There’s a little something for everyone at the Chamber of Commerce’s annual Splash of Summer Color Weekend, Saturday and Sunday.
The weekend features two popular events: the San Juan Island Lavender Festival and the Summer Arts Fair.
Pelindaba Lavender Farm celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and is pulling out all the stops for its annual festival. Visitors to the farm on Wold Road can explore the fields on their own or participate in guided tours. In addition, there will be various workshops and demonstrations available.
Visitors to the farm can learn about cooking with lavender from local chef Anna Maria de Freitas; and they can “Meet the Farmer,” Pelindaba founder Stephen Robins, who will lead a discussion about lavender cultivation and the Pelindaba philosophy.
Arts and crafts activities include lavender wreath and wand making; children can participate in face painting or make lavender faerie wands and crowns. Visitors can also sample Pelindaba’s wide selection of baked goods and refreshments — including lavender ice cream and lavender-flavored coffee. Savory lunch options will be provided by Cafe Demeter.
Because of the farm’s harvesting schedule, “There will be more flower heads in bloom this year than ever before,” Robins said.
The farm is open to festival-goers Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival is free and parking is available on site. The farm is located at 33 Hawthorne Lane, at the corner of Wold Road.
If you want to stay closer to town, the Summer Arts Fair on Court Street — sponsored by Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor, Islanders Bank, Friday Harbor Gallery Association and Printonyx — promises a wide variety of fine arts and crafts activities for all ages.
As always, local and regional artists will sell their artwork in a juried show. Everything from recycled glass pottery to soft fabric sculpture will be on display. The artists will also provide art demonstrations in jewelry making, watercolor, sculpture, and woodworking.
Musical entertainment will be provided on the courthouse lawn. Local performers include David Bayley, Ian Boulton, Keith Busha & Friends, Ian Byington, Teddy Deane, Steve Dyer, Kubatana Marimba, OOPA! Gypsy Music, Dan Paulson, Stone Soup Marimba, and Ed Wilson.
Back by popular demand, Island Rec’s will sponsor its sixth annual “Chalk it Up” sidewalk art competition at the arts fair on Saturday. Prizes will be awarded for Most Original, Most Colorful, and Judges’ Choice. The event is for all ages, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of the courthouse.
The Fire Department will host a pancake breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to noon on both days. There will be additional food services provided throughout the weekend by Lopez Creamery, the Kiwanis K-Boose, the Popcorn Lady, and Homegrown Grill.
The fair is Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 pm.
Volunteers are needed to help set up for the Summer Arts Fair on Saturday morning from 6:45-9:30 a.m. Those interested should contact the Chamber of Commerce, 378-5240.
