By P. CHRISTINE SMITH

Staff reporter

Oak Harbor is going to have some fun tonight, when airshow revelers move the party feelin’ to City Beach Park.

The Greater Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring “Thunder on the Rock Beach Party” from 6 to 10 p.m., followed by a spectacular fireworks display paid for by Whidbey Island Naval Air Station.

The fireworks display is set to commence with “The Incredible Red Wall of Fire,” a pyrotechnic feat never before seen in Oak Harbor, said Priscilla Heistad, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce.

With hotels/motels booked to capacity this weekend, Heistadt and her staff are bracing for a busy night at the beach. They’re also hoping that the Oak Harbor community comes out to join in the fun.

“We’re planning for about five to 10 thousand people,” Heistad said. “We’re hoping.”

Entertainment is set to include the Navy Band Northwest from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by civilian aircraft flyovers until 7:45 p.m. At 7:45 Oak Harbor band Desert Rain will take to the stage, playing popular rock and country tunes.

Food vendors will offer hot dogs, kettle corn and other popular festival-type fare.

Aside from the Navy’s sponsorship of the fireworks display, the beach party is almost wholly a Chamber of Commerce event.

“The rest of the stuff we have to pay for by selling strawberry shortcake,” Heistad said. She hopes party-goers will be hungry for dessert.

The party will be held on the windmill side of the park. Staff and volunteers will begin to set-up for the party at about noon today, and will work the event throughout the evening.

“My staff and my board of directors are volunteering,” Heistad said. “And anybody related to me by marriage or family!”

You can reach News-Times reporter Christine Smith at csmith@whidbeynewstimes.com or call 675-6611