Vashon’s 2012 Strawberry Festival was kicked off by the Grand Parade, a dazzling and delightful affair that made its way through town Saturday morning under a pleasantly hazy sky. As in years past, the parade included artistry, flair and an occasional political statement.
The festival — a full weekend of fun — also included a classic car parade on Sunday, where gleaming Chevys mixed it up with classy T-birds and MGs. Among those in the parade were Lou Engels and his family; Lou, who was spotted in his son’s Impala, was this year’s grand marshal.
Another highlight was the selection of this year’s unofficial mayor — Hilary Emmer, who raised $7,100 for two causes — the Dental Van, which visits Vashon to provide dental care to children and adults who can’t afford it, and medical vouchers, a new program that offers funds to low-income families to get preventative health care from the provider of their choice. “Think of this as single payer health care for Vashon residents,” she said.

Take a look at the slideshow. Photos are by Leslie Brown, Ray Pfortner, Craig Hanson and Robert Teagardin.