Members of the Whidbey News-Times, Whidbey Examiner, South Whidbey Record and Whidbey Crosswind staffs marched this past Saturday in Oak Harbor’s Fourth of July parade.

What a fun and amazing experience.

As we walked from the staging area near the marina to the “finish line” in front of Ace Hardware, it was great to see such a large turnout and to recognize some faces in the crowd.

The lively parade, carnival at Windjammer Park and fireworks display in the evening made for as close to a perfect day as a family could hope for.

Oak Harbor’s annual Fourth of July tradition is one that has stood the test of time — it even seems to get better with age.

The parade route, which started near the marina and wound past Flinstone Park and the bus station, was highly enjoyable.

The cool breezes that swept over the crowd and parade entries — and the sparkling water of the bay — served as reminders as to why Whidbey Island is such a magical place to live and is consistently rated nationally as a great place to live.

Such an event doesn’t happen without some hard work and dedication. In this case, it’s the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce that excels at putting on a celebration that draws people from near and far.

The whole event seemed perfectly organized and seamless in its transitions.

Parade participants had absolutely no problems or delays getting to the staging area, each entry’s position was clearly identified and the processional went off without any hitches.

As usual, the carnival offered clean, safe family enjoyment.

The fireworks display, made possible by Dan Ollis’ Whidbey Coffee and other generous contributors, was a marvel that lit up the night sky.

It was a fitting grand finale to a day that was spectacular overall.

Most of all, it was the people who made the event special and unique.

You could see the joy in children’s faces and feel and hear the appreciation in the applause from the onlookers.

Once again, well done, Oak Harbor. The 2014 Fourth of July celebration in Oak Harbor is one that will be remembered fondly by many for years to come.