On behalf of the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce, I would like to thank all who helped to make this a memorable 4th of July!

The 2022 Parade theme was United we Stand…Saluting heroes, helpers and essential workers. We had 50 outstanding entries, many decorated to match the theme, the parade route was packed, the red, white and blue bunting was hung and there was an unbelievable effort made by the community of our island and the businesses to pull off another patriotic 4th of July. After we heard the beautiful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner by Chelsea Parrott, Jill Urbach, Presley Clark, Michelle Coleman, Patti Bair and Melody Smith, we had music, floats, politicians and kids. We were proud to honor our Grand Marshals, Pam and Lin Pearson, and the Honored Citizen Vicky Thalacker. And we can’t forget our great announcers, Alan Budwill and Duncan Wilson.

The parade, the Kiwanis Pig War Picnic, music at the Brewery, and Rock the Dock at the Port made for a fun-filled day for all. And wow, how about those fireworks! It was a fabulous show to top off a great holiday in Friday Harbor!

We have so many to thank! We could not have accomplished any of this without the support of Mike Goff and his Town of Friday Harbor street crew, Sheriff Ron Krebs, Sergeant Eric Peter and the deputies, the Aikens and their ferry crew, the Alhadeff’s for letting us announce from their deck, Tami and the crew of the Port, our judges, the Presbyterian Church for setting up the seating area in their driveway. Then there is more – our general parade staging manager Parin Columna and his crew of volunteers, Barb Jensen, Peggy and Steve Leonard, Kris Brown, the Mazzarella’s for loaning us the beautiful Thunderbird to drive the Grand Marshals with Denise Urell at the wheel, Wendy at M&W for loaning us a smart car for me to zip around, a car for the Honored Citizens and always Benj Ross for making it so we could hear the announcers and for making the trophies for the parade winners.

The parade winners were Best Vehicle -San Juan Yacht Club, Best off-Island Entry-Canoe Island French Camp, Best Animal Group – the Golden Retrievers, Best Costumed Group – the Pirates, Judges Special Choice – the San Juan Community Theatre, Children/Youth – the San Juan Island Library, Best non-float – UW Laboratories, and the float was Uncle Sam, the Sons of the American Legion.

Finally, the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Kings Market and the San Juan Island Brewing Company for the matching grant for the fireworks, the Town of Friday Harbor Lodging Tax and the generous donations from not only San Juan Island residents but so many visitors! Thank you to all those that helped make the 4th of July a very big success.

Becki Day

Executive Director

San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce