The Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce announced a big change: the July 4th parade through Eastsound will begin at 12:30 p.m. instead of its usual 11 a.m. start time. Sign in is between 10:30 and 11:30 in Dr. Michael Triplett’s dental office parking lot on 445 Madrona Street.

“We have been aware for several years that a segment of our population has been unable to participate in – or enjoy – the parade because of their church schedule on Saturdays,” Chamber director Lance Evans said. “In an effort to make the parade an event for the entire community, the chamber board agreed to make this change for the event this July 4th.”

Evans also said that the summer ferry schedule prevented some people from easily taking a ferry to Orcas on the day of the events; this change will add one more Anacortes departure to Orcas Island in time to see the parade.

“As with all decisions the chamber makes, we will review this change following this year’s parade,” Evans said. “We hope it will be something that can prove acceptable and beneficial to all involved.”