It started as a colorful, creative and artistic parade up State Street, followed by a music and food party in Alameda Park. But Santa Barbara's Summer Solstice festival is now going to be a three day event for the first time.
It starts Friday with an afternoon of music in Alameda Park for those anticipating the Saturday parade which starts at noon. Sunday, there will be art, food and music at the park all afternoon. They will also have a two day children's area, and large art boards for a public mural that local residents can create using brushes and paint provided by the Solstice staff.
Alex Weinstein of Ultimate Bagels, says Solstice is his second biggest day of the year. "The exposure we got as a new business last year was just awesome. It brings in a lot of people from around the Tri-County area, that don't always know we're here."
Many downtown businesses say the Solstice events this weekend will be an economic stimulus they badly need. " And Santa Barbara does a great job promoting these business and promoting these events that in turn bring in people and have people spending money. That's what the economy really needs," said Weinstein.
Many increase their staff for the day and add products they know will move quickly.
"Oh yes. and then we prepare for it and put things out that are maybe smaller," said Marsha Lewis of Persian Rugs and Jewelry. Those waiting for the parade often come in to shop and many are first time visitors to her store. And if they get a larger item they can't carry due to the parade crowds, " they find things and they come back," said Lewis.
At the Solstice workshop on Ortega Street, artists are using drills, saws and paint to create their floats. They too, boost the economy. "Not only do we buy lots of materials to make the parade, but we also have more artists on payroll than anybody else and they are costumers, mask makers, float builders and those people live here and they're spending in our local economy," said Claudia Bratton, Summer Solstice Director.
The event is also a big draw for those on a limited income. "There's something for everybody," said Bratton. "It's free so if people are having fun even though they don't have to spend money come watch a parade or come watch a festival."
"And now that we start on Friday with the festival opening and the Sunday event, it means we have more tourism because people stay over for the whole weekend," said Bratton.