New executive director discusses preparations for this year’s Summer Solstice in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - When it comes to preparing for Summer Solstice in Santa Barbara, Penny Little is unstoppable.

"It’s all just so exciting. I’m really just so happy with the theme routes because I want to see soldiers go back to some of the routes in order to move into the future," said Little.

The new executive director manages all the day-to-day operations, parade, festival logistics and more.

"And I am on I would really like to help grow this festival into really world class arts and music festival. The parade already is world class. It’s amazing what I Community does," said Little.

Penny has been involved with Summer Solstice for over 15 years.

Now the passionate artist is ready to take the solstice team into the future in a whole new way. 

"What is exciting and new this year is I decided to make the festival three days instead of two … and bring back the children’s festival and establish a new zone for the community … where the community has a chance to showcase their work … their art," said Little.

"Looking forward to the future … and we really need younger people to be in and out looking to apprentice programs … and we’re really looking to like shift gears in in the future.
little’s energy is not so little," said artistic director Ricardo Morrison of Summer Solstice.

Her high spirit is spreading to her fellow solstice artists like wild fire. 

Right now Little said she’s looking for volunteers to help with the parade and the festival.

"My hope is that we have fun and are safe safely landing in the park and safely returning home," said Morrison.

If you come by the solstice workshop, you’ll most likely see Little running a mile a minute.

If you would like to volunteer for Summer Solstice, log onto https://www.solsticeparade.com/festival-parade.