Come one, come all to welcome summer with Fremont's goofy parade and fair

Welcome the true start of summer this weekend by heading down to the Center of the Universe for the Fremont Fair Solstice Celebration, where you're sure to find an eclectic mix of art, music, crafts and people.

COMING UP

FREMONT FAIR SOLSTICE CELEBRATION

WHEN: Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday

11 a.m.-7 p.m.; parade at noon Saturday

WHERE: Center of the Universe

ADMISSION: Free, $1 donation suggested

INFO: Fair hot line 206-694-6706; www.fremontfair.com

"The fair has so much vibrancy to it and so much going on," says Paul Haas, development director at the Fremont Public Association (FPA). "And so much of it is spontaneous."

As always, the fair officially kicks off with the Solstice Parade and Pageant, produced by the Fremont Arts Council, at noon Saturday. The parade features non-motorized floats, as well as groups and individuals in creative costumes, making their own statements about the world we live in.

In years past, the overriding theme of the parade has been one of peace and environmentalism, represented by giant Earth balloons, salmon puppets and adults and children dressed as, well, just about anything you can think of. While it can be provocative, the fair and parade are unquestionably family friendly.

"So much of this is completely unscripted and goofy," Haas says.

This year's parade theme is "Fear-Free Fremont." The parade begins at Northwest 36th Street and Third Avenue Northwest, heads east to Northwest 35th Street and Fremont Avenue North, south on Fremont, then east on Northwest 34th Street to Gasworks Park.

Following the parade is the seventh annual Solstice Pageant at 4 p.m. at Gas Works. The hourlong pageant celebrates the rebirth of the sun with larger-than-life puppets, actors, dancers and musicians, including a children's choir, a trombone octet, bagpipes and nine singing Sirens. Families are encouraged to bring blankets for a picnic.

While entry to the fair is free, the FPA has Community Giving Stations at each entrance, asking for donations of $1. All money collected goes to the FPA's goal of alleviating poverty. Last year those giving stations collected about $35,000. This year, the goal is $50,000. All musical performers have waived their normal fees to help the cause.

In that spirit, the United Way of King County will have an area for fairgoers to assemble back-to-school backpacks with school supplies for homeless students.

Adobe Kids Universe at Northwest 35th Street and Evanston Avenue has a number of creative activities for children, including giant inflatable toys, and arts and crafts.

New this year, visitors can purchase a Fremont Fair T-shirt with the official poster design left blank, and then create their own interpretation. They cost $10.

Of the four music stages throughout the fair, the YMCA's Emerging Artists Stage will showcase up-and-coming talent such as The Degrees, Velcron and The Tennis Pros.

Near the Emerging Artists' stage is the Street Style Skateboard Demos. Professional skateboarders will show off their moves on a closed street course.

The Art Car Blowout (the third largest art car showcase in the country, according to Haas) will put between 50 and 75 cars on display on Northwest 35th Street between Phinney Avenue North and Evanston Avenue. From a giant red stiletto on wheels to cars with every square inch inside and out covered with mirrors or knickknacks, these art cars are a huge draw for young and old.

Musical acts run the gamut from solo blues to the popular 14-piece Neil Diamond tribute band Cherry Cherry; and Seattle favorites Carrie Akre, former front woman for Hammerbox and Goodness, performing with Jared Clifton, formerly of Radio Nationals.

More than 20 street performers, such as jugglers, face painters and musicians will set up shop at various points around the fair. And, all day long on 35th between Phinney and First, it's open mike. Sign up on the sheet that day and sing, play your guitar or ukulele and impress your neighbors with your talent.

More headlines and info from Fremont/Phinney Ridge.