Parades Parades! [Part 1]

I know everyone has been anxious to hear what has been happening in the happiest city of Seattle. It has been very busy here the last couple of weeks. There has been so much going on that it has taken awhile to get everything together. It has also taken awhile to go through the 300+ pictures per parade. So look out later this week for a couple more updates as I get everything together.

Part 1 begins with the Summer Solstice Parade. This is a joyous celebration commemorating when the tilt of the Earth's Axis is most inclined toward the Sun, causing the Sun's apparent position in the sky to reach its northernmost extreme. In Leymans terms it basically means the longest day of the year. Appropriately enough the sun was out in full effect giving us all a pleasantly warm 82 degree day.

Taking place in Fremont (aka North Seattle), the parade began with the thousand person naked bike ride. Yes, you read that correctly... naked bike ride. Since this was a "family" event, the bikers were required to wear body paint. This lead to some very creative designs to cover up some very unattractive body parts. It was pretty cool to see and a lot less obscene than you might imagine. In fact 2 of our friends, Matt and Kristin, had joined in the festivities. They said it was a really happy and fun experience.

The rest of the parade entailed numerous floats, ferries, bands and bikes. The floats varied from homemade creations made from recycled goods to professional constructed structures big enough to carry entire Rock Bands. With a smile on the face and a twinkle in the eye of every person there, the parade was a great success. You can't help but have fun at an event like this.

The parade made it's way through the streets of Fremont en route to Gasworks Park located on the northern part of Lake Union. At the end of this Solstice Rainbow was a plethora of authentic ethnic foods as well as a giant grassy knoll for people to relax and soak up the sun. There was even a giant balloon ball that was rolled down the hill to entertain the kids who were lined up like Bowling Pins. Fun, Fun, Fun.

Stay Tuned for Parts 2 & 3!!!!