Independence Day merriment

By Colleen Smith • July 10, 2023 1:30 am

The fourth is back, baby.

The fun kicked off on July 1 with the annual parade. Over the next few days, islanders enjoyed outdoor concerts, the farmers’ market, a pancake breakfast, a salmon barbecue and a pig roast. The Orcas Chamber of Commerce held a community gathering in the Village Green with food vendors, face painting, a chili cook-off, Miss Christina’s Cake Walk and live music from local and off-island bands. The evening concluded with the return of the fireworks over East Sound.

“July 4th weekend represented so much about what makes Orcas special, and I hope it serves as a turning point in the way we can bring everyone together to celebrate as a community,” said Chamber Director Carey Eskridge. “Aside from the cake walk, which will live in infamy, the highlight for me was hearing from folks who had never ventured into town on the Fourth of July saying how much fun they’d had and how surprised they were by the vibe. Making everyone feel welcome and celebrated was intentional and I’m so happy folks picked up on it.”

Eskridge said it’s thanks to hundreds of generous donations from community members that the chamber is “within shouting distance” of being able to pay local vendors and musical acts.

“We’re already excited about next year and helping us get over the hump will make it that much easier to plan something even bigger and better! If you’d like to make a donation, we’re keeping the link up on our website and social media accounts through next week,” he said.

Congratulations to Mr. Lily, Eastsound’s first-ever feline mayor. He says he is committed to “embracing island life, where everyone is a friend.” After faithfully fulfilling her duties, Sweet Girl Love handed off the key to the city to Mr. Lily’s campaign manager, Reagan Hastings, on Saturday, July 1, following the community parade.

This year’s race included three dogs, a cat, duck and a heifer/steer duo. Jemima puddle-duck was quite popular amongst the children, while Big Red and Mr. Blue Sky had some prominent supporters.

More than $30,000 was raised during this year’s mayoral campaign, which supports Orcas Island Children’s House, a toddler learning center and preschool. Each dollar helps ensure they can provide quality early education to island children, regardless of their ability to pay.

“Children’s House would like to thank all campaign managers and constituents for running a great race and for helping raise awareness and money for their program,” said executive director Stephanie Moss. “We would like to especially thank the owners and staff at the Orcas Hotel and Arnt Driftwood Ranch for going above and beyond this year.”