Chamber’s Independence Day Parade Salutes the “Community in Action”

By Lance Evans, Executive Director
Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce

The theme of this year’s parade is ‘Community in Action’ and celebrates the people, organizations, and businesses who volunteer, donate, create and do so much for our community.  Truly, a Community in Action!

Our Grand Marshals for this year’s parade are two people who have been community members in action for many years – Dick & Velma Doty.  They’ve been a force on Orcas Island since their arrival in 1971, with Dick serving as long-time President of the Eastsound Water Board, and Velma getting involved in many island causes, including two that she is very proud of:  the incorporation of the school Booster Club, and the start of the school roller-skating program.  She (with Dick standing right there with her) also contributes mightily to organizations & clubs such as the Orcas Center & Kiwanis Club, to name just a few.  And we can’t forget their café & bakery, Doty’s A-1, was a landmark in Eastsound for many years.

This year the Chamber is providing cash prizes for the best floats in the parade!   We want you to be creative … have some fun with your entry.  First Prize is $250 … Second Prize is $150 … and Third Prize is $100!!!  To be eligible for these prizes, your float needs to be built on a vehicle, or towed behind one.  The judges are looking for creativity, entertainment value, and representation of this year’s theme (Community in Action).

The parade entry form and parade guidelines are available from the Chamber office, or from the Chamber website.  Parade entry deadline is Saturday, June 26!  Entries must be accompanied by a signed copy of the guidelines, and the entry fee of $10.