Once again, the Orcas Lions Club is bringing the Lions International Christmas ship to Orcas Landing, this Sunday December 12th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
All children will receive a gift and a treat bag. The ship, Victoria Star II, is owned by Victoria San Juan Charters of Fairhaven Wash. It normally serves as a passenger ferry, but this weekend it will sail through the San Juan and Canadian Gulf Islands, delivering gifts and treat bags to island children.
Sailing on the ship is not just Santa, but also a cast of characters beloved by children: clowns, pirates and elves. When the ship docks, at Orcas Landing at 11 a.m., colorful crew and pointy-eared elves hurry down the gangway carrying lumpy bags stuffed with toys and treats.
The Lions Christmas ship began its Salish Sea route in 1947 when islanders asked a boat captain to bring Santa to them.It was first sponsored by the Eagles Service club and then then Jaycees, before the Lions assumed command.
The Santa Ship’s Orcas schedule is as follows:
- 11 a.m.: Music and Christmas carols will be played by the Orcas Community Band.
- 11:30 (or so) the ship anchors at the Orcas Landing public dock.
- Santa and his elves arrive with gifts and treat bags for the kids.
- Cookies and cider for all.
- Please join in the festivities at the public dock and Island Charters conference room.
The Lions club thanks this year’s participants: Victoria San Juan Charters (Christmas Ship), Orcas Community Band, Orcas Village Store, San Juan County, Orcas Hotel, Island Charters, and the Lions District H& L. Parking is available at the Post Office lot and the upper ferry lot.
Among its many activities and community services, the Orcas Lions Club also sponsors Toys for Tots. Any donations would be appreciated and put towards the cost of the Christmas Ship, Toys for Tots or the local food bank.
