Chamber news

In the peaceful pause that comes to all Strawberry Festival volunteers the week after, it’s fun to reflect on the beauty of the event. I came across the following description that says it perfectly for me.

“Festivals rise up from the fiber of communities to create celebrations of scale. They create awareness, build audiences, increase healthy tourism, serve families, strengthen nonprofits and are springboards for emerging artists.”

The Vashon Chamber of Commerce holds dear the wonderful traditions of Strawberry Festival that have developed over the past 80 years. We always aim to enhance neighborhood camaraderie, entertain thousands and promote economic development. Over the last several years, we have been committed to making significant positive changes while preserving the long-standing traditions. We always strive to do even better the next year and are very appreciative of any suggestions.

For those who question or are curious about the festival, here are some important facts to know.

• The Chamber of Commerce is responsible for planning and executing all aspects of the festival. Being a nonprofit, all net profits from the event go directly back to the community in the form of special activities throughout the year. This ties in with our mission of cultivating an environment for commerce that helps businesses and organizations prosper, while enriching our unique quality of life for every Islander and visitor.

• There are hundreds of volunteers who powerfully come together to execute the endless details that go with producing a safe and successful event for upwards of 30,000 people. Many meaningful relationships have been formed by people, often starting as strangers, working side by side for a common cause. I know this firsthand and value the friendships I’ve made over the years.

• Ober Park has been designated as showcasing “Vashon only” artists and vendors. This segment continues to grow every year. With special music playing throughout the day and night, it has become a very popular oasis during the weekend.

• The month of July is the busiest “festival month” of the year for all towns throughout the country, and we compete with many others for the off-Island vendors who come over for the weekend.

• There were 31 great concert performances throughout the weekend at various locations.

• There are dozens of carnival rides and thousands of tickets sold to families who enjoy rides and games for every age. The Chamber donates hundreds of tickets, through Vashon Youth & Family Services, to families who would not otherwise be able to enjoy the rides.

• There were 120 priceless entries in the Grand Parade.

• There were 107 nostalgic and beautiful entries in the car parade on Sunday and a parking lot full of fun for car buffs in front of Vashon Auto Parts/NAPA.

• The chamber works very closely with the King County Health Department, state Liquor Board, Fire Marshal and King County Sheriff’s Office to ensure legal compliance with all government rules and regulations. Safety is our number one priority and we follow up on any incidents to the contrary.

• Nonprofit organizations raise thousands of dollars during the festival to benefit the community.

One of the most amazing things about festival is the next morning when I drive to work, I do not see one piece of trash or any evidence of this amazing weekend. Thank you to the hundreds of volunteers, the many sponsors and the thousands of participants in Strawberry Festival 2008. Until next year…

­— Melinda Sontgerath is president of the Vashon-Maury Chamber of Commerce.