Phew! Look At All We Did to Celebrate the Fourth

— by Olivia Smith, Orcas Issues Summer Intern —

For this year’s Independence Day celebration, our community followed the theme of Island Creatures. Festivities were hosted by the Historical Museum, the Chamber of Commerce, Funhouse Commons, Orcas Island Fire and Rescue, and Bellport Deer Harbor Marina.

The annual Independence Day parade, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, began at noon on the first of the month. The Historical Museum held a pioneer day, also on the first, featuring live entertainment, demonstrations of handicrafts, competitions, pie and beer, and the Harvey Family Logging Show. The pie booth and auctions opened in the morning and afternoon. All proceeds went to the Orcas Island Historical Museum.

The Orcas Island Fire and Rescue Volunteer Firefighter/EMT Association held its annual pancake breakfast at the Eastsound Fire Station on the morning of July 1st. All proceeds from the pancakes, eggs, sausages, and drinks went to support our Orcas Island Firefighters and EMTs. The Lions Club sponsored a Salmon BBQ at the fire station all afternoon and evening.

In Deer Harbor, fireworks sponsored by Bellport Deer Harbor Marina, began at dusk on July 3rd and featured live music that began at 7 p.m.

The Funhouse Commons 5K walk, run, and 1k kids’ version took place on July 4th, beginning at the Village Green at 9 a.m., and was sponsored by many local restaurants. At total of 82 runners showed up to have a great time. The overall winner in this year’s 5k was Lachlan Boyd, with a time of 19 minutes and 42.5 seconds.

Finally, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, fireworks began over Eastsound from about 10 to 10:30 p.m. on the 4th of July. Live music was also offered by the Community Band starting at 9 p.m at Waterfront Park.