Orcas Island extravaganza

Saturday, July 2

Saturday, July 2

Community parade

“A Garden of Orcas Delights” is the theme for the Chamber of Commerce’s annual Community Parade in Eastsound starting at noon.

“Whether one lives here, or simply visits, you can’t help but come away with a list of things that delight you,” said Susan Gudgell, Chamber Board President.

Marlyn Myers will serve as Grand Marshal of the Community Parade.

Twenty years ago, Marlyn and husband Don purchased their Orcas Island property and made the move to the island a few years later.

Marlyn has been very involved with the Garden Club, assuming various board positions, including several years as president. During Marlyn’s time with the Club she saw membership grow three-fold, with more men joining, and is proud to give back to the community via its successful yearly Garden Tour. Marlyn notes that this year the school’s Farm-to-Cafeteria program will be a beneficiary of the tour.

For more information about the parade or fireworks, contact the chamber office at 376-2273.

Mayoral race

Vying for the position of Honorary Mayor of Eastsound, five local politicians (four canines and and a newt), officially hit the campaign trail Sat., May 28th during the annual Pet Parade.

This year’s candidates include canines Khalessi (managed by Chantelle and Storm Hildreth), Lewis (managed by Stacey Dow,) Ollie (managed by preschooler Grant and Daphne Tyree) and Madrona “Moe” (managed by Judy Worley.) Rounding out the field is Sir Isaac Newt’n, an aquatic amphibian that morphs through three distinct developmental life stages. Sir Isaac is managed by Jackie Daigle and Sandi Talt.

The animals have loyal support from this year’s sponsors, including Windermere, Vacation Doorways, Islander’s Bank, Brown Bear Baking and Friends of Moran State Park with Rosario Resort.

The mayoral race is an annual fundraiser sponsored by and benefiting the preschool early learning center, Children’s House. Voting is open to both islanders and visitors, who “buy” candidates into office by placing as many votes as they want at area polling locations or online. Each vote benefits the toddler and preschool program of Children’s House. The race concludes July 2 this year when the new Honorary Mayor is named and ceremoniously given a key to the Village.

Over the last several years, mayoral candidates – including dogs, cats, chickens, sheep, bunnies, and mayors bovine April and orca Granny – helped raise more than $50,000 for the school. The goal is to top $10,000 this year.

Current Mayor Granny will not be seeking a second term and has yet to reveal which candidate she’ll support. A full travel schedule kept her from making an appearance at the parade.

Historical Days

Historical Days will be on the Village Green presented by the Pioneer Museum. This is the 65th year that the Orcas Island Historical Society has sponsored this summer celebration of the island’s history.

The day’s festivities will kick off at 10 a.m. with the pie booth. Volunteers will be serving slices of home-baked fruit pies. Pie a la mode is available as an option thanks to the contribution of Island Market. The booth closes when the pies run out.

The Historical Society will also have a beer garden next to the museum, with beer supplied by Island Hoppin’ brewery. There will also be a hot dog stand.

The beer garden and hot dog stand are set up with equipment supplied by the Orcas Island Kiwanis Club and the Orcas Island Lions Club and will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

At 1 p.m. Bogdan Kulminski will kick off children’s games behind the Pioneer Museum. There will be lively games of tug-of war, burlap sack races and more.

At 1:30 p.m. the Harvey Family will open up their logging show, demonstrating the skills used to fell and dress timber on the islands. The logging show will run until 3:30 p.m.

Magic Now

Matthew Laslo will present his new show, Magic Now at 7:30 p.m. in the Sea View Theatre. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at Darvill’s Bookstore or: http://matthewlaslo.bpt.me/

Salmon BBQ

Lions Club 42nd Annual Salmon BBQ, 1 to 7 p.m., at the Eastsound Fire Station. Meal includes a baked potato, cole slaw, roll and beverage. Cost is $18 the day of the event for adults tickets with a pre-sale discount of $2 per ticket, which can be purchased at The Trading Company on Prune Alley, Kay’s and Cherie Lindholm Real Estate on North Beach Road. Children tickets are $12 for up to 12 years old. Apple Crisp is available for $5.

Pancake breakfast

Enjoy the Orcas Island Fire and Rescue Pancake Breakfast at the Eastsound Fire Station from 7 to 11 a.m. Adults $7, children $5, under 5 years of age eat FREE. All proceeds support firefighters and EMTs.


Sunday, July 3

Magic Now

Matthew Laslo will present his new show, Magic Now at 7:30 p.m. in the Sea View Theatre. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at Darvill’s Bookstore or: http://matthewlaslo.bpt.me/

Fireworks in Deer Harbor Marina

Live music starting at 7 p.m. on the dock and the fireworks show begins at dusk. You can donate to the fireworks fund at: http://tinyurl.com/deerharborfireworks.


Monday, July 4

5K fun run

The 5th annual Funhouse Commons 5K fun run route starts and ends at the Eastsound Village Green, and includes the Crescent Beach Trail.

Zany patriotic wear is encouraged, and all are welcome to run or walk the route at their own pace.

Registration is open at funhousecommons.org/5k or by calling the Funhouse at 376-7177. The 5K fee is $35 and includes a t-shirt while supplies last. Late registration on race day is available for an additional $5.

There is also a kids’ 1K race with a $10 entry fee. Both races start promptly at 9 a.m.

The race is sponsored by our local restaurants. All proceeds benefit the Funhouse Commons and their programs for island kids.

Eastound Fireworks display

The fireworks display is presented over Eastsound, sponsored by the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce. The Community Band gets underway at 9 p.m. at Eastsound Waterfront Park, with fireworks lighting up the sky at dusk at dusk, approximately 10 p.m.

Front row seat to fireworks

You can have a front row view of the amazing Orcas Fourth of July fireworks show on a private deck, all while supporting the mission of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services! There are two available decks: deck one seats 10 individuals and deck two seats 15 individuals. There will be sparkling cider and hor d’oeuvres. No alcohol allowed on premises per fire marshal fire regulations. Outdoor and indoor seats available (in case of inclement weather).

Bidding starts at $100 for Deck One and $150 for Deck Two. Bid increments will be $20. Please specify which deck you are bidding on. The bidding will close at noon on Thursday, June 30.

To place your bid and for bidding instructions, visit Facebook, www.dvsassanjuans.org, or email samantha@dvsasssanjuans.org. Call 376-5979 with any questions.