We’re old-fashioned during the July 4 holiday: parade, hot dogs, softball and kids’ games are just the start of the fun. Think trophies, baked beans, dessert raffle, ice cream cones and an auction. From the very young to the somewhat … older residents will join forces July 4 for the parade. Creativity rules on Shaw. Parades have included llamas, tractors, a bearded man in tutu with wand, the Freeloaders of the Free Bench, vintage cars, bicycles, fully decorated floats, musicians, and yes, chickens.
The parade starts at 11 a.m. at the Community Center, a place of coordinated chaos before morphing into an organized visual treat for those lining the road to the Shaw County Park. There are trophies for the best of everything, with the pinnacle of achievement the coveted Whittaker Trophy.
The Picnic at the Park starts at noon. Our culinary experts will call to your taste buds with hot dogs, baked beans, salads and desserts. Yes, desserts! The menu is worth every penny of the $7.50 meal, and the ambience is free. The cooks won’t turn down an offer of help when it comes time to clean up after the meal.
Forget the after-meal siesta. At 2 p.m., trophies by the box load will be awarded. Don’t miss a minute of the commentary! The children will participate in games, and then everyone can make the short trek to the 1-year-old Shaw Field for the traditional softball games (once played in a wheat field). Shaw Islanders raised more than $100,000 to create this beautiful community asset on San Juan County park property. The photograph with this story was taken on July 4, 2013, by Gabriel Jacobs during the field’s dedication. Also on the agenda during the softball games: free ice cream!
Saturday, July 5, brings a different take on celebrating, this time starting at 11 a.m. at the Community Center. We’ll drift from one opportunity or another to lighten our wallets for the Good of Shaw: a Farmers’ Market, vintage ‘stuff,’ a silent raffle, a silent dessert raffle, and baked potatoes with toppings for sale. Did I mention a dessert raffle? The raffles end at 12:30 p.m. This day is also an opportunity to become reacquainted with folks that we haven’t seen since the last July 4, or to meet some newcomers.
Take a number and a seat for the big auction at 1 p.m. Make that the BIG AUCTION that will be the main support of the Community Center and Shaw Islanders, Inc. for the next two years. Chris Hopkins will be the auctioneer for this extravaganza of donated items. Raffle and auction donations are needed. Contact Dittie Weinel (3235) or Diana Wisen (2538) and tell them what you’d like to share. Diana says that more volunteers are needed to make this day a success. Can you help? Email dmwisen@fidalgo.net.