Paint the town red, white and blue. From the early morning pancake breakfasts to evening pyrotechnics and flag-lined streets, the patriotism during Oak Harbor’s annual, Old-Fashioned Independence Day celebration can’t be beat.

The jubilation kicks off with a beach-side family carnival at Windjammer Park on Thursday, July 2, when kids can be kids and grown-ups may rediscover the essence of youth amid the multitude of games and rides.

The festivities begin early with all-American-inspired breakfasts offered by North Whidbey Fire and Rescue at the Taylor Road Fire Station, and by the Oak Harbor Rotary at the YMCA building, 540 SE Pioneer Way.

Find a seat along Pioneer Way for a view of the Whidbey Island Bank Grand Parade and all its offerings, including police cars, fire engines, the Navy Band Northwest Ceremonial Band and candy hand-outs.

This year’s parade will be led by Grand Marshal Paul Mankin, who enlisted in the United States Navy in 1937 when he was 17-years-old.

The young man’s first assignment brought him aboard the battleship USS California as a radioman, until he was accepted for flight training in Pensacola, Fla. In February 1942, he received his wings and took to the air.

Mankin remembers his first kill like it was yesterday. It was his first day in combat, August 7, 1942, when he and five other F4F pilots encountered 23 twin-engine Japanese bombers escorted by 10 Zero fighters. Mankin spotted a solo bomber and went in for the attack despite warnings from his fellow pilots that it may be a decoy.

“I thought, ‘Well it’s too bad for the decoy,’” Mankin said. “I shot his engine and he spiraled into the sea.”

Of the six F4F planes that went out that day, only three returned, he said.

While flying over Guadalcanal, Mankin shot down his fifth enemy plane at the age of 21, earning recognition as an Ace.

Mankin’s achievement earned him a private meeting with Major General Alexander A. Vandegrift.

“I thought, Lord, I mean this is like going up to see God,” he said of his visit to the Commander’s quarters.

Mankin served on both the east and west coasts for 21 years until he retired to Alameda, Calif. in 1958. He eventually moved to Westport, Wash. where he operated a charter fishing boat.

Although he didn’t know a soul in Oak Harbor, Mankin moved to the island community with his late wife, Kathleen, in 1982 for its amenities, including the marina, hospital, commissary and Navy exchange.

“It had all the things I could take advantage of and use,” he said.

The Oak Harbor Rotary chose Mankin as this year’s grand marshal for his extraordinary accomplishments.

“He rose from seaman to captain, which is quite a feat,” said outgoing Rotary Treasurer Dick Toft.

“Paul’s name came up by more than one member of the group,” said Toft. “He’s part of the greatest generation.”

“Mr. Mankin’s contributions to the defense of our nation are truly heroic. He embodies patriotism and service to county and it is an honor to have him as our 2009 Grand Parade Marshal,” said Jill Johnson, director of the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce.

The celebration continues Saturday after the 11 a.m. parade. Windjammer Park will be filled with family games, arts and crafts booths and an afternoon-long concert series.

Stay and play at the carnival or on the beach until dusk when the Pioneer Tree Service & Landscaping Community Fireworks Extravaganza fireworks will light up the night sky at Windjammer Park.

According to Johnson, this year’s display features $15,500 worth of fireworks sponsored by donations from local businesses.

“These local donations are the cornerstone of Oak Harbor’s Old-Fashioned Fourth of July,” Johnson said.