“’Where Else But On Lopez’ has been selected as the theme for the July 4th Lopez Parade,” announced Jim Ghiglione, President of the Lopez Lions Club. “We believe everyone can have fun with this theme. It represents our unique … outlook.”

“We encourage everyone to participate in the Parade: families, organizations, individuals, groups,” said David Perera, co-chair of the parade. “The more participation in the parade, the better it is. And there are many awards too!”

The Lopez Lions Club has coordinated the parade and Fun Run/Walk for more than 30 years. “These events, along with the Fireworks, are major activities for the day’s celebration,” commented Ron Hall, co-chair of the Parade. “We want people, locals and visitors alike, to have a fun time and good memories of time on Lopez.”

Becky Smith has been chosen as the Grand Marshall for the parade. Becky moved to Lopez 29 years ago with her husband, Bob, and has been actively involved in a variety of organizations. She has been a driving force behind the chamber’s Tour de Lopez since its inception. In 2000 she became a Lopez Fire Commissioner, a role in which she still serves. Currently she is a board member of the Lopez Chamber of Commerce and Lopez Island Historical Museum, and has served on the Catherine Washburn Medical Association Board and the Lopez School Board. She has worked with Hospice and Home Support, Lopez Seniors, Lopez Community Fireworks, Lopez Island School District, to name a few.

The parade will follow the same route as last year, beginning on Fisherman Bay Road just south of The Lopez Islander Resort and Marina, going through the Village, past the Bank on Weeks Road to the Post Office and then around the corner to the Community Center where it ends. Parade registration will begin at 9 a.m. The Parade begins promptly at 11 a.m.

If you have an interest in assisting with the parade, contact either Ron Hall at islandgraphics@rockisland.com or David Perera at cper@rockisland.com.