Celebrate summer, Mardi Gras style

More a celebration of art and imagination than homage to the change of season, Santa Barbara’s Summer Solstice Celebration includes a festival and parade.

This year’s theme is “splash,” and even though the festival technically begins Friday at 4 p.m., the parade won’t begin snaking up State Street until noon on Saturday.

The fun of the parade, and perhaps the reason it draws more than 100,000 spectators, according to organizers, lies in its pageantry: the flamboyant, people-powered floats; eye popping costumes (alas, nudity was banned a few years back); and carnival-like mix of dance troupes, street performers, musicians, and anyone else with a desire to express themselves. Creativity reigns the day as advertisement, all written words, and motorized vehicles (except wheelchairs) have no place in the parade.

Welcome solstice

Started in 1974 as birthday party for Michael Gonzales, a popular local artist, the parade has grown so much it now offers VIP seating on the route for $50 ([805] 965-3396, www.solsticeparade.com). Alameda Park, the parade’s terminus, is the festival site. More than 75 artisans and craftsmen will offer their wares and an open drum circle will keep the beat of the day.

Storytelling, music, and other age appropriate activities will be conducted at the Children’s Area.

The floats will be parked on side streets and available for a closer look.

Food for the spirit

Local restaurants will have booths at the festival, and there will be a beer and wine garden, too. Or you can escape the masses and still experience the underlying New Age solstice feel at nearby, downtown eateries.

At the Sojourner Cafe, the emphasis is on fresh and organic. Many dishes can be prepared vegan or dairy-free. The dessert menu has a legend -- denoting sugar-free, wheat-free, and the like (134 E. Canon Perdido St., [805] 965-7922, www.sojournercafe.com).

Located in the bar scene of lower State Street, the Natural Cafe also depends on fresh, regional ingredients for its popular menu of sandwiches, salads, and other entrees (508 State St., [805] 962-9494, www.thenaturalcafe.com).

Our Daily Bread prides itself on handmade breads and pastries and the traditional ingredients that make them so delicious (831 Santa Barbara St., [805] 966-3894, www.ourdailybread.net). Every item is baked from scratch.

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2009 Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Celebration

Where: Parade on State Street from E. Cota Street to festival site at Alameda Park.

When: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Fri. and noon to 8 p.m. Sat. Parade at noon, Sat.

Price: Free to spectators. Parade and workshop registration $10 to $45. Limited VIP seats at $50 each for parade. Food and other items cost extra.

Contact: (805) 965-3396, www.solsticeparade.com.