Thanks in advance to all the volunteers whose efforts already guarantee success for this week’s 38th rendition of Oak Harbor’s Holland Happening.

It is the year’s biggest festival, with plenty to offer islanders and visitors alike. To kids, the whirling rides at the carnival mean spring has arrived. Carnival action begins Thursday and continues through Sunday. When the kids are spinning, enjoy the Art Walk downtown in which businesses display the work of local artists, plus the impressive creations of kids taught by Oak Harbor’s elementary art teachers.

Nothing denotes the Dutch theme of the event as much as the Authentic Dutch Dinner Friday afternoon at the First Reformed Church. Enjoy gahak ballejes met jus, and other popular Dutch staples and treats, for only $8.50. It’s a dining experience that comes but once a year. For traditional Northwest fare, don’t miss the Lions Club salmon barbecue Saturday and Sunday at the PBY Museum on Pioneer Way.

Dive into a stack of pancakes Saturday morning at the Heller Road Fire Station, then head out to enjoy the street fair downtown and wide variety of entertainment on the stage, leading up to the Grand Parade at 11 a.m. The annual visit by wooden shoe carver Elmer Veldheer should not be missed.

Sunday’s activities include more dancing, more entertainment, more music, the exciting Klompen Canal Race, and, of course, more carnival rides.

It’s a great festival produced every year by Oak Harbor’s many community volunteers. Don’t miss it in 2007. For details, look inside today’s News-Times for the special section on Holland Happening.