Holiday weekend busy on Whidbey Island

Coupeville’s annual Memorial Day Parade leads off the holiday weekend on Whidbey Island, beginning this morning, May 29, at 11 a.m. Jets from Whidbey Island Naval Air Station will provide an exciting start with a flyover.

The colorful parade honors those who have served and died for their country. Enjoy marching bands and veterans’ groups, vintage cars, tractors, floats, military, animals and more, followed by a community picnic, speeches and music at Town Park.

Monday, traditional Memorial Day services at Maple Leaf Cemetery in Oak Harbor begin at 10 a.m. This year’s production is under the direction of Fleet Reserve Branch 97 in Oak Harbor, which conducts a solemn and emotional bell ceremony. The event also involves the American Legion, VFW and their auxiliaries, among others. An open house will be held at the cemetery office following the ceremony.

Meanwhile, the Fleet Reserve and other veterans groups will move out to Sunnyside Cemetery in Coupeville to repeat the Memorial Day ceremony, as is the tradition. Fleet Reserve Secretary Brian Adams recommends that people start arriving at 11:30 a.m. After the ceremony, it’s back to Oak Harbor where the Fleet Reserve will host a reception with light refreshments at around 1 p.m., at its headquarters at 311 SE Eighth Ave.

Weather for the events should be passable if not ideal. AccuWeather.com predicts a possible morning shower Saturday with a high of 58 in Oak Harbor, a mainly cloudy Sunday with a high of 58, and clouds and a few showers Monday with a high of 60.

Contact Whidbey News Times Record Editor Jim Larsen at editor@whidbeynewstimes.com or 1-360-675-6611 (ext 5050).

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.