The city of Oak Harbor, Wash., hosted a military appreciation picnic at Windjammer Park, Sept. 22.

The event, sponsored by the city, the Oak Harbor Navy League, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation, as well as other local businesses. As a treat to the participants, approximately 1,200 hot dogs, 400 pounds of smoked pork, 12 cases of chips and other various goodies were provided for the event.

“This is our fifth year doing this event and every year it just keeps getting bigger and better,” said Roger Anglun, who prepared the pork.  “This is probably the biggest one we’ve had and we brought enough food for about 1,600 people. If we got that many people in here, I think we had a pretty good day. We love to have the military here because we appreciate what they do for us. Because of them, we’re able to do this.”

The Oak Harbor Fire Department provided power generators for the event. They also held a free bicycle helmet give away for the children and talked about disaster preparedness.

“Today is about the community interaction with the military and the appreciation for both groups and how they get along and support each other,” said Ray Merrill, fire department battalion chief.

Navy Band Northwest played music for the event and Rear Adm. James Symonds, commander, Navy Region Northwest, as well as Mayor Patty Cohen, Rep. Barbara Bailey, and NAS Whidbey Island Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Francis Bagarella spoke to those in attendance.

“It’s a very special thing in the Navy to have a small community like Oak Harbor as opposed to big concentration areas like San Diego or Norfolk,” said Symonds. “This means you get the small town atmosphere and you get to know your neighbors. They will have a better opportunity to take a special interest in you.  Today is absolutely in character Oak Harbor; all these great folks put their time and resources into supporting their troops as they have for years. It’s great to be back here.”

Members of NAS Whidbey Island enjoyed the day’s festivities and appreciated what their local community does for them.

“I think we have a tendency to forget that the military is a big part of this area and it’s great to get out with the people who support us,” said Chief Air Traffic Controller (AW) Bob Wright. “It feels nice to be remembered.”