The holiday falls on a Monday, but islanders and visitors can enjoy several days’ worth of July 4th activities.
“July 4th is very important from two perspectives: the community members who have come to embrace it and feel it is part of the small town fabric and for folks who choose to escape the big city,” said Orcas Island Chamber director Lance Evans.
“Celebrate the Arts” is the theme for the Chamber of Commerce’s annual Community Parade scheduled for Saturday, July 2 in Eastsound. Frank and Jan Loudin will serve as grand marshals. The Loudins are celebrating four decades as islanders: 21 years on California’s Catalina and 21 on Orcas Island – and happily married for 52 years.
A fine arts graduate of the University of Colorado, Frank’s artistic career has included commercial architectural renderings and painting styles ranging from “Americana” to “Northwest Nature.” His work has supported various island non-profits, including the Chamber Music Festival, Library Fair, Food Bank, Senior Center, and the Orcas Fly-In.
“They are both artistic by nature – Jan is an author and helps manage Frank’s art business – and he has given back to the community in many ways by creating art for non-profits,” Evans said. “Many of us know him as the artist for the logo of the fly-in.”
The chamber is starting a new tradition this year: the first annual “Festival on the 4th.”
It will feature booths and games put on by chamber member businesses and organizations as well as music, readings, and other performances on Monday, July 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Village Green.
Deer Harbor will have its fireworks show on July 3, and Eastsound will have its show on July 4.
For the time in its history, the chamber, which sponsors the Eastsound display, had to ask the community for money. Because of an increase in fireworks costs and the expense of bringing in a landing craft, it was originally looking at a price tag of $15,000 – historically, it’s been $5,000.
After some negotiating, $2,000 was shaved off the total. Community fundraising has brought in $1,000 and combined with its budgeted $5,000 in the bank, the chamber has $7,000 left to raise. If they don’t bring in the money by July 4th, they will continue to fundraise after the fireworks show.
Orcas Island
Saturday, July 2
• Pancake breakfast at the Eastsound Fire Hall, 7-11 a.m., put on by the volunteer firefighters.
• Visitors and residents alike are invited to enjoy the community parade on North Beach Road and Main Street in Eastsound starting at 11 a.m.
• The Orcas Island Historical Museum will hold its “Historical Days Fair” in the Village Green from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. , next to the farmers market.
• Orcas Island Lions’ Club 36th annual Salmon Barbecue is from noon to 7 p.m. at the American Legion. Advance tickets are $15 for adults and $10 kids at Kay’s Antiques, Cherie Lindholm Real Estate, Windermere Real Estate, and at the parade. Tickets at the door are $18 and $12.
The salmon is wild, caught in Alaska, and flown in for the event. It is marinated in the Orcas Lions’ secret sauce and lightly smoked. Along with salmon or chicken are large baked potatoes, coleslaw and rolls. Beverages of brewed iced tea or lemonade and coffee are included. Homemade dessert is available for a nominal fee. This year’s raffle prizes include a week’s trip for two to a condo in Ocean Shores, six hours of free gardening, and a cord of wood. Raffle tickets are $2 apiece or 3 for $5 and will be for sale at the barbecue. The raffle will be drawn that afternoon; winners do not need to be present to claim their prize. The event is one of the largest fund raisers for the service club, which in turn gives to the community by way of numerous programs.
• Fiddle trio JP and the OK Rhythm Boys will play at Luna’s Restaurant in Eastsound from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 3
• Deer Harbor’s fireworks show starts at 10 p.m.
Monday, July 4
• Festival on the 4th will feature booths and games put on by chamber member businesses and organizations from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Village Green. There will also be live entertainment on the band shell, including music, readings, and other performers.
• There will be a patriotic celebration at the band shell at 11 a.m. on the Village Green. Sing along songs, patriotic speeches, and musical performances. Sponsored by the Eagle Forum of San Juan County.
• Fireworks start around 10 p.m. in Eastsound.
Lopez Island
Monday, July 4
• Lopez Island Lions Club 31st annual Fourth of July 10K Run/5K Run/5K: Walk, 8:30 a.m., Lopez Community Center Pavilion.
• Friends of the Library Book Sale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lopez Community Center. Browse through a selection of used books, videos and audiobooks.
• This year’s theme for the old-fashioned Fourth of July Parade is “The Rock’s Red Glare.” It is sponsored by the Lion’s Club. The parade starts at 11 a.m. at the Creamery and winds through the Village at around 11:30 a.m. on Lopez Road ending at Week’s Road and Fisherman Bay Road
• A hamburger and veggie burger barbecue begins after the parade at Lopez Community Center. Features a 1/4 pound hamburger for $6, 1/2 pound hamburger or veggie burger for $8, and beer for $4. Lopez seniors will be selling baked goods and the fireworks committee will have t-shirts for sale.
• 24th annual fireworks display is from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on the spit on Fisherman Bay.
San Juan Island
Monday, July 4
• Firework 5000 (5k) Fun Run, 7- 7:45 a.m. registration, 8 a.m. start. Registration and the starting line are in front of the Best Western Friday Harbor Suites. $10 for adults, $5 for kids. Proceeds go toward firework show.
• Pancake Breakfast at Brickworks, 8:30-10 a.m., Brickworks’ market plaza, 121 Nichols St. Enjoy flapjacks, berries and cream before the parade. Sponsored by SJI Agricultural Guild.
• Fourth of July Parade, 10:30 a.m., downtown Friday Harbor. This year’s theme “Life is a laugh in a costume” celebrates the San Juan Community Theatre’s 22nd anniversary. Sponsored by Chamber of Commerce, organized by Lin and Pam Pearson.
• Annual 4th of July Pig War Picnic, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the San Juan Historical Museum Grounds on Price Street features a $5 lunch of pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, coleslaw and hot fudge sundaes. Sponsored by Kiwanis.
• Contra dancing, 7:30-9 p.m. at English Camp. Folk singer Michael Cohen and local folk musicians present an evening of traditional folk tunes.
• Fireworks start at 10 p.m. in Friday Harbor Marina. Sponsored by San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce.
• Rock-the-Dock, 6 p.m. at the the Port of Friday Harbor. Sponsored by the Rotary Club.
