The Oak Harbor and Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island communities got together to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a parade and Blarney Stone kissing, March 17.

This was the 35th annual parade held to celebrate the 150th year since the arrival of the first Irish settlers to Oak Harbor, in 1858. The event was put on by the Irish Wildlife Society.

“I want to welcome you to this 35th annual parade and get together of the Irish, and I think you’ll have a great time today,” said Michael Feilen, Grand Marshal for the event. “Thank God for the weather and for St. Patrick.”

Preparations began at 5:30 a.m. with volunteers going down the parade path along Pioneer Way, stamping green shamrocks and placing potatoes with Irish flags in them on the street and sidewalks as well as in front of local businesses throughout the area. The Blarney Stone was also washed with Irish stout for proper kissing during this time.

“This day gives us all the chance to wear the green of spring regardless of our ethnic heritage,” said Pastor David Lura, of the United Methodist Church of Oak Harbor. “The green of this day foretells of rich vegetation which graces our beautiful island and the entire country. It proclaims the fresh and new to the tired and weary.”

The parade marched down Pioneer Way to the Blarney Stone in Windjammer Park. Oak Harbor Mayor Jim Slowik and Capt. Gerral David, NAS Whidbey Island commanding officer, were the guest speakers at the event and were invited to kiss the Blarney Stone. David kissed it twice for good measure.

“On behalf of the ten thousand people who work on that Navy base over there I bring you greetings on St. Patrick’s Day,” said David. “Thanks for being out here and thanks for having us.”

Other military members were invited to speak also due to the close ties NAS Whidbey Island shares with the Oak Harbor community.

“We here in Oak Harbor have had a longstanding relationship with the military really, truly since World War II on,” said Bob Jacobs, master of ceremonies for the event. “I want to hear from all of you and we love and appreciate everything that you’ve all done.”

A reception was held following the parade at the Oak Harbor Yacht Club.