In celebration of summer

Published 1:59 pm Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Live music, good food and summer sun is always more fun with friends and family.

Soon you can gather with your fellow community members for a special barbecue on the Village Green.

The Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce is holding a barbecue on Sunday, Aug. 31 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Village Green.

“This is not your usual hot dog and hamburger event. It’s a fine dining barbecue at a reasonable price,” said chamber volunteer Michel Marshall, who is organizing the event.

The community gathering is a fundraiser for chamber-sponsored events and a way to celebrate the glorious days of summer.

The festivities will be kicked off with a rousing game of tug of war at 11 a.m. The Orcas Fire Department has signed up for a team but others are needed; either call volunteer Michele Wiley at 360-722-2802 or show up early on the day to sign up. The winner will receive a trophy. Following the tug of war, there will be sack races and children’s games.

Chef Bill Patterson, who owns Chimayo and Sazio di Notte in Eastsound, is preparing an all-star menu that will be served starting at noon. He and his staff are donating their time for the cause.

Patterson is preparing char-grilled marinated flank steak, Tuscan-style barbecue chicken, Umbrian-style roast pig, Portuguese potato salad, corn on the cob and watermelon.

For dessert, there will be locally made pies and ice cream. For those who would like to contribute pies for the booth, call Wiley.

Adults can enjoy wine and selections from Island Hoppin’ Brewery in the beer garden.

There will also be non-food vendors and artisans selling their wares throughout the day.

Music will be performed by Skye and The Frequent Flyers, Martin Gerard and Martin Lund and more. They are also donating their time.

The cost is $15 for adults and $10 for kids under 11. Pie, beer and wine will be sold separately. Organizers hope to sell tickets beforehand at the chamber and Office Cupboard, but they can also be purchased on the day of the event.

To volunteer your time during the barbecue, call the chamber at 376-2273.

Chamber Board President Susan Gudgell hopes it will be a yearly event.

“The timing for this barbecue is great,” she said. “And it’s over Labor Day weekend when visitors are here.”