Fremont Solstice Parade - Nudism?

[Centauri4]

While just looking at a few of the photographs from the 2008 event, I wondered whether this qualifies as a "nudist" event or if any of the people participating in it consider themselves to be nudists. Now, supposing there are a few of you in this audience, I am starting that as a Poll.

Please vote for the one choice applying to why you participated or "others" vote as to your opinion of this event.

~

[Fitz1980]

I'm going with exhibitionism, but not necessarily in that "hey watch me do something sexual" kind of way. More just a "hey look at me" kind of way, like the person who shaves off half of their hair and dyes the other half bright pink, or who wears bright red when they know everyone else will be wearing more drab colors. I'm sure there were some nudists there but I think that most of the naked people wouldn't consider themselves nudists, just like at the Spencer Tunick shoot that I was in.

In fact I think we've found the people who some more conservative folks always refer to when they hear about our nudist lifestyle. Those people are quite literally "parading around naked" I think that some might have even been prancing and strutting. Not that I think it was bad, they do seem to be all about body acceptance, everyone in the pics doesn't have a perfect body. They aren't doing anything sexual and I even saw some kids in the audience who's parents don't have a problem exposing (pun intended) them to it.

[Navigator]

Those people are quite literally "parading around naked" I think that some might have even been prancing and strutting. Not that I think it was bad, they do seem to be all about body acceptance, everyone in the pics doesn't have a perfect body. They aren't doing anything sexual and I even saw some kids in the audience who's parents don't have a problem exposing (pun intended) them to it.


I don't think it's bad either. I didn't vote in the poll because none of the answers seemed to fit my view.

I thought the poll needed a choice like: "Just a fun day in the sun showing the general public how easy-going, enjoyable and non-threatening nudism is."

I'm guessing that those who are truly offended by simple nudity don't show up for the Fremont Solstice Parade just like they don't show up at our nude beaches or resorts or cruise ships or other clothing optional events like Burningman. The people who have chosen to be there are there to enjoy the fun and the nudists are part of that.

I would bet there's a bigger segment of the audience than we would imagine, at events like this, who are saying to themselves: "Those naked people look like they're having a great time...I wish I had the courage to try that."

If that thought is strong enough, maybe they will sometime.

[NudeAl]

I voted nudist because I feel it is related. However I am not sure. I did participate in Bare to Breakers in 2000 in San Francisco and I feel it is very similar to that. I am thinking of going to it next year as it is relatively close to me. I know is isn't traditional nudism but perhaps it broadens our sphere of influence? Maybe by having this we get a few of the particiapnts or spectators to go out and give nudism a try at one of the local resorts. So even if it doesn't fit the traditional conservative definaition of nudism it can have a positive influence in recruiting more new nudists to our cause. I think we may even call events like this valuable to recruiting young nudists as this is the type of event I see many young college age persons interested in.

[NakedGary]

Summer Solstice Parade and Pageant

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia



The Summer Solstice Parade and Pageant is an annual event sponsored and produced by the Fremont Arts Council (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fremont_Arts_Council) (FAC), an organization that supports the arts and artists in and around the Fremont (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fremont,_Seattle,_Washington) neighborhood of Seattle, Washington (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle,_Washington). Started in 1989 by Barbara Luecke and Peter Toms, the parade quickly grew to thousands of spectators and hundreds of participants. The parade (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parade) kicks off the Fremont Fair, a benefit for the Fremont Public Association. The pageant (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pageant), a large-scale community play using over a hundred dancers, musicians and giant puppets, follows the parade at the end of the parade route at Gas Works Park (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_Works_Park). Admission to the fair is free but donations (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donations) (advertised to end poverty (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poverty), and donated to the Fremont Public Association) are encouraged. The parade is famous for its wild and creative floats and ensembles and for the Solstice Cyclists (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solstice_Cyclists) who strip down before the parade and paint their bodies (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_painting) unofficially start the parade every year.
The latest fair took place on June 21 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/June_21) and June 22 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/June_22), 2008 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008).
The event distinguishes itself from other mainstream parades with its rules restricting printed words and motor vehicles. As the Fremont Arts Council states:
1. No printed words or logos.
2. No live animals (except guide animals).
3. No motorized vehicles.
4. No real weapons.
5. No advertisements during the parade.<SUP id=cite_ref-0 class=reference>[1] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_Solstice_Parade_and_Pageant#cite_note-0)</SUP>
The Freemont Solstice Parade was started by Barbara Luecke and Peter Toms in 1988 who were was inspired by the Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Parade (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Barbara_Summer_Solstice_Parade) and Celebration. <SUP id=cite_ref-1 class=reference>[2] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_Solstice_Parade_and_Pageant#cite_note-1)</SUP>
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VENDOR BOOTHS ARE FULL FOR 2008!



Thank you for your interest- we hope to see you in Fremont during the festival weekend.



ABOUT FREMONT FAIR:


Fremont Fair is located in the funky and friendly Fremont neighborhood—Seattle, Washington's own "Center of the Universe."
Now in its 37th year, Fremont Fair returns to celebrate the Summer Solstice and the best of our community: art, spirit, sharing, celebration and working together to help each other. During Fair weekend, people from all walks of life come together to shop, eat, drink, perform, smile, dance, run, converse, debate, groove and parade.
And while Fremont Fair continues to emphasize good times, don't forget about the good work it does by raising awareness and understanding of the needs of low-income people in our community. Produced by The Workshop, benefiting the programs of Solid Ground, all donations received during this FREE event go directly to fund their programs that provide shelter, food, advocacy and care for low-income families and individuals throughout Seattle and King County. YOU CAN HELP! Bring a buck or two to drop in the orange donation boxes at the festival entrances. It only takes $1 to make a difference!


NEW FOR 2008: "Make it Better-Tell the Whole World What You Think!"




http://fremontfair.org/sponsors/logos/makebetter.gif (http://fremontfair.org/makebetter.pdf)

Google/You Tube video crews will be at 34th & Phinney and roving the Fair so you can tell the whole world how to Make it Better. Then go HERE (http://www.youtube.com/SolidGroundWA)to see the videos!


2008 NEW PROGRAM: EcoZone! CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE! (http://fremontfair.org/ECOWEB.pdf)




2008 promises to be yet another spectacular year! We're pleased to announce the addition of Fremont Fair's EcoZone, an area of destination for people seeking information and knowledge about opportunities and suggestions for sustainable living. Fortunately, there are many organizations and resources joining the fair that are dedicated to helping people take steps down the path to a sustainable lifestyle. There is more information to come about this exciting new program as well as other scheduled for 2008- This website gets updated frequently, so keep checking back!
<CENTER>SEATTLE CITY LIGHT HELPS FREMONT FAIR’S ECOZONE SHINE</CENTER>

<CENTER>With the addition of Fremont Fair’s new socially conscious EcoZone, Seattle City Light is looking to strengthen Seattle’s green-energy community</CENTER><H 5>Fremont Fair is excited to welcome Seattle City Light to this year’s solstice celebration. Participating in 2008’s special project, the EcoZone, Seattle City Light is seeking to spread the word and educate fairgoers and customers alike about some of Seattle’s fantastic opportunities for going green.
At the forefront of their involvement in Fremont, Seattle City Light is exhibiting their expansive, eco-friendly services as well as furthering the success of the Green Up program.
“We are looking forward to showcasing our services with other like-minded vendors reaching out to attendees that are interested and engaged in sustaining a healthy environment,” commented Seattle City Light Communications and Public Affairs Strategic Advisor, Janice Boman.
The Green Up program started in 2005 to offer customers the option to purchase green power from wind and other new renewable resources.
“We wanted to provide customers a choice in renewable energy supply and to increase the supply of new renewable energy in the northwest, including electricity produced from wind and biomass,” added Boman.
Both aiming to broaden education and understanding of numerous green options, Seattle City Light and the EcoZone are motivated by actions the public can make to address climate change and environmental sustainability.
“Fremont Fair is well known for its creative solutions to healthy and innovative lifestyles, and we feel the festival is an excellent platform to share in our combined advocacy of sustainable, eco-friendly living,” Boman concluded.
For more information on the Green Up program, please visit: www.GreenUpSeattle.org . To read more about Fremont Fair and its special programs for 2008 go to www.fremontfair.com

POSTER ARTIST LOU PATNODE (http://www.loupatnode.com/)
Seattle artist Lou Patode creates amazing illustrations which you've probably seen around town, as his forte is chalk illustration! Check out his website (http://www.loupatnode.com/), or better yet -- click on the thumbnail above and check out this year's cool poster!

CHECK OUT THIS YEAR'S BANDS!
The 2008 Music Schedule is spectacular! Check out the music page (http://www.fremontfair.org/music.php) for more info!
See you at the Fair!
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Seattle Post-Intelligencer Lifestyle section (http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/lifestyle/274090_fam16.html)
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1501 N. 45th Street Seattle, WA 98103
Fair Info: 206.297.6801 info@fremontfair.org
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[Centauri4]

Thanks for participating in the Poll everyone!

I was going to include responses of, "All of the Above" and "None of the Above" in the choices but also figured those type of answers often are not an option in opinion polls. Sure, we can skip this question in some surveys or polls but more often I think people choose the answer that is "closest to" what they want to choose or the "most correct" answer for them.

The comments on this being a valuable recruiting tool for nudists and inspiring people by a sheer demonstration of people having fun in a different way are incredibly valuable and meaningful.

I also think we need to participate in the larger communities online by posting comments and participating in discussions on non-lifestyle oriented message boards and forums. I replied to a topic on the Brattleboro, Vermont town council's rulings on public nudity in the TOPIX forums and received both positive and negative comments. Posting here on CFI's forums is fun and meaningful because I do believe many people with less than two years or one year of experience with nudism will visit and may appreciate our opinions and attitudes, but I think we also need to be "out there" on other forums and participating in events such as the Fremont Parade.

If I can find a way to afford the trip next year, I am definitely going!

~

[NudeAl]

Hey Centari4, if you go I'll go. I am interested in this event I almost went this year but family events took me elsewhere.

[nekkidskier]

I have been a participant in the Fremont Summer Solstice ride the last 4 years as both a solo rider and part of a group. It's a good time. Some people are advocates of body acceptance, others are doing it as part of a dare, still others are doing it as a 'look at me' thing. It doesn't matter why people choose to participate- only that they do decide to be a part of it. If you haven't been a part of it you wouldn't understand the total joy of riding naked through Seattle. It's something that must be experienced. Looking forward to doing it again next year.

[inudist]

It may not be nudism in the strictest sense, as most people participate for different reasons.

However, I'm all for anything that will introduce nudism to many people in a positive light. Plus, it just sounds like fun!

[Naturist Zoar]

This is truly an event that should inspire others to experience something new, something borrowed , something nude.