Submitted by the Kiwanis Club.

The Kiwanis Club of Friday Harbor is excited to celebrate its Annual 4th of July Pig War Picnic at the San Juan Island Fairgrounds. Last year was a remarkable success, drawing in over 4,000 attendees! This year will be merged with Rock the Dock, and Kiwanis is unveiling a new and exciting venue with extended hours open from 11:30 a.m. (after the parade) to 6 p.m. The Port of Friday Harbor is generously supplying transportation from the Port Marina dock to the fairgrounds.

Kiwanis is excited to introduce a new and expanded venue highlighting two popular island bands, The Dangerfields and the Henry Rose Band. We’re also expanding our Beer and Wine Garden seating area so that guests can better view and listen to the musical entertainers.

Additionally, we have a greater variety of diverse culinary food items, desserts and beverage options to choose from. The popular “Bite of San Juan” offers guests to sample of local favorites like Chepe’s Tamales, authentic street tacos, corn on the cob and lemonade, as well as Fiesta Express’s hot dogs, asada fries and street corn. Green Beat Kitchen will serve pulled pork sandwiches, noodle bowls with tofu, and mac and cheese. Fernanda Garcia will serve Aqua Fresca, Friday Harbor Lions Club will be making its famous grilled Kielbasa sandwiches, Friday Harbor Tigers Athletic Association will serve burgers and hot dogs and Nature’s Nuts is selling its yummy, candied nuts. Felicitations will feature her famous and delectable Tres Leches Cakes, eclairs and strawberry shortcakes. Stella’s Brew will provide the best specialty coffees, JP’s Restaurant and Bar will prepare homemade pizza, Critical Thinking School will serve loaded baked potatoes and Rolling Sushi will be serving a variety of sushi treats. All the food vendors will be serving at the Food Court.

And, of course, Island Rec will be back featuring its “pig-tacular” family-oriented activities like three-legged races, gunny sack competitions, egg tossing, pennies in the hay search and a watermelon eating contest.

New to the Pig War Picnic this year is our silent auction featuring lodging at Lakedale Resort, Discovery Inn and Friday Harbor Suites, island travel with Susie’s Mopeds and dining at Westcott Bay Shellfish Company. Proceeds from our event will benefit local kids. $20,000 in scholarships were awarded to graduating Friday Harbor High School seniors for 2025.

Please join us for a day of fun and community spirit at this year’s Pig War Picnic.