Summer Solstice Parade - Fremont - Seattle - Washington
Nudity, Bodypaint, & The Beginning Of Summer!
Every June, to mark the beginning of the summer season, scores of nude and semi-nude bodypainted cyclists take to the streets of Seattle's Fremont District and partake in the annual and clothing-optional Summer Solstice Parade. The event itself is organised by the Fremont Arts Council. Although the main parade consists mainly of floats, the "Naked Cyclists" have become the largest and, not surprisingly, the most entertaining group.
PREVIOUS: Saturday, June 21, 2010 CURRENT: Saturday, June 18, 2011
PREVIOUS: Saturday, June 21, 2010 CURRENT: Saturday, June 18, 2011
Who cycles naked?
Participants are expected to abide by the FAC's Parade rules that state "any printed communications, written words, recognizable
logos, signage, leaf-letting, or advertising in any form are prohibited on the parade route."
In recent years the event includes three major components: a pre-ride bodypainting party (disclosed only to participants and
potential riders), an extended party ride (often indirect) through the city, and then the parade itself starting at noon.
Cyclists wishing to get involved in the group who haven't heard about the bodypainting party often meet up at the beginning
of the parade route.
While many of the participants underplay any political motivation for the event, the painted naked cyclists have established precedent and increased the amount of popular cultural support for non-sexualized, artistic public nudity in other ensembles in the Solstice Parade, and in Seattle in general, and have made other painted naked bike rides in the city (and in the world) much easier to stage.
EVENT ATTITUDE TO NUDITY:
While the crowd and attendees in general remain clothed, the cyclists and their particular group participate in various stages of undress with some going with complete nudity. If you're planning on riding in the event, going nude will be up to you. If you're planning on attending as a specatator, keep in mind that this is a family-friendly event with small children in attendance.
EVENT ATTITUDE TO CAMERAS:
Cameras are more than welcome.
EVENT HOME PAGE:
www.fremontartscouncil.org
While many of the participants underplay any political motivation for the event, the painted naked cyclists have established precedent and increased the amount of popular cultural support for non-sexualized, artistic public nudity in other ensembles in the Solstice Parade, and in Seattle in general, and have made other painted naked bike rides in the city (and in the world) much easier to stage.
EVENT ATTITUDE TO NUDITY:
While the crowd and attendees in general remain clothed, the cyclists and their particular group participate in various stages of undress with some going with complete nudity. If you're planning on riding in the event, going nude will be up to you. If you're planning on attending as a specatator, keep in mind that this is a family-friendly event with small children in attendance.
EVENT ATTITUDE TO CAMERAS:
Cameras are more than welcome.
EVENT HOME PAGE:
www.fremontartscouncil.org
and
Solstice CyclistsMap to Naked Freedom
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