Submitted by the San Juan Island Yacht Club

Everyone is invited to the Friday Harbor waterfront at 2:15 p.m. on Sunday, May 5 for the island’s annual Opening Day Boat Parade. Visualize a combination music festival and 4th of July parade on the water. The parade can best be viewed from Spring Street Landing and adjoining waterfront locations, but the Yacht club will be open as well in case the weather does not cooperate and for the concert after the parade.

The parade’s theme is “San Juan Island Rocks!” and we are inviting everyone to participate. The double entendre is intended to drive a theme that celebrates our love of the island with music that expresses the joy of living in such a magical place. In keeping with this theme, Kim Miller, world-famous musicologist, published author, philanthropist, and enthusiastic boater in the Pacific NW will be our Grand Marshall.

Boats of any size, whether power, sail, or human-powered, are eligible to enter the parade. Registration is free, but entrants must register and receive a number to be in the parade. Register online at www.sjiyc.com. The Port of Friday Harbor is giving a free night of moorage on either Saturday, May 4 or Sunday, May 5 to all parade entrants.

During the parade, the main functions will be at the Spring Street Landing where the announcers’, dignitaries’ and judges’ boats will be tied up to observe the parade. Boats will parade before local dignitaries and judges with prizes awarded in five categories: most creative display of the theme, nautical display of traditional signal flags, classic wooden boat, human-powered craft, and commercial.

After the parade there will be a classic rock concert at the San Juan Island Yacht Club, 273 Front Street, that everyone is free to attend starting at 3:30 pm. The Parade Awards Ceremony will be held at 4:30 pm and will be followed by more music and fun.

The parade is sponsored by the San Juan Island Yacht Club in partnership with the Port of Friday