Summer Solstice Parade
Summer Solstice Parade began in 1974, as a birthday celebration for a popular artist and mime named Michael Gonzales. Michael belonged to a group called the Mime Caravan. After completing a long tour on the road, his birthday celebration spilled onto State Street as he and his friends danced through town wearing elaborate masks. It expanded to something more formal after the Museum of Santa Barbara received a gift of ancient Chinese instruments on the condition that they are played once a year. The museum contacted the artist, and his birthday celebration grew to include music. The parade took place on the Saturday closest to the summer solstice. The rest is history. Unfortunately, so is Michael Gonzales. He died in the 1980’s, and there has been far more Solstice celebrations without him than with him.
Santa Barbara Solstice Parade moves to Clevland, Ohio. Well, sort of. VanLear, who coordinated the parade in Santa Barbara when she worked at the museum there, brought the concept to Cleveland in 1990 to celebrate the Cleveland Museum of Art’s 75th anniversary. Called “Parade the Circle”, many of the floats and costumes are very similar in design.
The Solstice Parade is the largest, single-day arts event in Santa Barbara County, drawing crowds of over 100,000 spectators from around the world.
Great bike!!! I had one stolen when I was in the 6th grade but did get it back. Had it been this one, I don’t think it would have ever been recovered, but thinking back, I also probably wouldn’t have been allowed to ride it in public. Wonder how that might look on the front of my Silverado???
Love the pink crocs I have a black pair comfy as!
By the by the pink crocs cost about 30 cents a pair to make here in Vietnam