by TOM WELCH
Special to the Sounder
Orcas Islanders love parades, and none more so than the annual community parade the weekend of the 4th of July.
This tradition began in the early 1950s with the formation of the Historical Society and Museum, when members decided it would stimulate interest in the museum if a parade were held. This year is the 60th anniversary of this treasured annual event, now managed by the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce.
Horses and farming implements were a big part of the early parades, with a major concern of the day the fact that most island horses weren’t shod. This was a problem, since moving them on paved roads would damage their hooves and render them incapable of farm work, while the high cost of shoeing each animal ($4-$5) was beyond the means of most island farmers. Truck and trailer transport solved the original problem, and as each successive parade saw more cars and floats entered, and fewer farm animals and equipment, this issue faded away.
Fraternal organizations such as Stitch and Gossip, the Madrona Club, the Garden Club, the Oddfellows, the Grange, and others became a big part of the parade, each vying with the others for pride of place with the grandest entry. The Orkie Square Dancers were the hit of the 1954 parade, spinning and wheeling in the intersection in front of Porter’s Garage as the Grange band, perched on a flatbed truck, sawed away at their instruments.
The Historical Days Parade changed over the years as our community grew, with the Chamber of Commerce eventually taking over management of the parade from the Historical Society. This was an improvement, as it became more and more difficult over the years for the small, non-profit museum board to effectively manage a parade that grew larger each year.
The 60th annual parade will take place on Saturday, July 3 at 11 a.m. in downtown Eastsound. More than 50 entries are expected to dazzle the crowds at this beloved annual event.
Before the parade, Carl Burger will play on the Stage on the Green. Orcas Horns will be performing after.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Village Green, the museum is hosting its 60th annual Historical Days Fair. There will be games, food, home-made pies, demonstrations, and more.
Come out and enjoy our history and our community on Saturday.
