Vashon’s Unofficial Mayor race enters its home stretch this weekend, and the four candidates will chase their last votes during the opening hours of Strawberry Festival.
The lighthearted competition, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, is a chance for island nonprofits to raise awareness about, and financial support for, their work. Nonprofits receive 85% of the money raised; the remainder goes to the Chamber for Strawberry Festival expenses.
This year, like in previous years, the election is decided by donations: One dollar donated equals one vote, and the candidate who raises the most will win. Vote for your favorite at thisisvashon.com/unofficial_mayor.
Voting officially ends at 2 p.m. on Saturday, and the winner will be announced between 4:30 and 5 p.m. at the Ober Park main stage — note that the exact time is subject to change.
Previous winners have included island activists and civic leaders and animals including steers and dogs. Last year’s unofficial mayor was Uncle Wigglebottom, a benevolent folkloric spirit that presides over Vashon’s Camp Sealth.
As a reminder, the candidates — with descriptions provided by the Chamber of Commerce — include:
TK Rose / Blue Heron Education Center Scholarship Fund
TK Rose is an 8-year-old with big moves and an even bigger heart. He’s the person most likely to get the dancing started and is a friend to everyone he meets. A dance student at VCA and arts enthusiast, TK’s candidacy supports the Blue Heron Education Center’s Scholarship Fund to keep the arts accessible to all of Vashon’s youth. As TK says: “Everyone should have the chance to dance.”
Georgie / Vashon Island Midwifery
Georgie was born at home on Vashon just before midnight on New Year’s Eve 2023. Thanks to the nurturing and empowering care she and her mother received from Katelyn and her team at Vashon Island Midwifery, Georgie represents advocacy for universal access to holistic childbirth care, milk on demand, and all Vashon babies.
Fern the Raccoon / VashonBePrepared
Early in the pandemic, Fern — a fictional VashonBePrepared raccoon mascot — reminded residents us to mask up and keep each other safe. She encouraged them to get tested and vaccinated too. She also encourages residents to prepare their households and meet with neighbors to increase their resilience against disasters of all kinds. A vote for Fern is a vote to keep training volunteers and stocking up on supplies to help the community.
Canny / Vashon Maury Community Food Bank
Canny, a giant anthropomorphic can, represents the belief that access to nutritious food is a basic human right. The Vashon Food Bank works in partnership with the Vashon community to increase food security and connect people to the supporting resources they need to thrive. Supporting Canny’s campaign helps the Vashon Food Bank’s current needs and future expansion.
Last year, islanders elected Uncle Wigglebottom, a folkloric and benevolent spirit representing childhood and magic at Vashon’s beloved Camp Sealth, to be the island’s unofficial mayor. Campers can drop a letter in his official mailbox whether in need of a friend, storytelling of their days’ adventures or just to say hello. He often writes back. (Camp Sealth photo)
