Paradin’ Nekkid

It was a cold, cloudy morning in 2003, far too chilly to be wearing nothing but latex paint. But there we were, crowded in a basement in Ravenna along with a couple dozen friends, getting ready for the Fremont Solstice Parade. As a long-time beekeeper, our “costume” was obvious, if lacking in serious artistic merit. You be the judge: thanks to a strategically located arm, the photo below shows us in (almost) all our glory.

Our friends were more creative: cartoon character costumes without a shred of fabric, abstract cubist paintings laid on the barest of canvasses. But as a group, riding through the quiet streets of Ravenna, Wallingford and on down into Fremont, we were a spectacle.

The oddest part of the experience was how easy it was to forget we were without clothes, to just revel in the fantastic costumes and the waves and hoots of the passersby. Coming down towards the parade, there was a moment of fear, as the police had just the year before been threatening to arrest people for “public indecency”, but when we arrived, the only policeman in site pulled back a rope cordon and waved us through.

And then the sudden sensory slam of being absolutely stark naked in front of thousands and thousands of people, like some surreal spin on that dream we’ve all had the night before a big test. Such a rush.

Afterwards, relaxing at the park, the standard mores seaped back in and, like the Emperor staring down at himself with newly opened eyes, we pulled on shorts and an old t-shirt to enjoy the rest of the day.

If you’re interested in joining in the fun, Solstice Cyclists announced this year’s cyclist painting party at Hale’s Brewery & Pub, 4301 Leary Way NW from 7am til about 11 am (note: it takes longer than you’d think to paint your whole body). Bring a friend, bring some paint, bring a bike, have some fun (see the web site for more info).

And, of course, even if you have no interest in earning yourself the oddest sunburn you’ve ever seen, you should still carve out your Saturday afternoon for the Fremont Solstice Parade, which officially kicks off at noon and features floats and acts that are twenty times as amazing as a bunch of naked people on bikes. Then the fun spills into Gas Works (and neighboring pubs) for the rest of the day, so stick around and enjoy.

When you’re done, head over to OmCulture (2210 N Pacific St), where they’re hosting an after-party starting around 6 pm:

OmCulture is pleased to host the Fremont Solstice Parade After Party. This one is for all the hard-working, creative geniuses who bring us the Solstice Parade and Gasworks Gathering. Our lovely space located just one block from Gasworks will be transformed into a luscious lair of comfy couches and cushions for some chill hangin’ after the pageant. Enjoy videos of the parade (you know it’s just impossible to see it all from the street, especially if you’re in the parade), down-tempo music (and maybe some up-tempo too), dance, libations and some of the amazing costumes, art and puppets from the parade!