Spring has sprung and summer is knocking at the door.
It’s time to get out and live a little.
And there’s arguably no better time to enjoy some of the more creative, heartwarming and truly inspiring traditions and events that San Juan Island has to offer than in the weeks ahead.
You may be familiar with some of what’s in store. But consider exploring something all together different in the possibility that you just might discover a surprise and new favorite in your own backyard.
So grab a calendar and find a pen. Below is a list of some of the island’s upcoming, unique events.
Memorial Day: Past and present come together as the community pays tribute to soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in time of war. The tribute, which begins in downtown Friday Harbor at 10 a.m., includes a parade, a gun salute, reading of “In Flanders Field”, and haunting melodies of bagpipes.
Graduation ceremonies: Spring Street International School kicks off commencement season June 4 at San Juan Community Theatre, beginning at 2 p.m. A total of 85 students will have earned either a diploma or a degree as Skagit Valley College’s San Juan Center, Friday Harbor High School and Griffin Bay School follow suit with commencement ceremonies of their own over the course of the next 10 days.
S.J. Celebrity Golf Classic: Speaking of courses, this year marks the 25th consecutive for the San Juan Celebrity Golf Classic, the island’s longest-running charitable event. Proceeds from the two-day event, which begins June 3 at San Juan Golf and Country Club, and features a live and silent auction, will benefit 10 local non-profits.
Jazz at the Labs: The hottest ticket in town will be even hotter this year as KPLU’s mid-day jazz host Dick Stein will emcee F.H. Labs’ annual music fest, a fund raiser for San Juan schools’ K-12 Science Outreach Program. (see story, pg. 9)
San Juan Island Marathon: It’s definitely not the easiest around, but the 26.2-mile San Juan Island Marathon has earned the distinction of Northwest Runner magazine as the “most scenic” in the region. The event also features a half-marathon, 13.1 miles, and for the first time a 10K run as well. All three runs begin at 8:30 a.m., June 5, at the Friday Harbor fairgrounds.
Artists’ Studio Tour: The annual artists’ studio tour marks its 20th anniversary with the largest assembly of artists to date. The lineup for this year’s two-day event, June 4 and June 5, includes 19 featured artists and 23 guest artists. (for a brochure, map and info, visit www.sanjuanislandartists.com).
Garden Tour: Four gardens will be featured as part of this year’s annual tour, June 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m..
Tickets are $15 and will go on sale June 1, at Browne’s Home Center, Robin’s Nest and Griffin Bay Bookstore.
