Small crowd, but plenty of fun, at 'Back to the Farm'; K-9 Carnival today at fairgrounds

The crowd was small, but the enthusiasm was big, at the San Juan Historical Museum's Back to the Farm fund-raiser dinner-dance, Saturday afternoon.

Jazz pianist David Bayley played Joplin on the Scribner Cabin porch while a small crowd trickled in and a breeze carried the scent of Jason Black's barbecued pork across the old King Farm.

Singer-guitarist Rhianna Franklin wowed the crowd with her original songs and covers, her sweet mellow voice prompting one listener to lament that he didn't get her autograph.

The young and young-at-heart competed for old-fashioned toys in the seed-spitting contest. One young winner called his wooden yo-yo an "X-box for the grandparents." Young-at-heart competitors included Kevin Loftus, executive director of the San Juan Historical Society and Museum; Laura Tretter, director of the San Juan Island Library; Mike Vouri, chief of interpretation at San Juan Island National Historical Park; and Bill Watson, executive director of the Economic Development Council.

Attendees bid on silent auction and live auction items. Dick Rich and his Island Country Band performed in the museum's barn, which had been cleaned to sparkling by a team of volunteers. Dancing continued until the event ended at 8:30 p.m.

Island Rec's K-9 Carnival continues the weekend of fun today, 1-4 p.m. at the San Juan County Fairgrounds. The third annual event features activities, contests and entertainment for dogs and their owners. The event is open to the public.

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