It was another smashing success for the Island’s Summer Celebration! It was the 17th summer of the weekend party. The weather was perfect, the food tasty and the crowd happy. The pirates scared and delighted revelers, although the cannon fire just might have been a tiny bit excessive. The fireworks were spectacular and the addition of Metro transportation to ferry people back and forth from the park, brilliant (and sustainable).

And it all began with the Grand Parade. A seemingly simple event, the parade is a canny way to get us all together — from preschoolers and parents to pet-lovers and politicians. It makes the event belong to everyone, not just organizers or sponsors. Those organizers and sponsors however are imaginative and attentive to every detail — dedicated to keeping alive an Island tradition revered by young and old.

The summer weekend party along with other community events — such as the Firehouse Munch and tree lighting, evenings in the park for movies, plays and music are all important rituals.

A newer Island tradition is having perhaps its final chapter this week with the release of the seventh and last book of the Harry Potter series.The Potter gala will take place this Friday evening at the Community Center at Mercer View, our still-new gathering place that is perfect for an event such as this. This celebration began six summers ago with the release of the second installment in the series. Roger Page and his staff at Island Books made it happen for Potter fans.

This particular event combines all of the values that Mercer Islanders hold dear — a gathering of families at a place where they can visit with neighbors, make new friends and create memories. It is an event where children can use their imagination, where art and reading are feted. A perfect potion of literature, fun and community.