What do a baby, a child, a raccoon and a anthropomorphic can of food have in common?
They’re the four candidates for mayor — unofficially — of Vashon Island.
The unofficial mayor’s race is a fundraiser for island nonprofits, which use the lighthearted competition to support and raise awareness about their work. The race is a major part of Strawberry Festival, the island’s largest celebration. The event is hosted annually by the Vashon Chamber of Commerce.
After the Strawberry Festival parade on Saturday, July 19, the votes will be counted and the official Unofficial Mayor announced. Voting officially ends at noon that day.
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.
This year, like in previous years, the election is decided by donations. One dollar donated equals one vote. Vote for your favorite at thisisvashon.com/unofficial_mayor.
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.
