Holland Happening An International Festival Parade
Date and Time
Saturday Apr 25, 2026
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM PDT
9am Staging will begin.
11am Parade starts.
Location
The Parade route will be on Bayshore starting at SE Midway and ending at the parking lot near Ace Hardware.
Fees/Admission
Parade Fees Chamber Members Receive 15% off
Nonprofit Member: $28
Member: $35
Nonprofit Non-Member: $40
Non-Member for Profit: $50
Political: $65
School Groups: Free
Contact Information
TJ - 360-675-3755
Send Email
Holland Happening An International Fe...
Description
Theme: Culture In Motion
EXCITING NEWS!
This year, Holland Happening is introducing a Parade Contest with multiple categories to add an extra layer of excitement, creativity, and friendly competition to our international festival! Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their culture, creativity, and performance skills — and win fantastic prizes.
This year, Holland Happening is introducing a Parade Contest with multiple categories to add an extra layer of excitement, creativity, and friendly competition to our international festival! Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their culture, creativity, and performance skills — and win fantastic prizes.
Parade Contest Categories
1. Best Cultural Representation
Celebrate and showcase your unique culture! This category recognizes the entry that most creatively and authentically represents their cultural heritage, traditions, or country of origin while aligning with the spirit of Holland Happening. From traditional attire and symbols to music, dance, and storytelling, we invite you to share what makes your culture special.
Celebrate and showcase your unique culture! This category recognizes the entry that most creatively and authentically represents their cultural heritage, traditions, or country of origin while aligning with the spirit of Holland Happening. From traditional attire and symbols to music, dance, and storytelling, we invite you to share what makes your culture special.
2. Most Interactive Entry
Engage the crowd and create memorable moments. The entry that inspires the most audience interaction and participation will be recognized.
Engage the crowd and create memorable moments. The entry that inspires the most audience interaction and participation will be recognized.
3. Outstanding Performance
Music, dance, cultural demonstrations, and live entertainment are encouraged! The most captivating and memorable performance will be honored.
Music, dance, cultural demonstrations, and live entertainment are encouraged! The most captivating and memorable performance will be honored.
These contest categories are designed to inspire participants to make their parade entry truly exceptional. As Holland Happening celebrates cultures from around the world, all entries are required to be decorated in alignment with the festival theme. Please keep this in mind before registering.
Parade Participation Guidelines
To ensure the parade remains vibrant, enjoyable, and well-paced, participation will be limited to 80 entries through an application process.
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One vehicle per entry is permitted.
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If you wish to include more than one vehicle, you must register multiple entries.
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For smaller recreational vehicles or special circumstances, please contact info@pakharborchamber.com to coordinate details.
This approach will help us maintain a parade duration of approximately 2 hours, ensuring a memorable experience for our community and visitors.
Participants are welcome to campaign while walking in the parade, including carrying signs such as “Vote For” messages. However, all other political messaging is not permitted. All entries must remain on theme, family-friendly, and respectful to all individuals and groups. Thank you for helping us create a positive and inclusive event for everyone.
Our goal is to create lasting memories, and we believe these steps will have a meaningful impact on both our community and visitors.
Thank you for being a vital part of Holland Happening, happening April 24–25. We look forward to seeing your incredible entry and celebrating cultures from around the world together!
APPLICATION PROCESS
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Apply now through March 20th, 2026. Start your planning early!
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April 1st: Approved applicants will be announced and invoices will be sent.
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April 10th: Payments and parade scripts are due. Scripts must be emailed to info@pakharborchamber.com.
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April 17th: Parade instructions and lineup information will be announced.
Parade Fees Chamber Members Receive 15% off
Nonprofit Member: $28
Member: $35
Nonprofit Non-Member: $40
Non-Member for Profit: $50
Political: $65
School Groups: Free
Nonprofit Member: $28
Member: $35
Nonprofit Non-Member: $40
Non-Member for Profit: $50
Political: $65
School Groups: Free
Entry Dimensions
Entries may be no wider than 12 feet, as the parade route travels down Pioneer Way.
Scripts
Scripts are what the emcee will read at the grandstand at the end of the parade.
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Must be 100 words or fewer
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Due no later than April 10th
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Email to info@pakharborchamber.com
Certificates of Liability (COI)
Certificates of Liability are required to insure all participating entities in the event of an accident. Please list the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce and the City of Oak Harbor as additionally insured.
