Get the sunscreen out. Start prepping the barbecue. Don’t forget to don your patriotic pride. The whole town is getting dressed for the occasion. Oak Harbor is growing its patriotic spirit in anticipation of its old-fashioned July Fourth celebration next Wednesday at Windjammer Park.

Down at Fox Pointe on Pioneer Way, the window display has turned into vintage 1920s Americana. For the second year, Fox Pointe owner Jill Schacht welcomed Snohomish resident and good friend of the shop, Tom Minnisey, to decorate the window case with his collection of vintage flags and other patriotic items.

“It’s pretty special that we can bring out this history,” Schacht said. “It’s a nice way for him to get his collection out so people can enjoy it and remind people of the patriotic spirit.”

July Fourth has always been a special holiday for Schacht and her family who often take time to honor vets like Schacht’s dad, Navy veteran John Allgire.

“We’re always downtown for the parade,” Schacht said. “It’s always a family thing.”

The Fourth of July is one of Oak Harbor’s signature community events, according to Jill Johnson, executive director of the Greater Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce.

Yes, in the town that’s home to Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, celebrating our country’s independence has turned into quite the stand-out affair.

“Not many communities do fireworks shows anymore,” Johnson said. “And with increased regulations on fireworks in cities there are fewer opportunities like this to have such a celebration.”

Independence Day morning, the Oak Harbor Lions will be out early to line the streets with flags.

Jump start your day by filling your belly at the Rotary pancake breakfast 7:30 to 11 a.m. at the YMCA on Pioneer Way. As another ongoing get your fill July 4 tradition, the North Whidbey Firefighter’s Association will host its annual all-you-can eat pancake breakfast 7 to 11 a.m. at the Taylor Road Fire Station.

Be sure to wear your red, white, blue and other patriotic gear and get a good spot to see the parade that begins at 11 a.m. You’ll know the parade has begun when the roaring sounds of aircraft from Whidbey Island Naval Air Station flies over the parade route.

The Koetje / Travelers’ Insurance grand parade will be led by honored grand marshal Charlie Bos. Rotary has worked hard to help organize this parade that will feature everyone’s favorite All-Island Community Band, service organizations, Little Leaguers, politicians, scouts, adoptable dogs and more. There’s also an expected appearance by the Royal Canadian Air Cadets band of the 111th Pegasus squadron.

The all-day community celebration will bring back the nostalgia of July Fourth celebrations of yesteryear.

“We wanted to bring the community focus back to the activities,” Johnson said.

Practice your technique for the Coachman Inn community egg toss. Get hungry for the Chugach pie eating contest. Twirl through the North-End Fitness hula hoop contest. Get fired up for the Kenmore Air jalapeno eating contest. And don’t forget to hop on over for the Comcast sack races.

Rick Bell of KWDB 110 AM radio will announce the contests.

“It’ll add to the excitement,” Johnson said.

In addition to the games, Windjammer Park will have plenty of booths where people can get some food to eat, buy stuff and learn about community groups and services. It’s all-day fun that continues into the evening.

The whole family will have a blast watching the fireworks display that is expected to begin at 10 p.m.

This year’s fireworks will be a bigger bang than ever. Past years have seen the fireworks budget at $10,000 and last year’s show featured $12,500 worth of pyrotechnics that went up in smoke. Thanks to generous community support, this year’s show will blast off with $15,000 in pyrotechnics.

“We didn’t want the show to get longer, but more intense instead,” Johnson said. “We want it to feel like it’s one big finale throughout.”

The fireworks are truly a community project, Johnson said. The chamber reports that more than 60 fireworks sponsors of the day, countless business sponsors and more private contributors helped raise fireworks funding. This week everyone in the community can help chip in at change collection jars that will be at businesses around Oak Harbor.

“Every year the fireworks really become a whole community wide effort,” Johnson said.

A carnival will run Wednesday, July 4 to Sunday, July 8. Presale wristbands are available now for $18 at the chamber office. Otherwise, carnival wristbands are $23.

Oak Harbor’s July Fourth celebration is shaping up to be one not to be missed.

“Even when I lived in other towns I always came back in town for the Fourth,” Johnson said. “I can’t think of a better place to be.”