Fremont Parade 2006

Several years ago, we had discussed creating a giant slug to enter in the Fremont Solstice parade. It was envisioned even then that it would not be a one-time, one-place project. We wanted to see it used in a lot of different festivals and parades, and to be enjoyed over a number of years.

This past winter, we made the commitment to actually construct the slug to be used in the 2006 parade. Karen offered her house for the construction site and also did most of the sewing of the fabric.

It is actually 65 feet long - so there was LOTS of sewing to do, since the fabric needed to be almost 20 feet wide to reach the ground on both sides.

Photo by John Cornicello

Carl and Kim check the details of the "hoops"

It is all starting to come together

Time for a little musical interlude

First test "draping" with the fabric and formed head

Well, I guess we've got to stop tonight while we can still see a little.

Saturday Morning: We've made it to the staging area for the parade
(We had a bit of emergency repair to do before the parade started though)

Hard getting the fabric draped with nothing to hold up the structure.
But, it is really getting busy around here.

Some last minute additions - a small chain to hold the edges down.

Those guys are really up there!
And, the Mirimba band is getting ready - they followed us the entire parade,
And, NEVER stopped playing.

Getting ready to move out

OK, everbody inside - we're getting ready to move out.
But, in actuality, it was another 30 minutes before we did.

OK gang, NOW we're starting to move out.

John: "I only have a small porthole to see out - hope I don't run over anybody."

OK, we really are moving NOW.

The Fremont Solstice Parade - 2006

Hey this is fun - and the crowd is really cheering US!

We were a big hit with all the kids

This little girl was really trying to figure us out though

And, she is still perplexed

Maybe if I get closer I can figure this thing out!

Movin' on - hey there goes a naked bike rider!
Hmmm, wonder how much the crowd can tell if we're naked under here?

That breeze really feels good.

That Mirimba band sure gives us a good rythmn to dance down the street

This little guy was surprised when the "feeler" came down and bumped his head.

Hey - you dancing gals, please don't step on our slime trail
as you jump back and forth over it.

Whew - in the direct sun it gets quite warm under here -
glad we brought our water bottles.

Hey, I think we're getting near Gas Works Park

OK Gang, this is the end of the parade, but, it was obvious that the folks
on the "shady side" had no problem knowing we were nude under here!

As we progressed down the route, there was lots of cheering. Initially I thought it was for other floats, performers, or naked bike riders. But, it became obvious it was for us when there was nobody else around. Our folks on the outside, who could see the crowd much better than we could, assured us that the cheering really was for our giant slug.
We all consider it was both very successful and a LOT of fun both to build and to participate.
We are looking forward to next year.

Credits:
Photography:
John Cornicello, Carl Sopina, Howard Williamson

Now What?
It seems that our fame is already spreading, and we've got several more things for this year
Fraternity Snoqualmie has asked if we would set it up for both BBFR and Nudestock.
Maybe we can take it to the Oregon Country Fair in Eugene, OR on July 7-9, 2006.
Maybe next year we could take it to the Bare To Breakers in San Francisco,
How about taking it for Wreck Beach Day.
There probably are quite a few more places we could take it - need to develop a list to consider.

So, we will take our leave. Please consider having a fun time with us at the 2007 Solstice Parade - if not sooner.
It takes SIX people underneath to "power" it.

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