What a refreshing way to spend a Saturday night.

The Orcas Idol activities on Jan. 23 lifted the spirits of contestants and audience members alike.

The idol junior competition featured courageous young singers who sang with joie de vivre. It was a taste of things to come, when 18 adult acts later competed for nine spots in the finale show. We clapped along, we sang choruses, we teared up, we got chills. The new addition of instrument accompaniment added depth to the performances and brought the competition up a notch.

During intermission, when judges had the unenviable task of choosing finalists, the crowd was jovial. We swelled with pride at our local talent, we smiled from the joy of good music filling our ears. In a time of squeezed budgets and gloomy weather, it was a reminder of the good things in life.

And the best part of all: it supports Orcas Island Prevention Partnership, a program that enriches our youth and encourages positive life choices.

The Orcas Idol finale show is Feb. 6. We’re looking forward to another Saturday evening well spent.