The island is down to very few folks who were born here on Orcas. There are a considerable number of people who have lived on the island for 20 to 70 years. Most folks move here because of the uniqueness of the island, which includes “traditions” like Olga Days, Island Hardware summer sale and free lunch, Fly In (first Saturday in August), Library Fair (second Saturday in August), San Juan County Fair (third week in August), just to name a few.

For years, visitors from all over the world and locals have been able to plan their year in advance. All of a sudden we have seen a move to do away with some of the things that made Orcas special. The Library Fair was held the first few years on Main Street in front of the Episcopal Church. Then It was moved to the grassy area of the Village Green in 1996 and it stayed there for many years. The park was an area to spread out in cool place. Since the move, each year there would be between 40 and 60 booths and as many as 15 food booths, many tables of books, a big silent auction and music almost all day, with a grassy area for the crowds. The farmers market would set up in the street for this one weekend a month. It is now in what “I” believe to be in a hot, dusty and cramped area. “Rumor” is that the Farmers Market and the county will not let the Library Fair use the park, even for one weekend. Reason two is that the library manager wanted the library shown off. Once again, this is a “rumor.” I work in the village and many folks stop by my office and ask what happened to the Library Fair. When told where it moved to, most decide not to go there. My guess is that if you ask the “island folks and visitors” where they would like to see it, the Village Green would be winner by a large majority. The Library Fair is sponsored by the Friends of the Library and the proceeds are used for library operations. It would be nice if the folks who are running the events on Orcas would consider bringing the Library Fair back to the Village Green.

John Erly

Eastsoun