FRONT PAGE

Giddyup for a rootin’ tootin’ Fourth!

By Meg Olson

The Fourth of July, undeniably the biggest party of the year for Point Roberts, is getting even bigger this year with expanded post-parade festivities at the marina.

“As the chamber of commerce we wanted to do something that highlighted local business and we thought we could offer more at the marina,” said Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce president Emily Smith.

The day will start off with the traditional pancake breakfast organized by the Tsawwassen/Point Roberts Rotary Club. At TJ’s as usual, the breakfast runs from 8 to 10:30 a.m. and costs $3 U.S. or $4 Cdn. Another option for sustenance and a parade-side feast is brunch at Brewster’s or coffee and fresh baked goods at Caffé Capanna.
The parade this year will have a western theme. “It’s the wild, wild, West,” Smith said. It starts at the Reef at 11 a.m. and will go down Gulf Road, turning left on Tyee Drive and ending in the marina overflow parking lot. Participants can sign in starting at 10 a.m.

Businesses, families, neighborhoods, community groups and individuals are all welcome to participate in the parade but will need to get an entry form and either pre-register or bring it to the parade.

The forms are available online at www.pointrobertschamber.com or by calling 945-2313.

After the parade participants and spectators can drift over to the marina building where a post-parade show is planned, hosted by comedian Billy Mitchell and featuring live music by Calamity Jane, George Wright, Edson, Steven Furno, Gil, and the J. Band. Dockside Café will be serving food and running an outside beer garden. Activities for children and adults are also planned

Vendors, community groups and local artists will have tables and booths in a market area and Smith said there are still spots available.

“We are asking any community group who has a fundraiser or something to show off, or artists and crafters to join us,” she said. There is no fee to participate.

Smith said the chamber had initially hoped to be able to coordinate a fireworks display for the evening but learned they would need a professional pyrotechnician for anything larger than 10 feet. “If that is something we want to do in the future we’ll need to do some serious fundraising,” she said.