Hey, its: Friday, July 18

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Orcas Today: July 18th-20th

Fun in the Park: Tumble & Move
July 18th from 12:00-2:00pm at Buck Park
Come have fun in Buck Park throughout the Summer on Fridays from 12-2pm. Free for all ages!

Art with Carla at the Orcas Senior Center
Fridays from 1:00-3:00pm
Led by experienced artist Carla Stanley, this lighthearted class focuses on the creative process with a strong belief in your artistic potential, regardless of skill level. The class is $10 (or $8 for OSC members). Contact Carla at 360.317.5652 or onlyonorcas@gmail.com to secure your spot. Uncover your artistic potential and join creative Fridays at Orcas Senior Center!

Teen Anime & Manga Fridays
Fridays from 2:00-3:00pm at the Orcas Library
This program runs June 20-August 22.  This summer, we’re diving into Delicious in Dungeon—where fantasy meets food in the most unexpected (and hilarious) ways. Join us each week for episodes, manga chats, snacks, and hangouts. All teens welcome. Come nerd out with us!

Needlework Circle at The Orcas Senior Center
Fridays from 2:00-6:00pm
Join this weekly gathering for knitters, crocheters, embroiderers, and all needleworkers at Orcas Senior Center, every Friday at 2pm. Come hang out—no project required! Whether you haven’t knitted in years, want to learn to crochet, or just want to relax and chat, you’ll find a wonderful selection of donated yarn, needles, books, and plenty of friendly advice. For more information, contact Edy Hansen at edy@orcasseniors.org or 206.413.6167

Live Music at Orcas Island Winery
July 18th at 4:00pm
Featuring Seagrass Music.

On Screen at Orcas Center: Jean Cocteau Documentary
July 18th at 7:00pm
In the years before fame alone would be accepted as an art form, multi-faceted poet, playwright, visual artist, and filmmaker Jean Cocteau considered his artistic lot in life one of obscurity and celebrity. Over decades, this fragile workhorse pioneered a dazzling private & public alchemy of staggering talent, success, renown, and controversy.

Orcas Island Farmers Market
Saturdays from 10:00am-2:00pm at the Village Green
The 2025 Summer Farmers Market promises to be better than ever! All Summer long you can head down to the Village Green every Saturday from 10am-2pm and support your favorite vendors, farmers and food growers, and catch some amazing musical talent from the stage.  Featuring live music by Grace McCune and Anna Mueller.

Olga Daze
July 19th from 10:00am-2:00pm at Olga Park
Come for breakfast at the bake sale, featuring the world famous maple bars made on the spot. Stay for lunch then come back to the bake sale for dessert. The parade starts at noon and features an OIFR fire truck and antique cars. Live music will be performed throughout the day and includes our island’s most talented musicians. Children’s games and face painting guarantee lots of fun and prizes. Have fun with an antique printing press and make your own, one of a kind document in beautiful calligraphy. And don’t forget the history booth. Olga is rich in history and charm. A long tradition at Olga Daze is the auction of a beautiful handmade quilt. The quilt will be on display and raffle tickets available until 1:45 when the drawing happens. You do not need to be present to win. Then to cap off the day a riding mower race at 2pm! Want to enter? Call Steve at 360.376.1461. All proceeds support the maintenance of the historic,1913 Olga Energetics Club building. See you in Olga!

Celebration of Life
July 19th at 5:00pm at the Grange
Potluck and open mic night remembering and celebrating the lives of Rivkah Sweedler, Frances Applegate, Jesse Applegate and James Applegate. Bring food, instrument, and voice to remember and celebrate these special islanders. Starts at 5pm and goes until everyone leaves! For more info contact Lola Applegate at 206.919.4311

Outdoor Summer Concert Series
July 20th at 5:00pm at the Village Green
The Orcas Center’s Free Summer Concert Series continues with another incredible line-up featuring Bobby Bare Jr and Mars FM. 

Get out and Hike

Little Summit Trail – Difficult

2.2 miles. 430 feet elevation gain/loss Little Summit rests above Mountain Lake on the eastern side of Mount Constitution. The Little Summit Trail starts at one of the best picnic vistas in Moran State Park, with several tables for visitors to relax on as they enjoy views of Mount Pickett and the south sound. The trail continues along the sloping ridge of the mountain towards the summit through variable terrain populated by switchbacks, ant hills, and ancient Lodgepole Pine growth. Several vantage points along the trail offer breathtaking views and photo opportunities of eastern Orcas Island, including Mountain Lake and Twin Lakes, and the waters of the Salish Sea. Take the mid-way cutoff towards the Cold Springs Trail for further hiking or continue the ascent towards the summit and see the best view in the San Juan Islands.

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A Bite Of Orcas

New Leaf Cafe – By Howie

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. Period, full stop, buck stops there, you get the idea. Though I don’t garner the opportunity to savor a good breakfast often, it warms my heart, body, and soul when I gain said opportunity. Our previous restaurant on the list had to be pushed back due to unforeseen circumstances, but it made for a wonderful brunch in the end. My esteemed colleague and I set sail for a early-afternoon adventure of the taste buds, and if you couldn’t tell by my praise, it was a fine voyage indeed! New Leaf Café is a restaurant located in one of the three buildings belonging to Outlook Inn, one of the premier places to stay for a visit on the island. They have gone through several Iterations and have since settled to doing Brunch and Dinner. However, due to the times we live in, Brunch is the only meal they could serve this season, but we, as food connoisseurs, were not deterred from this fact, boldly striding into the calming atmosphere of New Leaf Café with our heads high, and our appetites… uh… also high? We were hungry, okay? While my esteemed colleague opted for one of his favorites…

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