Kiwanis already have ideas for next year’s Pig War Picnic

By Julie McIntire Corey

Journal contributor

What a beautiful day for the 4th of July Pig War Picnic 2024. The picnic has a great history here on the island, and the Kiwanis have been in charge of the Pig War Picnic for almost 20 years. It is a small community service club with 30 members whose average age of its members is about 60 years young. It’s a fantastic group of worker bees! Everyone helps in any way they can to make it a success. This year was no exception.

“After last year’s picnic, it was decided to significantly change the event this year,” Nancy Foster Fusare, a twenty-five-year member of Kiwanis said, adding that the Kiwanis are optimistic next year will be better. The first year for a new venue is always tricky; first one must estimate how many food orders will be sold, then ensure enough volunteers will be on hand to provide good service. This year allowed them to offer more scholarships for the 2025 High School Seniors and continue their community service to San Juan Island.

The main negative feedback was long lines for food causing people to wait a considerable length of time for food. With approximately 2,000 to 4,000 people in attendance, some wait time was to be expected. In positive feedback, islanders seemed pleased with both the venue and overall event. People loved catching up with fellow community members and seeing them out having fun.

The Friday Harbor High School 2025 Seniors ran the parking lot across the street from the picnic. It was a great fundraiser for them.

Friday Harbor has one of the best Fourth of July venues, with a small-town feel. Tourists come back every year to enjoy it, but islanders get into the celebrations as well, many volunteering to make it fun for everyone.