For many years, 4th of July meant free ice cream sundaes at dusk on the deck of Emmanuel Episcopal church for anyone and everyone while the Community Band played patriotic music in the grassy park above Eastsound Beach as crowds gathered to pack open areas and beach spots to watch fireworks off the barge beyond Indian Island.
Then life paused with the pandemic. How eerie it was to walk down the street in Eastsound on 4th of July without a soul around.
It took a bit for life to return to normal, and fireworks took an even longer pause. There was talk of animal disruption as well, so a new event happened – a laser show at Mt Baker Farm. It’s tough to follow decades (and centuries) of fireworks, but it was pretty darn entertaining.
Fireworks came back last year, but funding proved difficult this year, so the Chamber pivoted to an afternoon and evening music show at the Village Green.
Deer Harbor had their final fireworks show this year on the 3rd, and West Beach apparently had fireworks over the weekend as well.
Come along on a little 4th of July weekend jaunt with me…
To watch clips of the performances, click here to go to Life on Orcas Island on Instagram.
See you from now on at the Sunday afternoon concerts at the Village Green from 5-7 PM….
These are wonderful and really capture the holiday. I wish you had also included the Orcas Island Car Show that immediately followed the parade. I’m hoping that it also becomes an annual OI 4th of July event.