Celebrating the 4th of July - island style | The Journal of the San Juan Islands

By Journal staff

San Juan Island knows how to celebrate July 4th, and this year will be no different. Starting off with a 5k run at Roche Harbor, a parade down Spring Street, live music and ending with fireworks in the evening, there is no shortage of fun.

Rock it to the Red White and Blue 4th of July Parade

10:30 a.m.

Spring Street

It’s time to get ready to Rock-it to the Red, White & Blue! Have you filled out your parade application yet? You still have time to get your entry in! And we have some great entries so far, plus a couple of surprises. The parade will start at approximately 10:30 a.m., Thursday, July 4th. A full day of music, food and entertainment will culminate with a glorious fireworks extravaganza over the scenic Port of Friday Harbor.

To participate in the 2024 Friday Harbor Independence Day Parade, you can pick up an application on our website, www.sanjuanisland.org, or at our office at the corner of 1st and Sunshine Alley, or email: becki@sanjuanisland.org for an application.

For those handicapped or in need, the Presbyterian Church is offering limited reserved seating. Contact the church at 360-378-4545.

Pig War Picnic with the Kiwanis

Right after the Parade at the San Juan County Fairgrounds

Last year, the 4th of July was a great day for a picnic and an even better day for families on San Juan Island. The annual Pig War Picnic presented by the Kiwanis Club of Friday Harbor was again a great success. The proceeds from this event are returned to the children of Friday Harbor. We were very pleased to give $20,000 this year to 20 graduating seniors who will use the scholarships to attend colleges or trade schools all around the country.

Kiwanis are excited to announce a fabulous new venue for 2024. Kiwanis will move the picnic from the current location at the baseball field to the County Fairgrounds on Argyle Ave. The new location offers a great improvement for 2024. There is a large parking area for both the picnic and parade. There is ample space for island vendors of local arts and crafts.

Introducing the Bite of San Juan. Modeled after the Bite of Seattle, it is a way to taste a variety of food from local restaurants and food vendors. We are offering an expanded menu including, authentic Mexican Carnitas with homemade tortillas, Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Kosher Hot Dogs, Corn on a stick, Strawberry Shortcake, Ice Cream Sundaes, Cake Walk and Beer Garden.

The Tom Henry Band will be on stage, and there will be lots of activities for kids of all ages including Three-Legged Races, Gunny Sack Races, Egg Tossing and Watermelon eating contest.

All proceeds from the event will be returned to the community youth.

Groovebot at the San Juan Island Brewing Company

1-3 p.m.

Come celebrate 4th of July at the Brewpub! The Brewing Company is open 11 a.m. – 3 p.m and will have hot dogs on the patio. Groovebot will play on the patio from 1 – 3 p.m.!

Rock the Dock

5-10 p.m.

Port of Friday Harbor

Live music featuring performances by Flipside, The Dangerfields, and UGAIA.

Dancing until the fireworks start! A beer garden will be available for refreshments.

Fireworks at approximately 10:30 p.m.

Find a good viewpoint of the harbor to watch the annual fireworks display out over the water.

Roche Harbor events

9 a.m. Family Fun run at the Yellow Brick Road

10:30 Kids games at the pool lawn area

12:30 University of Washington Husky Alumni Marching Band

1 p.m Donut eating contest at the West Lawn