Bare breasts and peace doves: It's a parade in Fremont

To judge by the cloudy weather, summer in Seattle still needs a kick-start, and the Fremont Fair is here to do it. The 35th annual fair takes over the streets of downtown Fremont this weekend.

The star of the two-day fair, Saturday's Solstice Parade, boasts some eye-catching entries this year. Watch for "Insects of Mass Destruction," a float featuring little sleepy ant puppets; "Ya Yas for Ta Tas," a salute to breasts (including women baring all shapes and sizes); and the colorful slopes of a float inspired by Gaudi's eccentric architecture.

Festival preview


Fremont Fair, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, North 34th Street and Fremont Avenue North in downtown Fremont, Seattle; noon Saturday Solstice Parade,

from Fremont to Gas Works Park, followed by Solstice Pageant in the park until sundown; $1 suggested donation (206-694-6706 or www.fremontfair.com)

"Salmon Bay School is doing a very sweet float with lots of kids' drawings," said parade director Don Hudgins. Also, Alternative School #1 will bring their peace doves. And new in the procession this year?

"There are a couple of ensembles that are going to capture audience members along the way, and then they'll be freed at some point," Hudgins said with a smile.

Once the parade reaches Gas Works Park, the party continues with a picnic at 2 p.m. and the Solstice Pageant — with dancers, artists and musicians — from 4 p.m. till the sun goes down.

Throughout the weekend, bands on four stages will provide live music. Fairgoers can take a stab at the open mic, another new addition. The fair also offers arts and crafts for kids, the new Street Style Skateboard Demonstrations, the Seattle Art Car Blowout car show and vendors galore.

Think about taking public transportation or getting there early, as the Fremont Bridge construction only allows for one-lane access each way (bus-route information: 206-553-3000 or see tripplanner.metrokc.gov).

Judy Chia Hui Hsu: 206-464-3315 or jhsu@seattletimes.com