“Delibertus Quirkus” – the freedom to be peculiar – is the unofficial motto of Fremont, and at no other time does the sentiment play out more prominently than at the annual Fremont Fair, set to take place the weekend of June 19 and 20.

Produced by the Fremont Chamber of Commerce and held annually near the calendar Summer Solstice, the weekend festival draws families, freewheelers, young, old and everyone in between, all coming together to celebrate summer and Fremont and its unconventional culture.

As is tradition, the event will coincide with the much-loved Solstice Parade, organized by the Fremont Arts Council. The parade – famous for its wild and whimsical floats and spectacles – kicks off at noon on June 19 starting at North 36th Street and Leary Way and flowing through the heart of Fremont to end at Gasworks Park.

Highlights for this year’s Fremont Fair activities include:

• More than 300 shopping booths featuring colorful world imports and novel handmade creations, plus boutique shopping throughout the streets.
• Artistic street and stage performers showcasing a wide-range of talents, including featured act Cabiri Troupe who will perform throughout June 20 on Daedalus, a fully freestanding aerial dance stage.
• Mouthwatering food vendors and visits to beloved Fremont dining spots.
• Eclectic activities, including Shakespeare performances at the famous troll statue, and an entertaining Saturday night of Beach Blanket Gay Bingo at Fremont Studios.
• Annual Seattle Art Car Blowout display of up to 75 wacky head-turning vehicles adorned with colorful paint, sculptures and glued embellishments.
• Many of Seattle’s favorite bands on two stages throughout the weekend.
• Thirst-quenching Beer Garden, as well as the usual local bar scene to imbibe in.
• Hands-on art activities for children and teens, including face painting, community painting, sidewalk chalk art contest, drumming instructions and more, organized by the Fremont Abbey Arts Center.
• People watching galore. The fair is known for spectators dressed in all manners of colorful costumes and crazy get-ups.

The Fremont Fair is free and open to the public. Proceeds earned through vendor booth applications, sponsorships and beer garden tips will benefit a number of local nonprofits, including Solid Ground. Solid Ground is a poverty-focused organization that has produced the fair for nearly 40 years. Donations can also be made at information booths located throughout the fair.

The fair runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on June 19 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on June 20. Main activities occur in the heart of the Fremont neighborhood, just west of Fremont Avenue North on North 35th Street and North 34th Street/Canal Street.