Orcas celebrates the Fourth with a parade and laser show | Ricky is Eastsound’s new mayor

Bearded dragons, lasers and magic.

Orcas Island’s holiday weekend was fit for a children’s storybook.

The 2021 Honorary Eastsound Mayoral Race ended on a high note, with 40 percent of votes cast on the final day of the race. In the end, Ricky the Lizard Wizard earned nearly 20,000 votes for the win. The annual event is a fundraiser for Children’s House. This year, it brought in $47,000 for the organization.

Mayor Marley was on paw to pass the key to the city to Ricky at the mayor’s inauguration, held in the Village Green on July 3 after the parade. Ricky’s campaign manager was Owen Neal, age 6.

“Ricky has already begun his year of office, resolving to rid Orcas Island of invasive weeds and insects, bring attention to the climate and global warming, and get prehistoric fossils at our local museum,” says Don Walters, a Children’s House board member. “Marley is taking some time off to contemplate his time in office and figure out what the future holds for him.”

Stanley Tucci was a close runner-up with 17,724 votes. Backed by local business Orcas Island Freight and endorsed by Island Hoppin’ Brewery, Stanley Tucci captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Jane Nelson and Madeline Sheplor ran Stanley’s campaign to near victory. Biscuit took 5,537 votes to land in third place. Eleanor Harrington, age 7, managed her campaign. Biscuit’s signature tutu and “biscuits for all” campaign slogan made her a candidate hard not to love. Spirit, the Children’s House bunny managed by OICH executive director Ady Walker, took 1,547 votes. Monkey, managed by Poppy Newberry and Bridget Meyer, garnered 1,017 votes. Smoke, managed by Yesenia Armas, earned 830 votes. Tyrone, managed by Jessica Laursen, took 815 votes.

Washington State Ferries reported huge numbers for its holiday weekend ridership. Saturday was the highest day with nearly 86,000 riders (for all routes), the most in a single day since Sept. 21, 2019.

Magician Matthew Laslo performed two shows daily over four days in the SeaView Theatre. The Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce held its annual parade on July 3. This year’s theme was “Honoring our COVID-19 Caregivers.” It was a celebration of all those who worked to ensure citizens were safe during the pandemic. There were 25 entrants, including classic cars, floats and even a steer. The American Legion led the way, as it has for many years. Participants wound their way down North Beach Road and past A Street where they were announced to the crowd by Ken and Karen Speck, the longtime parade announcers. All those in the parade wrapped up the procession when they reached Main Street.

“To many observers, both in the parade and watching, it was one of the largest gatherings of onlookers in many a year,” said Chamber of Commerce Director Lance Evans.

As determined by the volunteers coordinating the parade, the top entry — and recipient of $100 — was the entry from Fur & Feathers 4-H Club of Orcas Island. There were three runners-up: the Volunteer Association of Orcas Fire and Rescue; the Orcas Island Community Church; and the Orcas Island Odd Fellows. Each of those entries received $50 gift cards to Island Market, which was the sponsoring organization for all parade awards.

In lieu of fireworks, more than 500 people attend a Fourth of July Laser Light Drive-In Show at Mt. Baker Farm. Kids and adults danced their hearts out to live music from local musicians and then gazed into the night sky for a laser extravaganza. The event was co-sponsored by the Orcas Island Chamber of Commence, Orcas Island Film Festival and Orcas Center.

“It was an incredible turnout,” said Orcas Center artistic director Jake Perrine. “Train rides, food, friends, music, dancing and lasers! Happy Birthday, America! The energy was very high and positive. People were so glad to see each other and make joyful noises. And that’s what it’s all about.”