Throngs of Dutch-loving festival-goers flocked to downtown Oak Harbor this past weekend for the annual Holland Happening celebration.

They enjoyed the street fair, shoe carver, dances and carnival rides that have been a popular part of the festival for years.

A highlight, as usual, was the parade in which dozens of community groups, schools and businesses were represented. Traditional Dutch-costumed street sweepers, fire engines, grand marshals. Marching bands from Oak Harbor High School, Coupeville High School and both Oak Harbor middle schools delighted child, adult and canine spectators.

“The parade was great,” said Oak Harbor resident Melvin McCullough who brought his wife and two daughters to the festival. He said his children enjoyed the goats, dogs and horses in the parade.

Oak Harbor resident Alice Noland said the parade gave her a chance to see her son Cody perform. He is a member of the Oak Harbor Middle School band.

As the parade finished up, many ventured up the street to the street fair on Pioneer Way through downtown.

“We do it every year,” said Oak Harbor resident Cliff Beedle. “I walk the street fair to see what kind of booths they have and see if there’s something different.”

The two-day street fair featured arts and crafts, clothes, leather goods and marshmallow shooters, ammunition included. Shoe carver Elmer Veldheer once again made the trip from Michigan to show his craft and sell his shoes. This year marks his 13th year attending the event.

Holland Happening kicked off Friday night with an authentic Dutch Dinner at First Reformed Church. A square dance at Oak Harbor High School ended the evening.

In addition to Saturday’s parade, people also enjoyed a Quilt Walk, International Dance Festival, the Eagle Run and Oak Harbor Garden Club’s Rosewood Manor Flower Show at the Oak Harbor Senior Center.

Staff photos by Nathan Whalen and Christina Tercero.