Holland Happening will retain its name

Published 1:30 am Friday, February 7, 2020

Holland Happening is going to be happening after all.

Leaders at the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce decided to reserve a decision to change the name of the 51-year-old festival to the more generalized “Spring Festival.” Many people in the community bemoaned the change and a petition to restore the traditional name was started.

It worked. The community event in April will be called “Holland Happening Parade & Festival”

The chamber sent out a press release explaining that it heard “the community’s interesting in preserving the tradition of Holland Happening,” which is an event that celebrates the city’s Dutch heritage “while also welcoming all backgrounds that make our community rich and vibrant.”

“We are so moved to see and hear the genuine love this community has for this long-standing tradition and are very pleased to respond in kind,” the press release states.

The impetus to change the name was a realization that the Dutch aspects of the festival had faded over the years, but perhaps that will change.

The chamber welcomes community support and participation in the event. Those who would like to lend a hand, ideas or support can contact the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce at 360-675-3755.

For information about becoming a vendor, visit the chamber website and click on “parade and vendor applications.”