The Fremont Arts Council (FAC) monthly Committee Of the Whole (COW) meetings start with 1-minute announcements. These usually consist of brief news items about events, opportunities, advertisements, and other projects brought to the FAC members by attendees.
The March COW followed this form, and the official 1-minute announcements contained information about Moisture Festival (coming March 21st – April 14th,) the Cheers to Chambers Business Expo on March 21st (and the fact that local artists Rodman Miller and John Cornicello will be participate,) the production of ‘Master Harold…and The Boys’ at West of Lenin, and the first-ever Fremont Fireside Chat on March 30th (author’s note: that last one was all mine.)
After that, the March COW meeting proceeded in a manner that sounded, with one exception, like an extended session of 1-minute announcements. Members of the FAC Board, FAC members at-large, and community representatives shared items like bullet items about projects currently of interest to the FAC membership. Some of these were:
Fremont Fair/Solstice Parade Traffic: At the request of FAC Board Member Jeff Pierce, Fremont Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jessica Vets shared news from the meeting of Parade organizers and the City of Seattle Special Events Committee (SEC.) The item of interest concerned potentially limited bus service to Fremont on Saturday, June 22nd. A METRO representative at the SEC meeting said additional service and possibly regular service will be ill-advised considering the expected traffic tie-ups that day caused by the Seattle Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, the Fremont festivities, and an evening Mariner’s game. Everyone at the COW agreed to the need to get the word out on how to successfully walk, bike or drive to Fremont for the 2013 Solstice Parade at 3p on June 22nd.
Troll Donations: A donation box at the Fremont Troll sculpture continues to gather funds, as FAC Board Member Peter Toms reported it has brought in, “a couple hundred bucks a month, in change,” so far. The money is earmarked for upkeep on the iconic art work, installed by the FAC.
FAC Hysterical Marker: The Chamber has eight white, informational kiosks they expect to update and redistribute throughout the neighborhood. One will give information on the Arts Council. After speaking with Steve Badanes, the Fremont Troll artist, a Hysterical Marker will not be installed at the sculpture. Instead, Vets suggested the Marker for installation at the southeast corner of Fremont Avenue N & N 36th Street. It would point toward the Troll and, possibly the Powerhouse, with info on FAC events including May Day, Luminata, and…
Spring Rummage Sale: This annual fundraiser for the FAC Solstice Parade is expected to take place again this year, although a co-organizer is needed before a firm date could be set. The Sale usually happens the first weekend in April.
Board Elections: Electronic ballots for the 2013 Board of Directors of the FAC were submitted in the weeks leading up to this meeting, with paper ballots distributed the night of for those eligible to vote. The final tally included several write-ins including Ron Paul and Mr. Fantastic the Famous Panto Horse. The final count, however, went to the nominated candidates and the duly elected 2013 FAC Board consists of:
- Leslie Zenz
- Jerry Smith
- Rodman Miller
- Maque daVis
- Christie Wolf
- Barbara Luecke
- Peter Toms
- Ricky Gene Powell
- Kudra Migliaccio
2013 FAC Solstice Parade
The only agenda item that took significant time at the March COW concerned the 25th Annual Solstice Parade, on June 22nd at 3p. This year the Parade will merge with Honk Fest West, and its expected 20+ brass marching bands! Toms, who co-founded the parade 25 years ago, acknowledged that he has never heard of so many ensembles already being planned this early in the year.
At the most recent FAC Board Meeting, it was decided that the FAC will host two beer gardens along the Parade route, from Noon – 6p, in addition to the one held at the end of the parade at Gas Works Park. Locations have not been identified, but Toms believes they will also serve as stations for the Parade emcees. Ricky Gene Powell has agreed to organize all three beer gardens for the FAC, which will also sell FAC merchandise. Parade Director Leslie Zenz does not want to sell t-shirts, but they did discuss pint glasses, Carnaval clown hats, and Parade work aprons.
Vets pointed out that merchandise sales and the beer gardens could be perceived as competition for the Fremont Fair, which provides money to the FAC to produce the Parade. A meeting between organizers of both events is being planned.
Toms explained that the Parade is getting more and more expensive to produce each year, and he estimated a budget for 2013 of $60,000. The beer gardens, merch sales, and the Green Hat ensemble (this year with a Steam Punk theme,) are all efforts to keep the Parade going.
At the March COW an ensemble, celebrating the area Farmer’s Markets, was announced. Opportunities may also be created for cross-promotions between the Ballard & Wallingford Markets and the FAC, including some mini-workshops teaching parade arts at the Wallingford Market.
Those considering an ensemble may want to take note: the McKay Grant program will accept applications until April 15th. Other parade dates include: clean-up of the Powerhouse on May 4th, move of the float bases on May 11th, and grand opening of the Parade workshop on May 18th.
As to workshops, the FAC Board is seeking a location for a second float-building workshop. They want a local warehouse or flexible space where volunteers can build floats inside, out of the rain.
For more information on the Solstice Parade, or any FAC project, visit the website, or attend the next COW meeting, on April 9th at The Powerhouse (3940 Fremont Ave N) at 7:10ish. Everyone is welcome – and bring your 1-minute announcement along as well!
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©2013 Kirby Lindsay. This column is protected by intellectual property laws, including U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction, adaptation or distribution without permission is prohibited.