In addition to raising our spirits, the July 3 Summer Vibes Party raised much-needed funds for nonprofits.

Friends of the Farms received the proceeds for coordinating the wine and beer garden. Donations beyond covering the costs of the event are first going to the Arts & Humanities Artists Emergency that most recently made it possible to video tape an island delegation’s trip to the former Manzanar War Relocation Center in Northern California.

Seven local vendors had total sales of nearly $12,000. This economic boost was also felt by many nearby Winslow Way businesses as people stopped by before and after the event. The person checking identification at 122 Winslow said, “As soon as July 3 Summer Vibes Party was over, we were packed.”

In addition to raising our spirits, the July 3 Summer Vibes Party also raised much-needed funds for non-profits. Friends of the Farms received the proceeds for coordinating the wine & beer garden. Donations beyond covering the costs of the event are first going to the Arts & Humanities Artists Emergency Fund that most recently made it possible to video tape an island delegation’s trip to the former Manzanar War Relocation Center in Northern California which remarkably included 100-year-old Fumiko Hayashida, who is the oldest surviving islander to have been moved there. A small portion from the donations is also going to Bainbridge Island City Repair to produce when needed the next community gathering. The numbers are not yet finalized, it is though looking like nearly $5,000 was raised for local non-profits!

Many thanks to the event’s producers Bainbridge Island City Repair, Island Vibes and the Arts & Humanities Council; the organizing team of Heather Wolf, Sean Matteson, Alice Tawresey, Cathie Currie and Kathy Haskin; the many musicians who participated; and lead volunteers Zero Waste member Diane Landry, caterer for the performers Marnee Woodruff, stage manager Andy Geilfuss, Elise Golsan volunteer coordinator; and emcees from the Bainbridge Island Radio Club Lena Davidson, Morgan Terry, and Peter Jayne.

Thank you to the many volunteers who helped set up, gave their time during the event, and did a spectacular job cleaning up. Special thanks go to Mark Sells of Bainbridge Performing Arts for putting up those magnificent nautical flags loaned to the event by Bainbridge Island Historical Museum and Richard Nelson.

Lastly, the event was made possible through the generous support of dozens of island organizations and individuals too numerous to name here.

Lessons learned? Oh yeah! We have a much greater appreciation for the work done by the Bainbridge Island Downtown Association and Chamber of Commerce to produce the July 3rd & 4th. These are mighty events to coordinate! Every necessary permit and required coverage for this event was taken care of (Special Event Permit, Liquor License, Fire Permit, Insurance), through the guidance of the City and other local event promoters. We’d like to see the process be made more clear and fair. There should be an online packet to walk people through coordinating their event with the City. We will work with the City and event promoters to improve the process so more community events can be produced smoothly as definitely celebrations should be happening on this island!

Debbi Lester,

Summer Vibes Party organizing team member