V isitors and residents alike find much to enjoy in this island community.
Recreational opportunities are bountiful.
In 1941 the U.S. Navy began to establish its presence near Oak Harbor. Since then the growth and changes of mission of the Naval Air Station, along with the economic growth of the Northwest Washington, changed the quiet country town of 600 into a beautiful waterfront community of over 20,000 persons. Harbor's small town flavor continues to be displayed in the numerous annual celebrations . The Irish paint the town green in March, and the Dutch fill the town with tulips the last weekend of April during the annual Holland Happening celebration. Patriotism soars and flags abound on the 4th of July celebrating the strong alliance between the community and the Navy.