Golden retrievers, proudly dressed in red, white, and blue bandanas stood next to their people in a thick crowd that lined up and down Spring Street, to watch the popular Fourth of July Parade.

“Traci Wilson did an amazing job,” said Becki Day, director of the San Juan Island Chamber. “It was well organized, especially for lasting an hour and a half.”

This year’s theme was 100 years of National Parks. Mike Vouri, former park ranger and historian, and Elexis Fredi, park Superintendent, served as grand marshals, representing the past and future of the parks.

Many of the floats featured various aspects of nature and wildlife. Wolf Hollow, for example, had a large seal wearing a Park Service badge.

The Whale Museum returned with their annual Dog Pod, which is a pack of “dorsal” wearing dogs, and owners. The museum won Best Animal Group Entry. Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor put some research into their float, dressing up as women throughout history who have parks named after them, including Harriet Tubman, Susan B. Anthony, Georgia O’Keefe, and Rosie the Riveter. Soroptimists won Best Costumed Group.

Music was a strong presence with several marching bands, bagpipes, drums and more, scattered throughout.

Awards in all categories were:

$600 Best Use of Theme, Float winner Islanders Bank

$400 Best Use of Theme, Non-Float, Building Blocks Preschool

$300 Best Use of Theme, Children/Youth, Julie and Gianni, “Animals of American Camp”

$300 Judges Special Choice, Cutthroat Pirates

$200 Best Costumed Group, Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor

$200 Best Animal/Animal Group Entry, Whale Museum

$200 Best Off Island Entry, Seattle Seahawks Blitz and Blue Thunder Drummers

$100 Best Vehicle, Thrift House 1923 Cadillac 53 Ford