Lopez Island Grange Hosts Second Annual Fall Festival, Quilt Show and Square Dance

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, September 25, 2018

For the second year in a row, Lopez Island Grange is hosting a fall festival and quilt show, with an evening potluck and square dance on Saturday, Oct. 6.

“Last year the fall festival was a smash success, and this year, thanks to Grange executive committee member and monthly square dance host Kelsey Nelsen, we’re thrilled to bring NPR favorites The Canote Brothers to the Grange for the evening dance,” said Sue DuMond, Grange executive committee member.

The fall festival will kick off at 10 a.m. and end at 2 p.m. with a farmers market showcasing local farmers out on the Grange lawn. The Enchanted Quilters of Lopez Island will again fill the interior of the Grange with their colorful handiwork, highlighting this past year’s work by its members. Last year the Enchanted Quilters presented a beautiful barn quilt to the Grange that is prominently displayed on the outside north wall of the Grange, as well as donated one for last year’s raffle. This year Tim Kent, Grange treasurer, will paint and donate the barn quilt that will be raffled off to one lucky islander. Tickets will be $5 a piece or three for $10. A limited number of raffle tickets will be available for sale the day of the event or through the Enchanted Quilters. All of the money raised will go to the Grange’s building maintenance fund.

This past year the Grange has been bustling with activity and enjoyed a busy event-filled calendar with no signs of slowing down. Lopez Island Grange hosted movies, lectures, a monthly square dance and potluck, a Mardi Gras fundraising dance with Lopez’s own local Cajun band, Little Winter Spring Markets, and more. All of the events brought in numerous people to the Grange and helped raise much-needed funds. The Lopez Grange was also the recipient of a 2018 San Juan County Lodging Tax Grant, which helped support events, marketing, utility bills, the purchase of new tables, chairs, popcorn machine and a huge professional movie screen. This spring a grant from the Lopez Island Thrift Shop enabled the reroofing of the Grange’s storage shed.

A large piece of the Grange’s fundraising efforts has been earmarked for the repair and repainting of the Grange’s exterior. The paint is badly peeling, exposing soft wood to the elements. This August the Grange was scheduled for painting, but due to a last-minute contractor cancellation, it’s had to be postponed.

“This was extremely disappointing. We have been unable to find another contractor this late in the season. We want everyone to know we’ve set aside the funds and will have to look towards next year to complete this project,” said DuMond.

The evening potluck starts at 6 p.m. and is bring your own everything. Come break bread with your neighbors! The dance starts at 7:30 p.m. with identical twins Greg and Jere Canote, aka The Canote Brothers. NPR listeners may remember the brothers as the affable sidekicks on “Sandy Bradley’s Potluck” for 13 years. Their music is steeped in vintage Americana, forgotten fiddle tunes, swing classics and quirky novelty songs. They’re sure to bring their distinct flavor to the square dance! Come one, come all, no partner or experience necessary, all dances taught. Sliding scale of $10 a person with kids always free.

For more info on the Lopez Island Grange Fall Festival and square dance and potluck please visit www.facebook.com/lopezislandgrange, email lopezgrangerental@gmail.com or call 360-468-2753.