By KATE DANIEL

Staff reporter

The stage is set for Oak Harbor’s traditional celebration of patriotic pride, and organizers say this year promises to be bigger and brighter than ever.

Hundreds are expected to flock to the streets for Saturday’s kickoff parade, which will begin at 11 a.m.

The procession, sponsored by Oak Harbor Noon Rotary, consists of about 125 entries and will be headed by grand marshal Jay Turner, football coach at Oak Harbor High School.

The route is along the waterfront, from Pioneer Way near the Seaplane Base, and then Bayshore Drive before returning to Pioneer Way.

The Navy will also be making a special presentation at the parade this year, as one of NAS Whidbey’s EA-18G Growlers is expected to perform a flyover.

Re/MAX Acorn Properties is continuing its 29-year tradition of purchasing and distributing 8,000 flags at the beginning of the parade.

Before the parade, Oak Harbor Rotary will serve a pancake breakfast from 7-10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church.

Windjammer Park is set to be abuzz with activity from the all-day family carnival by Davis Amusement Cascadia to the “Wonders of Whidbey” vendor marketplace, scheduled to be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The carnival will run through Sunday.

For those 21 and older, refreshments will be available in the beer garden. Christine Cribb, executive director of the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce, said funds raised from beer garden sales will go toward next year’s July 4 festivities.

Music will take place from noon to 10 p.m., as well as various community entertainment acts from 3-6 p.m. The entertainment lineup had not been confirmed as of press time, but Cribb noted that all of the performers are Whidbey Islanders.

Patriotic pups will parade with their humans beginning at 2 p.m.; those who wish to enter can sign up online at oakharborchamber.com

Nearby, a classic car show will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge will host a barbecue from 1-3 p.m.

Saturday will go out with a bang as attendees view what organizers boast will be the biggest fireworks display in Oak Harbor history.

The show is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m.

Elsewhere on the island, residents and visitors will also be celebrating.

Freeland’s Celebrate America, held July 3 at Freeland Park, will take place from 4-10:30 p.m. At 10 p.m., a patriotic presentation, includes the playing of the National Anthem and “God Bless America,” followed by the annual fireworks show.

The annual South Whidbey Maxwelton Day Parade is 1 p.m. July 4, at Maxwelton Beach.