The Orcas Summer Solstice Parade is turning 12 this year. Our local celebration was modeled after a hugely popular event created in Santa Barbara over 35 years ago. Although smaller, we share a common bond: to celebrate summer with gusto, art and community in a family friendly way.

The notion of a foot parade that excludes all elements of advertising and motorized vehicles (with the exception of wheelchairs) results in a street full of merrymakers, a mass of color, music and whimsy for the sake of “fun-raising.”

Our parade has been supported over the years by numerous playful volunteers. They include costume makers, dancers, musicians, banner and sign makers, sound equipment technicians, photographers and videographers, traffic directors, stage managers. We are not a club or non-profit. We come together once a year in a labor of love, friendship and fun.

The parade is open to the entire community. If you have ever thought, “wouldn’t that be fun?” please, join us! Participants are asked to gather near the Oddfellows Hall on Haven Road at 11 am on Saturday, June 19. The parade begins at noon winding across Main Street and up North Beach Road. The theme is “Dance Party” and there will be lively danceable tunes and dancers performing in the Village Square immediately following the parade.

We are grateful to the San Juan County Parks for sponsoring this event, the Orcas Sheriffs for their continued support and you, our humorous, delightful, talented community.

Laura Gibbons

Eastound