If you are only as old as you feel, 50 feels fantastic for Santa Barbara’s annual Summer Solstice parade and celebration.

The 50th annual Summer Solstice celebration roared through downtown Santa Barbara Saturday, full of art, dance and love.

The parade attracts nearly 100,000 people from all over the world to downtown Santa Barbara. While the Old Spanish Days Fiesta parade and celebration has more marquee heft, Solstice is the heartbeat of the community, a day of inclusion, acceptance and cultural pride.

The event began in 1974 as a celebration of local artist and mime Michael Gonzalez. He gathered with friends on State Street, and the event grew into a full-fledged human art event. Artists prepare people-powered floats and costumes. All ages participate.

The parade historically is on State Street but moved two years ago to Santa Barbara Street, from Cota to Sola streets, eventually to Alameda Park.

Parade attractions include a flight of “Mrs. Ropers” from the show “Three’s Company,” people on stilts, a flying pig, a spaceship, giant chickens, and an array of spectacular dancing.

This year’s event was called “Flights of Fancy,” and continues Sunday at Alameda Park.

Click through the gallery below to see all photos from Saturday’s parade, courtesy of Fritz Olenberger.