If you get confused, just listen to the music play.

There will be plenty of opportunities to dance, sing, and revel in all that July 4th offers on Orcas Island.

This year’s theme is “All Together Now.” The chamber hopes to recognize and celebrate “the ties that bind our small island community together.”

“We’re really looking forward to another opportunity for the entire community to come out and have a great time in Eastsound,” said Orcas Chamber Director Carey Eskridge, who debuted a community picnic on the Green last year to rave reviews.

The weekend starts on Independence Day with a public picnic and market on the Village Green on Thursday, July 4. Festivities begin with the Firecracker 5K Fun Run at 9 a.m. The picnic starts at noon. This year’s event will surely be bigger and better than ever, featuring some of your favorite island food and market vendors, the ever-popular cake walk, a Kidsville activity tent, beer and wine, the chili cook-off, and a pie baking contest.

“Carey and our volunteers have reinvigorated what the chamber offers in Eastsound for this national holiday, and it’s a blast for all ages,” said board president Pete Moe.

The music line-up on the Village Green stage features island darlings Baker & West at 3 p.m., local phenoms The Studz at 5 p.m. and nationally renowned Grateful Dead tribute band Cosmic Charlie playing from 7 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Fireworks will be at dusk over Fishing Bay.

“Knowing the Community Picnic and Market could become the centerstone for all the events traditionally held during the holiday weekend makes it very special. If Cosmic Charlie plays Franklin’s Tower, I will dance,” Eskridge said.

Visit https://orcascometogether.my.canva.site/2024-fourth-of-july-website for details. Parade registration closes on Wednesday, July 3, at 5 p.m.; chili cook-off and pie baking contest registration closes on Tuesday, July 2, at 5 p.m.; and 5K registration closes on Wednesday, July 3, at midnight.

On Saturday, July 6, enjoy the Orcas Island Fire and Rescue pancake breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. followed by the annual community parade at noon. After that, eat lunch at the Lion’s Club Salmon BBQ from 4 to 7 p.m. and hear the results of the Children’s House Eastsound Mayoral election.

On Sunday, July 7, The American Legion Annual Pig Roast starts at 4 p.m. Orcas Center Summer Concert series featuring Jens Lindemann Live on the Village Green begins at 5 p.m.

The Sounder will publish a full calendar of July 4th events on June 26. To participate, email colleen.summers@islandssounder.com.