Solstice is Making Waves

Summer Solstice Celebration announced publicly the theme for the 2026 Solstice Parade at First Thursday at the Downtown Public Library: WAVE.

More than a hundred people submitted their ideas at live events and online over the past month and a half.  The Solstice Theme Committee consisting of Board, Advisory Board and community members narrowed the submissions to the top seven, which included amongst top contenders “Groovy Galaxy”, “Cosmic Garden” and “Splish Splash.

Executive Director Penny Little says, “There are so many possibilities; it could be surf waves, light waves, sound waves, heat wave, a crowd wave of people at a stadium football game, microwave, hair wave, a wave of change, wave of emotion.  It's up to your imagination!”

Artistic Director Riccardo Morrison says; “Waving has been an archetypical component of parades for a long time -- from the waving of flags and banners to the waving of hands by spectators and participants."

While the documented history of waving of hands and arms may date back to the 18th century, and "[T]he timing and evolutionary origin of hand-gesture greetings will never be fully understood, for there is no tangible evidence of their inception that is preserved in the archaeological record." https://www.sapiens.org/archaeology/hand-wave-universal-greeting

Whatever your interpretation, "WAVE" will certainly bring out the creativity of our local community! Artists!  It's time begin thinking about your poster art, t-shirt designs. In early 2026, we'll be taking entires into the Poster Art Contest.

The announcement was made at our First Thursday reception - a preview of the BIGGEST Little Elephant Parade. Check it out.