If you didn't know they were naked, they might slip by you without you noticing that it's body paint and not some sort of spandex.

The Fremont Summer Sostice Parade will be held on June 20, 2010 and will feature creative crafts and every kind of art you can imagine at street booths. Fremont is filled with street performers, artists, and musicians ready to amaze and entertain anyone willing to look or listen. While the parade doesn't officially begin until noon, it's best to arrive early in the morning if you want to get a seat directly on the parade route. With attendance of over 100,000, arriving early pays off. There is no official parking, so it's best to take a bus or cab. Fremont is conveniently located on bus routes 26, 28, 30 and 31. Fremont is located just north of downtown Seattle at the north end of Lake Union on the Fremont Ship Canal. As always, the celebration will be held rain or shine and the official motto is "Delibertus Quirkus" - Freedom to be Peculiar. Bring your friends, family, and an open mind. We'll see you there!

Source: Personal Experience