Friday Harbor’s traditional Independence Day Parade has historically set a high standard and it is our responsibility to deliver a fitting tribute and celebration to our community each year.

The huge cast of island residents involved with this year’s celebration of our amazing individuals and organizations enriching our community were inspiring. Thank you to the thousands of parade spectators who came out to support and enjoy this glorious celebration. Your enthusiasm was the greatest “thanks” the participants could receive.

Thanks also to the over 75 entries that captured the spirit of our Friday Harbor Fourth and demonstrated WHY we are touted as “one of the nation’s top ten small town parades.”

Bravo to our business community for setting the stage with a unified display of festive red, white and blue patriotic bunting. Your effort made a significant impact on the event’s success and has added a colorful tradition.

Special thanks to Becki Day and her fantastic staff at the Chamber, the Town of Friday Harbor and its employees, the Port of Friday Harbor, the Washington State Ferry employees, and the Sheriff’s Department personnel for their detailed coordination and planning. Thanks to our wonderful community civic organizations: Kiwanis, Rotary, Soroptimists, Masons and Lions clubs all lent their support to different phases of our event. Additional thanks to the Presbyterian Church and Palace Theatre for use of their properties on parade day. We also could not have put on this wonderful event without the sponsorship contributions from King’s Market.

Lastly, those really deserving our thanks and recognition are the heroes of “Parade Day,” the volunteers who arrived very early to help register the participants and stage the entries for their parade journey. This talented and organized team made it all possible. Take a bow for a job well done! As the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce Parade Coordinator, I am awed by the many people who contributed to make our community shine and demonstrate “All That We Share.” Please accept my heartfelt thanks.

Traci Wilson

Parade Coordinator

San Juan Island