This weekend is the 12 annual Rods and Roses event in beautiful downtown Carpinteria. The event is presented by the Coastal View News and this years proceeds will benefit the Carp Cares for Youth organization. This years grand marshall, for his 10th year running, is "Mr. Indy 500" and former spokesperson for STP Andy Granatelli. The one day show features classic auto and tractors pre 1979. There are also food vendors, craft sales, music, and raffles. At the end of the day, there's a parade of all the vehicles in the show and live music at the Carpinteria Valley Arts Center. Below are some pictures I took at the event.
June 27, 2009
June 21, 2009
Summer Solstice brings seaside fantasy to Santa Barbara
Summer Solstice Parade began in 1974, as a birthday celebration for a popular artist and mime named Michael Gonzales. Today, the Summer Solstice Celebration has evolved into creative and original display of floats, whimsical costumes and masks of more than 1,000 parade participants of all ethnic and economic backgrounds. There is dancing, music, drumming and drama that enthralls the spectators. Each year there is a theme and this year's theme was splash.The Parade is the largest, single-day arts event in Santa Barbara County, drawing crowds of over 100,000 spectators from around the world. From these humble beginnings arose a celebration of life that is like no other.
Once the parade ends, the solstice festival continues in Alameda Park, but was originally held at the sunken gardens of the County Courthouse. When the number of people outgrew the size of the courthouse the event was then moved to Alameda Park. The Alameda Park is where everyone can enjoy a wonderful eclectic collection of live world music including famous local groups, food, arts and crafts. On Saturday only is a special free children’s festival and a DJ area for dancing and enjoying techno music and a large drum circle keeps the beat going all afternoon. The festival now opens on Friday night and that evening is a music, dance and performance extravaganza that also includes a peak at some of the participants in the parade on the following day. Local talent is showcased at this event. Our arts and crafts area features a juried “fine art” area as well as an area for crafts from local artisans as well as from around the world.
Check out some photos of this year's event below. For more info on the parade and past year's festivals, click here.
It's not The Girl in the Plastic Bubble
but it is a girl in a plastic man-o-war doing rope tricks.
Go girl!
This crazy monster thing was in the park after the parade. The children were having a ball twisting the creature's nose until it deflated, then releasing it and watching it bounce back to life.
June 13, 2009
Roomies
Over the years I lived with quite a few people and most of the situations were not ideal. It's not normally easy living with others unless they are very compatible with your habits and beliefs. I have only had this experience twice in my life and both times have been in the last six months. I recently went through a very dramatic house guest situation that ended badly but I landed an awesome housemate situation that couldn't be much better. I live with two of the coolest people who just live and let live. Unfortunately, one of my housemates is leaving for grad school. Oh Universe, you giveth and you taketh away. However, I believe and know that the Universe will provide another stellar roommie. If you know of anyone in the area that is open to all the amazing things the Universe has to offer and believes in the sanctity of all life styles and living, then drop me a line.
Universe, we need someone by July 1st. Thanks!
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