There are bigger towns in the U.S.A. but it’s doubtful that any of them pack more fun and patriotism into our nation’s birthday than Oak Harbor.
Oak Harbor has it all on the Fourth of July: A Grand Parade with Navy and other military participants; a street fair; pancake breakfast to benefit Rotary projects; a fantastic carnival where kids and families gather all day and most of the night; and to top it all off, a spectacular fireworks show with bombs bursting in air over Oak Harbor Bay.
The weather, of course, will be “iffy,” but early-week forecasts are favorable, predicting partly sunny skies and temperatures in the 60s. Regardless, Oak Harbor has never let the weather get in the way of a great Independence Day celebration. Many families share fond memories of standing in a downpour waiting for a carnival ride or watching the fireworks. Compared to some years, this year’s weather looks downright comfortable. Even if it is a bit on the chilly side for July, just think of those millions of folks back east suffering through a string of humid, 100 degree days. If there’s a cool breeze and some scattered clouds playing peek-a-boo with the sun, be thankful.
The thousands who enjoy the Fourth of July in Oak Harbor should remember that all this stuff doesn’t just happen. The Chamber of Commerce spends months collecting fireworks show donations from local businesses while parade organizers spend countless hours making sure there’s a patriotic procession that will satisfy the spectators; and it takes a lot of personpower to make all the pancake batter and fry up all the sausages required to make sure townsfolk start the holiday on a full stomach.
Wednesday, July 4, may be the best day of the year in Oak Harbor. The pancake breakfast at the downtown YMCA starts at 8 a.m., the Grand Parade begins at 11 a.m. and the fireworks show lights up the sky just after dusk. The street fair will be busy all day and the carnival will run well into the night.
Don’t miss it by thinking you’ll find something better elsewhere. You won’t.
