Orcas events surround the glorious Fourth –

Everyone knows that summer officially begins with the fireworks, barbecues, fairs and parades that mark the national Day of Independence, July 4.

June 30, 2008 9:07 pm
Don’t try this at home! Suzanne Lyons-Downie of Orcas Arts wears a “Glorious” hat at the Deer Harbor Fireworks show
Don’t try this at home! Suzanne Lyons-Downie of Orcas Arts wears a “Glorious” hat at the Deer Harbor Fireworks show

July 3

On Orcas, events start the day before with traditional fireworks at Deer Harbor. The fun starts at 6:30 p.m. with a Rock the Dock concert featuring Dr. Dirty.The event rivals the Eastsound show the next night, with booms and bursts of fireworks displays lighting the sky over Deer Harbor, just after dark.

July 4

A community men’s chorus, under the direction of Catherine Pederson, will perform several special numbers to kick off the Fourth with a celebration of our Nation’s birthday, including sing-a-long songs, historic speeches and a variety of special music. The program begins at 11 a.m., Friday, July 4, in the Eastsound Village Green.

As soon as darkness falls, the Eastsound sky will light up on Friday night as the Chamber of Commerce once again brings a tremendous fireworks show to the Island. “Come settle in Eastsound Waterfront Park (or your favorite spot in town) for an evening of pyrotechnics,” says the Chamber’s Executive Director Lance Evans. The Community Band will perform at 9:15 p.m., with fireworks at 10 p.m. Evans says, “Thank you for your generosity when you spot a donation can around town! We can’t do it without your help.”

July 5

Start off the day at 7 a.m. on Saturday, July 5 with the Orcas Island Fire/EMS Volunteer Association’s traditional Patriotic Pancake Breakfast at the Eastsound Fire Hall (45 Lavender Lane). The breakfast lasts until 11 a.m. “Come join us for breakfast before the parade!” says President of the Fire/EMS Volunteers, Toby Brown.

This year the parade theme is “Celebrate the Classics!” It will begin at 11 a.m. down North Beach Road. John Willis reigns as Grand Marshal this year. Volunteers are still sought to help. The Chamber’s number is 376-2273.

Historical Day Fair

The Eastsound Village Green will be popping on Saturday, July 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the 58th (at least!) Historical Day Fair! Historic steam engines will be operating behind the Historical Museum, blacksmiths will be demonstrating outside the historic Fire Barn, plus you’ll find beadmakers, quilt raffles, cotton candy, costumed Civil War camp followers, wind spinners, earth globes, juicy hot dogs and home made island pies, music and fun for all. Join the fun! Call the museum at 376-4849 if you are a vendor or demonstrator without a booth reservation; 10 x 10 foot spaces for craft demonstrators and non-profit information booths are free. Vendor spaces are $45 each, pay your fee and keep your profit. This annual event benefits the Orcas Island Historical Museum exhibits and programs.

Orcas Lions Salmon BBQ

The Orcas Lions Club will hold its 33rd annual BBQ on Saturday, July 5 from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the American Legion Club in Eastsound. The charge will be $18 for adults, $8 for children or a child’s hotdog dinner for $5. Dessert will be available at additional cost. The Lions will once again be serving ‘wild salmon’ marinated in their secret sauce and cooked on site. It doesn’t get any better than that! Reserved tickets are available at Kay’s Antiques, Cherie Lindholm Real Estate, Island Hardware, and Windermere Real Estate. Tickets will also be available at the parade on July 5. Contact Carla Weston, PR Chair, 376-4829 or Michael Jonas, Chairman, 376-5246, with questions.

Summer Camp with Dream Science Circus performance in the evening.

Free parking

And remember, parking is free at the Anacortes ferry terminal to encourage walk-ons. For more information, see story on A5.