Kids, flags and families lined the Oak Harbor Bayshore Drive parade route Tuesday, saluting America’s Independence Day and wildly cheering for the diverse line-up of parade participants from the “Crab Ladies” to the Sea Cadets.
Dubbed an “Old-Fashioned 4th of July Parade,” it looked like half the city turned out for the patriotic festivity.
More and more flags appeared from the sidelines as ReMax Acorn Properties passed out 11,000 flags from its truck.
The seaside parade quickly turned into a sea of red, white and blue.
The parade lasted nearly two hours under bright, sunny skies. Festivities continued with a carnival, music and evening fireworks display at Windjammer Park.
Kids enthusiastically waved flags throughout the nearly two-hour parade. Photos by Patricia Guthrie/Whidbey News-Times
Emmalyn Carr and her mother, Sarah Carr, react as two military jets roar overhead to kick-off the Oak Harbor Fourth of July parade.
Father and son Matthew (left) and Kevin Turner take off their hats as veterans pass by carrying the American flag.
Called “Oak Harbor’s Most Popular Ambassadors,” the Crab Ladies perfected the royal wave as they rolled on by.
Whidbey Island Rollergirls thrilled by showing off their skills. Player “Wild Sockeye” jumps over two teammates, “Lady Zombrie” and “T-Wrekz Yo Face.”
Whidbey Island Rollergirls thrilled by showing off their skills. Player “Wild Sockeye” jumps over two teammates, “Lady Zombrie” and “T-Wrekz Yo Face.”
Members of American Legion, Post 129, sported all kinds of red, white and blue.
Longtime resident and community volunteer Martha Wallin served as the 2017 Grand Marshall.
Whidbey Island Wildcats Robotics Club members celebrate their recent strong showing at the Washington/Idaho/Alaska district robotics competition.
Veterans carried the colors of the flags and led the way for military marchers.
Veterans carried the colors of the flags and led the way for military marchers.
Kaci Groves, 3, gets a ride en route to the parade on the shoulders of Dad, Chris Groves.
Older sister Kaili Groves, 7, shows off the back of her butterfly Fourth of July outfit.
The top hat and tie of band leader Bruce Seltveit leaves no doubt as to what day and which parade the All-Island Community Band performs for from the sidelines. It plays at many local festivities.
