“A Celebration of Island Creatures” is the theme for the Chamber of Commerce’s annual Community Parade, scheduled for Saturday, July 1 in Eastsound.

“The chamber board wanted to have a little fun with this year’s theme and we hope islanders will celebrate with us and our ‘island Creatures,’” said Chamber Board President Susan Gudgell.

The chamber is pleased to announce that the Odd Fellows of Orcas Island – all 48 of them – will serve as Grand Marshals of the Community Parade. John Clancy, the current Noble Grand of the organization, explained a bit about the Odd Fellows.

“The current focus of the Orcas Island Odd Fellows is to deepen our connection with ourselves, each other, our community and the world,” he said. “We do this by listening deeply to each other, drumming, singing, providing services within the community such as helping clean up after major storms, donating firewood, helping make house alterations such as building wheelchair ramps and safety hand rails, helping with moving and storage for families in need, providing scholarships and maintaining the lodge building to provide extremely reasonable rental rates to various island activities and small music/craft/art/body movement businesses. And then there are the parades.”

“We encourage participation in the parade,” said Chamber Executive Director Lance Evans. “And we particularly hope a wide range of residents and visitors take part this year.”

The Chamber of Commerce – with the sponsorship of Island Market – is offering a $100 cash prize and two $50 Island Market gift certificates for the top three entries that most uniquely capture the theme of the parade. Visitors and residents alike are invited to enjoy the parade on North Beach Road and Main Street in Eastsound starting at 12 noon on Saturday, July 1.

Parade entry forms are available at the Chamber office, and on the chamber website at http://orcasislandchamber.com/. Parade entry fees are $25 (non-profit & community organizations) and $35 (businesses) per group, regardless of the number of people. 100% of this fee will go towards the fireworks display in Eastsound on Monday, July 4. The deadline to submit entries for the parade is Friday, June 23. The familiar fireworks donation containers are located at Island Market, and spare change (or more) is appreciated to help pay for the fireworks. Tax-deductible contributions to the fireworks show can be made through the Orcas Island Community Foundation. Visit www.OICF.us or call them at 376-6423.