Quote:
Originally Posted by nothere
Klondike, your last post supports my opinion that the Fremont Solstice Parade is a unique event. There are other street parties that have their share of nudity, but nothing as well organized, well attended and as family friendly as Fremont.
I completely agree that the event in its entirety should be considered performance art, a living theater presentation. The majority of the participants have obviously invested time and thought into refining the individual parts that they play. This extends throughout the whole parade. The audience plays its part as well. In fact, this thread should probably be included in a "Greek Chorus" role because of the feedback.
As a community event, Fremont seems to be an all-inclusive, well attended family outing. Parents do not seem to be concerned about the kids getting being exposed to nudity. The children along the parade route all seem to be having fun. The celebratory context of the Solstice Parade prevails from start to finish. The "creep" factor is kept to a minimum by vigilant volunteers.
In fact, if one watches the YouTube videos, there are several kids (fully clothed) that are riding among the bikers. Some are masked or in a costume that compliments mommy's paint job. The event has spawned a second generation of participants.
I find myself more and more fascinated by Fremont every year. As I've said before, the excellent quality of the original photos that are posted in this thread really do reveal a story worth telling.
The parade organizers and the Seattle community at large deserve to take a bow.
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thanks - for the most part i agree..
If you search Google for "solstice cyclists" you will find a link that gives you a good year by year history of the riders. I forget the source now, but back around 1998-2002 or so, there was quite a bit of resistance to them with some arrests, political involvement etc. Actually, the history of the ride could probably be divided into three phases. Earlier than 1998, there were too few riders (and most were men) for anyone to worry much about. And after 2002 or so, acceptance from everyone involved grew. Then in about 2006-2007, net exposure (thanks to the rise of Flickr) really began to take hold, and the event became known around the world.
As an event celebrating artistic expression, perhaps it is more like the World Bodypainting Festival or Ukrainian Bodyart Festival than anything else! Professional bodypainters have joined up in recent years as it gives them a great vehicle for exposure of their work. And the photographers? All part of the action, with many well known Seattle area photogs taking part.
So, yes - it is unique and more akin to a bodyart festival than a street parade. And compared to the two festivals i mentioned above, this is the only one with full nudity! All that, and in front of the kids too...
So....now knock on wood. Keep your fingers crossed. Say your prayers every night. California's naked days aren't what they used to be, and even San Francisco is becoming somewhat conservative according to some. Seattle outside of the Fremont district is not tolerant of nude beaches, etc, and so....all this means I guess is enjoy the moment while you can!
KLondike