It was really disheartening to participate in so called “Holland” Happening this year. An event that was a grand multi-cultural tourist attraction has become a carnival. Worse, there is nothing Dutch about it except for the Friday night dinner! Only a handful of costumes in the parade and a very sparse crowd.

The event my mom, Jan Ellis, started became a wonderful economic opportunity for Oak Harbor. It is sad that the next generation has not stepped up to maintain the quality of this event, recognizing the value to the community. Bring back the Dutch Street Sweepers or Sweep this event away!

Alana Koetje Morris

Mercer Island