The Santa Barbara Solstice Parade may have more than 1,000 participants, but it doesn’t have dancing, singing islanders.
Orcas Island’s summer solstice parade returns to Eastsound this weekend. Organizer Laura Gibbons got her inspiration for the foot parade while in northern California.
“I had experienced a solstice parade in Santa Barbara in the 1970s. When I moved to Orcas, I thought, ‘yes, let’s do this here.’ It was a celebration of art and community. It struck a chord. We’ve always tried to keep the spirit of what they are doing.”
The 14th annual parade and celebration is on Saturday, June 23 at noon. The whimsical and always colorful foot parade will wind its way up North Beach Road ending at the Stage on the Green for free local entertainment.
The summer celebration opens with the Zumba gals and energetic dance moves to get the party started. The Sandfleas kick-off the musical performances with retro surf tunes. The Dustbunnies will keep the dance party going with funk, rock music and antics. The Exchange will then host its Trashion Fashion show. Marlene Dickey and Friends follow with her special take on retro folk from the 70’s. The music performances are scheduled from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
“I love it when people get together in the Village Green and have fun dancing, enjoying the farmers’ market and taking the time to enjoy that moment,” Gibbons said.
Parade participants are asked to gather on Haven Road near the Oddfellows Hall by 11:15 a.m. The rules are simple: no motorized vehicles, no written words, no livestock. No registration is required.
Many islanders get together and design whimsical entries or create dance and music routines. Gibbons is part of a troupe who performs every year.
The event is co-sponsored by the San Juan County Parks and community volunteers. For more information, call 376-5458 or visit the Orcas Island Solstice Parade page on Facebook.
“It is so colorful and so fun,” Gibbons said. “We have all ages from children to seniors. We have music, dancers, artists. Everyone gives a little bit of what they can give. It’s a gift … my favorite aspect is the smiles from the people on the sidewalk – that’s the heart of it.”
Recycled art and trashion fashion show
The Exchange is presenting a special event on the same day as the solstice parade. Located at the Orcas transfer station, the Exchange allows islanders to both donate and pick up reusable items like clothes, books, tools and household items.
On the Village Green from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. there will be recycled art exhibits, recycled tools and the popular Trashion Fashion Show, where islanders show off their unique clothing made from Exchange items. The fashion show will be on the main stage after the Dustbunnies perform.
If you have items to bring for the exhibits, take them to the Village Green by 9:30 a.m. and return for pick up by 3 p.m.
