A new island parade is born! On Dec. 21 at 4 p.m. the first “Be the Light” luminary parade commences. On the longest night of the year, the community will come together for a winter-themed event celebrating togetherness, resilience, joy, creativity and community as Orcas Island ushers in the colder, darker months. This gathering and procession is meant to serve as an uplifting and celebratory reminder that we all have the power to create and share the light.

The parade is for ALL islanders, all ages and anyone who would like to participate. We invite you to bring a luminaria to carry in the parade. Or just come and walk.

A free luminary-making workshop will be hosted at the Orcas Center in the Madrona Room on Saturday, December 9th from 12-4. This workshop is hosted by local artist and A*OK art teacher, Brook Meinhardt. You will be able to walk away with your own luminary that day or participants can choose to craft their own at home. Free LED tea lights can be picked up at the workshop or the Orcas Island Community Foundation.

The parade begins at the Orcas Island Community Foundation parking lot at 33 Urner Street and will follow a procession along Main Street, down Beach Road to the Village Green with lanterns and luminaries of all shapes lighting our collective path towards warmer, brighter days ahead.

The parade will conclude with an all-community gathering with bonfire, music and warm beverages on the Village Green. Once the parade comes to a close, participants and visitors are encouraged to support local businesses. Some participating businesses will feature special promotions and festivities throughout the event and into the evening.

Questions can be directed to the Orcas Island Community Foundation: info@oicf.us or 360-376-6423