Sunshine and Nudity on the Streets of Seattle

We are again in that most illuminated time of year: the solstice. And this year, like many before, the Fremont neighborhood has ushered in the longest day of the year with naked bicyclists. Well not just naked bicyclists, there were also naked skateboarders and wonder of wonders even a naked unicyclist…juggling no less. What were all these naked people doing you might ask? Why, they were escorting the Solstice Parade down through heart of Fremont of course.

I will share with you a little secret: I love parades. Truly. I know that they are often cheesy beyond belief, and most people will strenuously deny any fond-feeling, but I just can’t get enough of them – pride be damned. So, for me, who claims to be something of a connoisseur, the Fremont Solstice Parade is the parade to beat all parades. Here you find a wonderful vision of a parade: one that requires the announcer to hover above the crowd on 6-foot stilts, and includes the Sun Lovers Under Gray Skies, perhaps better known as the S.L.U.G.S., as well as the proud promenade of the regal, if diminutive, Prince Super Fantastic and Princess Sunshine, and yes, an ever growing contingency of beautifully painted naked bicyclists.

In this liberal-minded neighborhood of Seattle it is not surprising that more than one parade entry was making a stinging commentary on the Bush administration. And while I appreciate the value of this kind of activism, I have to say; my favorite floats are still the ones that are simply celebrating this, our lightest part of the year.

Following the parade, Fremont, the self-proclaimed Center of the Universe , really does seem to live up to it’s title as the streets become jammed with fair-goers vying for hastily prepared foodstuffs, handcrafts and a good long look at the art car collection. The cars especially should not be missed. This year the giant red high heel car and the giant red boxing glove car are still duking it out for the coveted title of “My Favorite”.

I would recommend anyone to check out the Fremont Fair, providing of course that you are neither terrified of crowds nor nudes.