It is my pleasure to announce that Solid Ground will transfer ownership of the much-loved Fremont Fair to the Fremont Chamber of Commerce, effective immediately. For 38 years, the Fremont Fair has been one of Seattle’s best-loved street fairs, and Solid Ground and the Chamber are dedicated to ensuring this tradition continues for many years to come, while Solid Ground still benefits from a portion of funds raised through the event. The 2010 Fair will take place June 19-20, 2010.

The event originated in 1974 as a fundraiser and neighborhood celebration produced by Solid Ground (then known as the Fremont Public Association). For years, the Fair was an integral part of our efforts to fight poverty in that local community.  Since then, we have experienced widespread growth and are now a leading regional force working against poverty, providing advocacy and support throughout the state. Based on this, the organization concluded the Fair would be better supported to return to its roots and be managed by a local Fremont entity focused on the Fremont community.

We did not make this decision lightly – Solid Ground has produced this event for several decades as a way to involve folks in building a better community, while also directly giving back to the neighborhood. The event has been very near and dear to us, but, given our growth and other fundraising endeavors,  it no longer made sense that this event remain under Solid Ground’s umbrella. We are very excited the Fremont Chamber has agreed to take over all ownership and management of the event moving forward, and we could not have left it in better hands.

Guests can expect the 2010 Fremont Fair to function largely as it has in years past, which includes two days of booths, bands, beer gardens, shopping, celebrating and embracing Fremont’s off-the-wall ambiance. The annual Solstice Parade, produced by the Fremont Arts Council, will also continue as part of the festivities. Funds raised by the Fair – through vendor booths, sponsorships and donation opportunities – will go to the Fremont Chamber, which has earmarked a portion to directly benefit Solid Ground. The remaining funds will go into the Chamber’s grant program to fund area nonprofit activities that benefit the Fremont community.

“When Solid Ground approached us with the opportunity to take over managing the Fremont Fair we jumped at the chance,” Fremont Chamber President Marko Tubic said. “Not only did we want to help ensure this event remains as strong as ever, but with more than 100,000 people attending the event annually, it is an excellent chance to help promote Fremont businesses and draw attention to our eclectic community, which perfectly supports the Chamber’s mission. Plus, we will still be able to route funds raised by the event to Solid Ground, as well as other deserving organizations, so it is truly a win-win for all.”