The 2016 4th of July Parade applications are now available! Parade organizers are expecting a full field and participants are encouraged to sign up early due to limited parade space and time considerations. Forms are available at the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce office, 135 Spring Street, or may be downloaded at www.sanjuanisland.org – 4th of July Parade Page.

Thanks to a generous donation from King’s Market, the prizes to be awarded have been significantly increased as follows:

$600 Best Use of theme – Float

$400 Best Use of theme – Non-Float

$300 Best Use of theme – Children/Youth

$300 Judges Special Choice

$200 Best Costumed Group

$200 Best Animal/Animal Group

$200 Best Off-Island Entry

$100 Best Vehicle

The theme will be “America the Beautiful…100 Years of National Parks!” Grand Marshals Mike Vouri and SJI Park Superintendent Elexis Fredy will represent the National Parks first 100 years and the Parks next century, respectively. The National Park Service turns 100 years of age in 2016 and San Juan Island is excited to join in honoring our National Park system. This year’s inaugural “Citizens of Honor” are Gerry and Sonnie King, who were chosen for their outstanding community contributions. The parade will start at 10:30 a.m. on July 4 and proceed down historic Spring Street through downtown Friday Harbor. Completed and signed applications along with your $25 entry fee are due no later than Tuesday, June 28. For info about participating in the 2016 parade, email parade@sanjuanisland.org or call Traci Wilson, coordinator at 360-298-7760 or 206-914-7940.