This morning,  I was shuffling through photos I’ve recently taken on my phone, and discovered the one’s from St. Patrick’s Day.

It was an unseasonably spectacular day, dark blue skies, chilly, but not cold, and slightly windy. Rich and I parked a few blocks from the route of the Oak Harbor St. Patrick’s day parade. As we wandered downtown, we stopped at a recently opened bakery, and ordered several pastries. To commemorate the day, they were also serving free cake(!), and while Rich was waiting in line to pay for our pastries, the owner gave him two cookies.

With the start of our sugar-high, we continued our short journey to the “main drag” in historical downtown Oak Harbor. Even though the great weather heralded residents from their homes, we had no problem finding a place on the sidewalk to observe the parade.

While Oak Harbor is the largest town on the island, it’s still teeny. It’s doubtful any one is turned away from participating. If you want to dress your toddler as a leprechaun, and march down the street, no problem. Want to put a green tutu on our dog, and join other dog owners as a marching dog brigade, no problem.

Anything goes in Oak Harbor, which makes their St. Patrick’s Day parade a blast to watch. From decorated antique fire trucks to a pirate ship, several marching bands, parents pushing strollers, beauty contestants passing out candy, scores of kids on decorated bikes, spiffed-out motorcycles, junior cadets, Naval officers from the local Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, a decorated Island Transit bus, honored citizens in vintage convertibles, antique cars, and much, much more!

Check out the photos.