It started as a colorful, creative and artistic parade up State Street, followed by a music and food party in Alameda Park. But Santa Barbara's Summer Solstice festival is now going to be a three day event for the first time.
It starts Friday with an afternoon of music in Alameda Park for those anticipating the Saturday parade which starts at noon. Sunday, there will be art, food and music at the park all afternoon. They will also have a two day children's area, and large art boards for a public mural that local residents can create using brushes and paint provided by the Solstice staff.
Alex Weinstein of Ultimate Bagels, says Solstice is his second biggest day of the year. "The exposure we got as a new business last year was just awesome. It brings in a lot of people from around the Tri-County area, that don't always know we're here."
Many downtown businesses say the Solstice events this weekend will be an economic stimulus they badly need. " And Santa Barbara does a great job promoting these business and promoting these events that in turn bring in people and have people spending money. That's what the economy really needs," said Weinstein.
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