Oak Harbor’s 42nd St. Patrick’s Day parade left plenty of smiles on the faces of participants and spectators alike Tuesday.
A good crowd lined the sidewalks in downtown to see a large number of participants make their way down Pioneer Way in an event that included nearly 50 entries.
“It was the best parade I’ve seen,” said 95-year-old Earle Darst, who’s participated in most of Oak Harbor’s St. Patrick’s Day parades.
“There were more people on the streets than ever before. There were a lot of kids.”
Typically around 28 entries sign up to march down the street but interest rose this year on a comfortable overcast late afternoon with only a few sprinkles.
Participants included Whidbey Island’s chapter of the Sea Hawkers booster club, the Seahawks’ Fanbulance and Whidbey Roller Girls.
Several of Oak Harbor High School’s top club teams, including robotics and the state champion culinary arts team, also participated.
Oak Harbor Mayor Scott Dudley walked the parade route not far from Capt. Michael Nortier, commanding officer at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station.
Other colorful participants were the Crab Queens, Coupeville’s Shifty Sailors, the Whidbey Kruzers car club, the PBY Memorial Foundation and the Oak Harbor Yacht Club’s Buccaneers and their giant ship float.
The grand marshal was Dutch Strehle, the former longtime parade chairman who rode in a convertible Volkswagen along with his wife Donna and their dog Mattie.
“Just Married” was painted on the car, symbolizing the couple’s wedding earlier this month.
“There was lots of excitement,” said Mike Thelen, the parade chairman. “People seemed like they were having a lot of fun.”
The parade was sponsored by the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce and was organized by the Irish Wildlife Society.
Afterward, many community members headed to the American Legion Hall, where a community sing-along took place and corn beef and cabbage was served.
