Summer Solstice poster contest underway and parade route moves to Santa Barbara Street

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The annual Summer Solstice festivities in Santa Barbara will take a new turn for 2022 when the parade route shifts to Santa Barbara Street.

Traditionally it is on State Street in the heart of downtown and draws a crowd of over 75,000.

The new promenade, patios and parklets have created a new challenge and organizers, working with the city have decided to move the parade to Santa Barbara Street starting at Ortega – a block away from where the Solstice workshop takes place.

Interim Program Director Robin Elander said "it really seemed to make sense" to come out of the workshop space on the corner of Ortega and Garden.

"That's why we didn't want to go to Cabrillo or another location, because we are a push and pull 'em kind of a flow. So we wanted to come right out of this community arts workshop, and that is why it made sense to stay downtown"

The Solstice event is in its 48th year. It welcomes summertime and is one of the more creative festivals of its kind in the U.S.

"Everyone is excited," she said. Many events and artistic crafting will be taking place prior to the parade.

"We are going to have a two-day festival," said Elander.

The Solstice events will be on Friday, June 24 and Saturday, June 25 with the parade taking place at noon.

The parade route as it always has, will end with a day of activities at Alameda Park, involving music, a beer and wine area, food and vendors.

Right now, the annual poster and t-shirt contest is on. Designs will be taken until April 8.

Community members can submit a piece of artwork under the guidelines on the Solstice website.

A $250 honorarium will be awarded to the artist for the chosen artwork. The winner’s image will appear on posters, t-shirts and social media posts during the 2022 season.

The theme this year is SHINE. "So it is everybody's time to shine!" Elander said.

Solstice organizers say they are looking for many people to fill paid and volunteer positions.

Logistically, the staff has to work with police, fire, public works, businesses and residents in the foot print of the festival well in advance to create a safe and festive event.

For more information go to: The Santa Barbara Summer Solstice