Fremont Solstice Parade

One of the most interesting (and scary) experiences of my life was being in Paris during the summer solstice. I was 11 and terrified by the near-riot in the streets along the Seine and French people climbing Honey Buckets and the Saint Michel statue for a better view of the festivities. Needless to say, Americans do not know how to party compared to the French. But Seattleites climbing the Fremont Lenin statue to get a better view of the Fremont Solstice Parade comes pretty close.

The parade featured naked cyclists, satirical figures, brass bands, belly dancers, whimsical creatures, lavish floats, and about a half a million people packed onto Leary Way and Fremont Avenue. The acceptance of all body types and nudity at the parade also felt more akin to Europe than to the typical American body modesty. Though the photos show usual Seattle overcast, the air was warm and humid and almost stifling along the parade route.

As crowded as it was, the parade was fun, entertaining, and a break from the norm. Some highlights were water balloon wars between onlookers and parade marchers, Dick Cheney chugging Pennzoil (see photo below), along with the nude man painted with "Dick" Cheney and George W. "Bush"... you get the idea. I was able to snap some photos of the parade participants...