Ticket sales for the 2010 Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival open very early on Wednesday, May 26.

Every year, “early bird” patrons arrive at Orcas Center at 5 a.m. and line up to purchase tickets.

Event organizer Mary Poletti conducts this uniquely Orcas celebration, and greets these early birds with coffee, homemade cakes, fresh fruit and of course classical music. Some music lovers bring their own chairs; others bring books and knitting projects, and several friendly pets mingle, too. Everyone brings an enthusiasm for the Chamber Music Festival, which takes place Aug. 12 through 28 this year. At 9 a.m. those present, in order of arrival, select their preferred seating by speaking directly with OICMF Executive Director Victoria Parker and volunteer Marilyn Andrews. At 10 a.m. the box office telephone lines open (376-2281) for all other patrons, and tickets are available during Orcas Center’s normally scheduled box office hours, Thursday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.

New this year is online ticketing: beginning at 4 p.m. on May 26, patrons will be able to purchase Chamber Music Festival tickets online through the www.oicmf.org or the www.orcascenter.org web site. You do not need to be a member of Orcas Center to purchase tickets. Season brochures will mailed to all island residents this week.

For more information, call the Festival office 376-6636.