Editor,

For our sixth annual Oak Harbor Block Party and Pig Roast, more than 4,000 people turned out to celebrate and helped raise money for charity.

This year, 2,200 pounds of pork, 800 pounds of potato salad, 450 pounds of pasta salad and 900 ears of corn were provided and more than 1,000 people went through the barbecue competition line.

As always, the activities were endless. Climbing wall for the whole family to enjoy, L-Bow the Clown who can blow fire, the funny act of Marcus Raymond, the talented bands, Broken Banjo and Still Bill Band, who played great music all afternoon, DJ Unlimited for teaching us new dances, face painting with Sara Fraser and friends who painted from noon-5 p.m. nonstop because the line would not end. Mr. Pig was everywhere to put smiles on the children’s faces as he waved, danced and gave hugs.

The pie eating and hot dog contests are always fun to watch with kids and adults of all ages stuffing their faces.

There were belly dancers, panning for gold, Aikido demonstrations and young adults singing and playing their instruments with such talent you were left in awe.

Thank you to our major sponsor, Island Thrift, along with our other sponsors and contributors such as,   Les Schwab for the climbing wall, Alaska USA Mortgage Co. for helping in the success of the barbecue contest, PSE, Boeing, Whidbey Island Bank, Ace Hardware, Windermere,  New Leaf, Saar’s Market Place, P&L Construction, Walmart, Stewart Title, Guild Mortgage, Whitfield Insurance, Whidbey News Times and Food Services of America.

From the crew who sets up and the group who breaks down, to the committees who work tirelessly and to the ones who just steps up and say I want to help. Thank you.

This event can only happen with everyone working together.

This year more than $10,000 was raised to donate to local charities, North Whidbey Help House, Youth Dynamics and Medical Safety Net of North Whidbey.

Scott Fraser, Founder
Oak Harbor Fidalgo Avenue Merchant Association