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Photo by Marina Blatt. The Whidbey Island Fair isn’t just four days on the calendar — it’s the culmination of months of early mornings, daily chores and patient training. The Kline siblings, from ages 9 to 18, walk their lambs.

Life

Young exhibitors bring the fair to life

While the Whidbey Island Fair lasts only four days, the heart of the fair is built year-round.

Photos provided by Oak Harbor Main Street A record fundraising effort allowed the Oak Harbor Main Street Association to reach its maximum allocation through Washington’s Main Street Business and Occupation Tax Credit Program for the first time in 11 years.

News

Main Street reaches funding milestone

The Oak Harbor association ended an 11-year drought, securing the maximum amount available.

Photo by David Welton Washington has recorded 30 gray whale strandings so far this year, according to Cascadia Research, making 2026 the state’s second-highest year for strandings in five decades of monitoring.

News

Gray whale strandings near record high in state

PEER is also urging federal action.

(Photo by Marina Blatt) The producers did exactly what the group hoped they would do — exposed secrets, ruined evenings and provided enough material to fuel another hour of postgame analysis. From left are Zoey Wade, Tori Wade and Nick Sanabria.

Life

Watch party drama: ‘Love Island’ brings Whidbey fans together

Fans of the popular reality TV show gathered for a watch party last week.

(Photo provided) The eight-part audio drama follows a quest to uncover a hidden treasure, complete with pirates, battles and rough seas. From left are Keith David as Long John Silver, David Ossman as Captain Smollett and Orson Ossman, the writer and director.

Life

Whidbey sets the stage for Hollywood voices

John Goodman, Keith David headlined a new radio drama.

Photo by Matt Nienhuis

Life

Buskers strike a chord

Residents can enjoy free live music in downtown Coupeville every Wednesday.

Photo provided. Jane Bothel, the executive director for Mother Mentors and a longtime mentor, cheeses as she chaperones a young girl.

Life

Mother Mentors seek more volunteers

Several Whidbey Island families are waiting to be matched with volunteer mentors through a nonprofit

Life

Island County labor force growth outpaces state

Overall, data from May 2025 to May 2026 show increased workforce growth in Island County.

Photo by Marina Blatt. As part of the nationwide America 250 commemoration, the museum in Coupeville examines what was unfolding in the Puget Sound region in 1776 and how Independence Day traditions eventually reached the Pacific Northwest.

Life

New exhibit explores Whidbey’s revolutionary roots

Some of the island’s earliest settlers were linked to one of the defining events in American history.

Erica McColl

News

Principal’s resignation prompts calls to examine staff turnover

Speakers questioned employee turnover, district leadership and more during a June 25 board meeting.

(Photo by Marina Blatt) The Church of the Nazarene fireworks stand is open daily from about 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. through the Fourth of July near the Sherwin-Williams Paint Store in Oak Harbor. Volunteers and their kids hold up a variety of items they sell, from the 100-shot “Declaration of Detonation” to the “Mighty Sword.”

Life

Fireworks sales light up local cause

Buying fireworks locally helps support community organizations.

Photo by David Welton. The sisters have become a familiar presence in Whidbey Island’s magical community, offering bone casting readings, teaching classes and encouraging others to learn an ancient form of divination they believe belongs to everyone.

Life

Reading between the bones: ‘Wyrd Systers’ offer spiritual insights

Forget stethoscopes — Whidbey Island’s self-appointed spiritual diagnosticians prefer bones.

Photo by David Welton. The Maxwelton Fourth of July Parade is a beloved community tradition.

Life

Stars, stripes and small-town fun

For America’s 250th birthday, Whidbey Island will be decked out in red, white and blue.