Thousands of spectators lined the streets of downtown Santa Barbara on Saturday to watch colorful floats and costumed participants make their way through the city during the 52nd annual Summer Solstice Parade.
This year’s parade, themed “WAVE,” featured creative floats and elaborate costumes that embraced the aquatic motif as participants traveled from Santa Barbara Street to Ortega Street to Sola Street before ending at Alameda Park. The parade ran from noon to 1:30 p.m., with floats remaining on display along Sola Street until 3 p.m.
The parade is the centerpiece of the three-day Summer Solstice Festival, an extraordinary celebration of the arts, community, and the year’s longest day. Sponsored by the City of Santa Barbara, the free festival kicked off Friday evening and continues through Sunday…