Whidbey Island residents will gather in Coupeville Saturday to celebrate and honor those who have served in the military.

Coupeville’s annual Memorial Day Parade starts 11 a.m. on South Main Street and ends at Coupeville Town Park.

Lynda Eccles with the Coupeville Chamber of Commerce said there are currently 75 entries, representing 52 organizations.

Beth Kuchynka from bayleaf is this year’s grand marshal, having won the business leadership of the year award through the chamber.

“I am excited,” she said. “It’s a huge honor.”

The parade will also include two World War II vets, a Model A car club and Whidbey Cruzers.

Volunteers from Gifts from the Heart food bank is once again entering its “drill team.”

The team will perform along the parade route with shopping carts, collecting food donations at the same time.

“They aren’t a high-precision drill team, but they have fun,” said Molly Hughes, food bank president.

The parade will start at the intersection near Prairie Center and run the length of Main Street, turning onto Front Street and Alexander Street and then Coveland, ending at the town park.

Navy Band Northwest will be playing at the end of the parade, welcoming people into the park with Coupeville Mayor Nancy Conard and Capt. Mike Nortier, commanding officer of Whidbey Island Naval Air Station.

After a remembrance ceremony, Central Whidbey Lions will be grilling up free hot dogs and giving out soda starting at 1 p.m.

Whidbey Island Band will be at the park to give a musical salute.

For Eccles, the Memorial Day celebration is a special time.

“Watching the start of the parade give me an amazing sense of pride,” Eccles said. “It’s the whole celebration — honoring those who have served. It’s a community event, and island-wide event.

“That’s what makes it such a special event.”