Summer Solstice begins as artists finish their Solstice parade floats

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The parade celebrating the longest day of the year began as a procession-like birthday party and spectacle for a mime and artist named Michael Gonzales in 1974.

His creativity lives on in the people at the Community Arts Workshop known as the Summer Solstice Workshop this time of year. 

Some of the creatives involved have been part of it for decades including Pali Szilvassy.

The artist from Budapest makes an inflatable work of art each year that showcases aerial dancers.

It is the final float.

This year's inspiration is the theme "Roots."

Some of the Solstice artists have taken the roots theme in other whimsical directions.

One group is making a giant root beer float, another a sailboat that will carry a few young pirates.

All of the float builders are looking for volunteers to push or pull their floats.

Volunteers are also welcome to dress up and be in the parade as long as they sign up in advance at the workshop or online at solsticeparade.com.

The Santa Barbara City Council will also be helping out.

Artist Claudia Bratton said they will be wearing 1920s-style bathing suits while they pass the hat to collect donations needed to keep the creativity afloat.

Your News Channel will have more on the Solstice preparations tonight on the news.

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