Celebrate the Summer Solstice in Fremont
Jun 20th 2022
As the world continues its return to normalcy in the wake of COVID-19, Fremont locals and residents throughout Seattle are preparing for the annual Summer Solstice in Fremont. The annual celebration is over the weekend of June 18th with new guidelines established by The Fremont Arts Council. Considered one of the most whimsical yearly events in Seattle, the Fremont Solstice Parade and Fair has been on pause throughout the pandemic. A return this June with the theme of Motion! has locals and tourists alike ready to swing through.
Before planning your trip to Fremont, let's take a closer look at the event, some of the attractions, and a few local businesses helping the region to prosper along the way.
What Is the Fremont Solstice Parade?
Before the pause put in place by the pandemic, the Fremont Solstice Parade was known as an annual rite of passage for Seattle locals. A celebration of summer and a way to usher in a transitory time, the Fremont Solstice Parade features everything from stilt-walking giants to puppet maestros and everything in between.
Launched every June to coincide with the Summer Solstice, the Fremont Solstice Parade is a community-wide event that embodies the best aspects of art, companionship, and community with a single weekend experience. Held for years, the Fremont Fair in 2022 will extend through four blocks in Fremont, covering local businesses, art booths, art cars, local bands, and other street performers. The Summer Solstice celebration in Fremont is also dramatically different from similar parades due to its unusual rules: no printed words or logos, no live animals or motorized vehicles, and absolutely zero weapons allowed.
The event was first founded in collaboration between Peter Toms and Barbara Luecke in 1989, inspired by a similar celebration in Santa Barbara. The parade would quickly grow into the massive celebration that it has become known for today, imbuing politics, humor, artistry, and local flair for a weekend of fun sure to capture the attention of the entire family. Considered an eclectic event, guests should be prepared for a free-spirited celebration that captures exactly what Fremont is known for.
Local attractions include the Sunday Dog Parade, the Fremont Solstice Parade, and a myriad of other small events held throughout the weekend at various places in the city.
What Is the Summer Solstice?
In 2022, the Summer Solstice will fall on June 21 at 5:13 am. The Northern Summer Solstice marks the unofficial beginning of summer while also marking winter for the southern hemisphere. Summer and winter solstices have long been turned to in order to help mark the changing of the seasons while calculating the spring and autumnal equinoxes.
This time of the year is also known as the Astronomical Summer, when days begin to shorten. Locations closer to the poles will notice the days shorten faster than those further away. Toronto has a longest day of more than 15 hours during this period, while Miami's longest day lasts roughly 14 hours and 45 minutes.
Soaking in the Neighborhood of Fremont
Visitors to Fremont during the Summer Solstice celebrations will want to make time to see the neighborhood. With many local businesses and artists celebrating during the event, visitors will have plenty of time to get an up-close and personal look at the businesses and people that make the neighborhood of Fremont so exceptional.
Visitors to the parade and local celebration will want to take some time out of their day to explore the local businesses that make the community so special. From local art to locally crafted clothing, visitors will find something to fall in love with -- including a visit to Show Pony Boutique.
Introducing Show Pony Boutique
Show Pony Boutique was established by Greg Laverseyn and Stephanie Hara in 2008. Since first opening its doors, Show Pony has been extended to serve two locations in Seattle: SeaTac and Fremont. With decades of experience in the jewelry and fashion industries, Show Pony imbues professionalism into every product while bringing something new and rare: unique products from an eco-friendly business composed of small-time designers.
Show Pony Boutique has proudly participated in local events throughout the neighborhood of Fremont and they will continue to do so with the 2022 Summer Solstice Celebration. Prioritizing affordable upscale products, Show Pony focuses on fashion that empowers while sourcing it from sweat-free productions.
Located on Fremont Ave, visitors to the Summer Solstice Parade can swing through Show Pony to see the apparel, accessories, and jewelry that keeps so many locals coming back to shop.