Kay White, a philanthropist with a keen interest in music and the arts, has been named the Grand Marshal for this year’s Strawberry Festival, according to the Island’s Chamber of Commerce.

Debi Richards, the chamber’s executive director, said White received several nominations for this year’s honorary position. She was selected as the Grand Marshal by Dick and Linda Bianchi, real estate agents who are sponsoring this part of the Strawberry Festival, as well as other chamber officers. 

All told, Richards said, five Islanders were nominated for the position.

“She’s absolutely a delightful woman. … What intrigues me the most is that at 90 years old, she’s referred to as a roll-your- sleeves-up-and-get-it-done kind of person,” Richards said of White.

According to Richards, White has been a generous supporter of the Vashon Garden Club, the Vashon Senior Center, Vashon Island Chorale, Vashon Opera and Vashon Chamber Music. Her home has been on the Vashon Allied Arts Garden Tour twice in recent years. 

Most recently, White has become known for her role with Vashon Allied Arts, where she’s become the lead philanthropist behind the arts organization’s multi-million-dollar effort to construct a new performing arts center. 

Shuttle service to be provided at both ferry terminals

The Chamber of Com-merce will provide shuttle service during the Strawberry Festival at both the north and south end of the Island this year, a first for the long-standing community celebration.

The chamber has often provided service to those who arrive to Vashon via the north-end ferry, said Debi Richards, the chamber’s executive director. This is the first time, however, that a shuttle will be made available to those who arrive at Tahlequah.

“It’s a nice addition. It’s a bigger expenditure for the chamber, but we feel it’s a service that’s needed and appreciated,” Richards said. 

The shuttle from the north end will leave approximately every 30 minutes from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, dropping off riders at Ober Park. It will pick up anyone who flags it down along Vashon Highway.

The south-end shuttle will pick up riders as they arrive by boat. It will travel into town via Wax Orchard Road and Agren Park, picking up Island residents along the way.

The shuttle is $1. Children under 5 are free.

Sign up for Bill Burby fun run

Runners and walkers can register now for the 31st annual Bill Burby Inspirational Fun Run and Walk, which, in keeping with tradition, will take place the morning of Saturday, July 16, before the Strawberry Festival’s Grand Parade.

The race, which includes a 10K run, 5K run and 5K walk near Dilworth Point, was named after the beloved Vashon teacher and coach who died unexpectedly in 1989. Last year, the event drew nearly 400 participants.

Race check-in begins at 8 a.m., and the race begins at 9 a.m. Awards will be presented at 10:30 a.m.

For adults, entry in the race costs $20 through Thursday, July 14, and $30 on the race day. For those 18 and under, advance registration is $15 and $20 on the race day. Participants can register online at bill

burbyrace.org through 6 p.m. Thursday, July 14. Athletes who register on the race day aren’t guaranteed a T-shirt. 

Church offers parking for festival parade

Vashon Presbyterian Church is once again offering reserved parking for those who want to be near the action on the morning of Strawberry Festival’s Grand Parade.

The parking spots are reserved by donation. This year’s fundraiser will benefit both DoVE, a newly formed Island organization offering support for victims of domestic violence, and relief efforts by the Red Cross in Joplin, Miss. 

The parade will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 16. To reserve parking and chairs, contact Beverly Skeffington at 354-8921 or at beverlyskeffington@gmail.com. Reserved spaces will only be held until 10:45 a.m.