Fremont Fair -> Solid Ground

Ah, the Fremont Solstice Parade (Saturday, June 20th). Invariably, a long, hot, adventure, bouncing between floats and music and bbq’s and bars. In years past, we painted up, saddled up and rode out with the cyclists in our best bee…costume. The last couple years, we dialed it back a hair and traded in our bicycle for a pair of stilts, a megaphone…and pants. With Baby Z in the picture, we’re likely to go tamer still, but a good time can’t be avoided.

Barbara Mitchell reminds us that amidst the frivolity and mayhem, there’s also some real charitable good being done (plus, the obligatory Wallingford tie-in): the Fremont Solstice Parade is a fundraiser for Wallingford’s Solid Ground (formerly the Fremont Public Association):

Say “Fremont Fair” and it’s almost a sure bet that the next words out of someone’s mouth will be “naked bicyclists.” [Ed note: Guilty as charged]

While those brash souls might provide one of the event’s most interesting visuals, they aren’t the most compelling story. Ironically, instead of encouraging people to expose themselves, the Fair actually works to provide shelter — and job training, food and other crucial services — to some of the community’s most vulnerable residents as a fundraising event for Solid Ground (formerly the Fremont Public Association.)

While the bicyclists choose to bare it all, the individuals and families assisted by Solid Ground don’t have anything to protect them. Apart from Solid Ground, they are naked in the world, and no amount of sunscreen can shield them from the harsh realities they face.

As the economy puts more and more people in peril, community-based organizations like Solid Ground are becoming more important — and in need of more resources to help the increasing numbers of those who require a helping hand.

This is the Fair’s 38th year, and the 38th that it has served as a vital part of Solid Ground/Fremont Public Association’s funding.

And while the Fair — with its diverse selection of entertainment, vendors, family programming and general celebration of Fremont’s eccentric spirit — is a fantastically fun celebration of art and community, it’s also a way for the community to come together and take care of those less fortunate.

Solid Ground’s mission is steadfast:  to achieve a just and caring community free from poverty, prejudice and neglect. Compassion and respect for all people are the organization’s highest values. There are no handouts — just a hand to help get back on track.

Frivolity for a good cause. Sweet. See you there.