Despite my crowd-induced claustrophobia, one of my favorite things about Seattle is the summer festival season. This weekend marks one of the most venerable - the Fremont Fair.

Now in it’s 34th year, the Fremont Fair is a festival of food, arts, crafts, music and general celebration. Drop a dollar in the collection bins located at all entrances - your money goes to the Fremont Public Association to provide shelter, food, and advocacy for low income residents of Seattle and King County. Last year’s fair raised $26K.

The Fremont Fair kicks off with the annual Solstice Parade at noon. More than just naked bikers, the Solstice Parads (accompanied by the Seattle Art Car Blowout ) helps prove that colorful personal expression is still alive and well even in these days of corporate homogenity. For a complete schedule of events, check out the Fair’s website.

A word to the wise: driving to the fair’s impossible. King County Metro offers many convenenient shuttles to Fremont.