Independence Day blast | July 4 event calendar

June 30, 2009 12:47 pm
The Deer Harbor fireworks show is on July 3; the Eastsound fireworks show is planned for July 4.
The Deer Harbor fireworks show is on July 3; the Eastsound fireworks show is planned for July 4.

Friday, July 3

Fireworks and music at Deer Harbor Marina: From 6 p.m. to dusk. Dr. Dirty is slated to perform and fireworks will be set off from the barge. Picnic tables are available, but people may bring lawn chairs to sit on as well. Food will be available to purchase until 7 p.m. at the marina store.

Saturday, July 4

Annual Historical Day Fair: The 59th Annual Historical Day Fair at the Village Green will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More than 70 of Orcas Island’s finest pie bakers will be donating homemade pies, which will be on sale by the slice, along with grilled hot dogs and drinks. Look for a full roster of live entertainment, including “Sister Wives,” and Sharon Abreu and Mike Hurwicz. Samish Elder Rosie Cayou-James, a descendant of Henry Cayou, will offer storytelling. There will be demonstrations of blacksmithing, totem pole carving, knitting and old-fashioned logging skills. Many community non-profits will have booths at the fair, along with artisans and craftspeople selling their wares. The museum’s float in the parade this year is a celebration of the Crow Valley Schoolhouse, built in 1888. The school has been owned and restored by Bud McBride and Richard Schneider, who are now donating it to the Orcas Historical Museum. The museum is honored to be the recipients of this generous gift to the Orcas Community and is proud to be the new steward of the Schoolhouse Museum.

Pancake Breakfast: From 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. In the bay of the Eastsound Fire Station. Pancakes, sausage, coffee, and orange juice will be served. Adults $7 and $5 for children under 12. A fundraiser for the Orcas Island Volunteer Firefighter/EMT Association.

Community parade: The Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce sponsors the annual Community Parade through Eastsound from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., which is a new start time (traditionally it has started at 11 a.m.). Parade sign-in is at Dr. Michael Triplett’s dental office parking lot on 445 Madrona Street. The parade route starts at North Beach Road and Prune Alley, continuing south on North Beach Road to Main Street.

Orcas Lions Annual Salmon BBQ: From 1 to 7 p.m. at the American Legion. Included in the dinner are traditional sides, and for dessert the Orcas congregation of St. Francis Catholic Church will be offering strawberry shortcake. The cost of the dinner is $17 for adults, $8 for children and $5 for a kids’ hot dog dinner. The strawberry shortcake is $3.50 per person. Tickets can be purchased in advance through Cherie Lindholm Real Estate, Kay’s Antiques, Island Hardware and Windermere Real Estate. Tickets will also be available at the parade the day of the event.

Community Band performance and fireworks display: The Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce invites you to enjoy the Orcas Island Community Band and a fireworks show at the Eastsound Waterfront Park. The band begins playing at dusk (approximately 9:15 p.m.), with the fireworks extravaganza following at around 10 p.m.

Friday, July 3 to Monday, July 6

Washington State Ferries offers free parking: At the Anacortes ferry terminal from July 3 through 6. For the second year, visitors to the San Juan Islands will get a welcome break. This free parking, limited only by available space at the time of arrival, will be in effect at the Anacortes Ferry Terminal from 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 3 through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, July 6. This time period covers all sailings from July 3 through July 6. For all other dates, payment is required for vehicles located in the lots at the Anacortes ferry terminal.

LOPEZ

Saturday, July 4

Fourth of July Fun Run and Walk: Starting at 8:30 a.m., 10 km (6.2 miles) run, a 5 km (3.1 mile) or a 5 km walk. Registration is on July 2 and 3 from noon until 4 p.m. at the Lopez Village Market. July 4, registration from 7:15 to 8:15 a.m. at Lopez Center.

Friends of the Library July Book Sale: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lopez Center. Buy a Lopez Library book bag and fill it for free.

Community Parade: “Lopez Stories” is the theme; this year’s Grand Marshals are Bill Evans, Superintendent of Lopez Schools and Roland MacNichol, Principal of Lopez Schools, both of whom are retiring. The parade will kick off at Woodmen Hall starting at 11 a.m. and head into the Village. Registration is at 10 a.m.

Salmon BBQ: On the green at the Lopez Community Center, the Fireworks Committee will be serving up flavorful salmon and the fixings from 12 to 3 p.m., right after the parade.

Fireworks: Display over Fisherman Bay, starting at 10:30 p.m.