by Mike Coughlin

Special to the Sounder

Three years ago, the residents of Deer Harbor were told their post office might close.

The building lease would expire. Locals would have to drive to Eastsound or Orcas for postal matters.

Deer Harbor community members didn’t agree. Residents started a grass roots letter writing campaign to stop the closure. Encountering government bureaucracy and political buck passing, they decided to take action.

Many joined together in an intense fundraising campaign to bring in the $250,000 needed to buy the current building and force the United States Postal Service into a new lease. With a few days to spare before the old lease ran out, Deer Harbor residents, through their active community club, obtained a new, ten-year lease with the USPS.

David competed with and defeated Goliath.

Last summer the Deer Harbor Community Club put on its first fundraiser to help retire the Post Office debt. The theme of “A Taste of South America” embodied the wine tasting of Latin American wines, tapas, and an auction. The event was highly successful and attended by more 100 island residents and guests. The evening was still talked about over the winter as the commemorative glasses became collectors’ items.

This year, on Sunday, Aug. 26, “Down Under in Deer Harbor” will take place at the Deer Harbor Community Center from 4 to 7 p.m.

Admission includes the tasting of 10 different wines from Australia and New Zealand, this year’s commemorative glass, a nearly endless supply of delicious tapas and dessert, music by Ron Myers, and a seat at the auction with a variety of great items to win.

As last year’s event sold out quickly, those interested in attending can find out more by calling 376-2214. Tickets are $50 each, and will go towards retiring the remaining debt of $87,000.

Last year’s event was a great deal of fun and a repeat is expected.