60th Anniversary Parade Celebrates Community in Action

By Kathi Ciskowski

The 60^th annual Orcas Island Community Parade began on Saturday, July 3 at 11 a.m under gray, dappled skies.   Before it was over though, the sun broke through and shone, punctuated by a light breeze, for the rest of the day.

“Community in Action” was the theme for the 2010 parade. Approximately 65 organizations slowly made their way down North Beach Road to the admiration and enthusiasm of a crowd that lined the entire route. Announcers Ken and Karen Speck described each group as it stopped in front of Cherie Lindholm Realty on their journey through Eastsound.

There were regal horseback riders, decorated classic vehicles, local businesses, and a range of political candidates. The Grand Marshals, Velma and Dick Doty, waved to the crowd from a yellow convertible.

The Orcas Center featured a “Let Us Entertain You” feather- and sequin-bedecked float while the Salmonberry School honored the First Nations with greenery  and masks in their entry. The Orcas Island Public School had a several groups of walkers including students, staff, parents and alumni celebrating their support for the school.

The formal American Legion participants led the way bearing the flags, while the Oddfellows came towards the end in their unique clothing and accoutrements.  Service organizations such as the Community Foundation representatives dancing in the streets in their “canoes,” and the Kiwanis Club inviting everyone to the upcoming barbeque, were strong participants.

After the parade, people filled the lawn of the Village Green for food, music, shopping and visiting.  s a finale to the festivities, the Mayor of Eastsound (a Children’s House fundraiser) was announced:  Clara (the dog) will replace outgoing Mayor, Dakota (the dog) for the 2010/2011 year.