EXCITING NEWS! This year, Holland Happening & International Festival is taking you around the world and no passport is required!
We’re excited to introduce our Parade Contest, featuring multiple categories designed to celebrate culture, creativity, entertainment, and the incredible diversity of our community.
Whether you’re showcasing your heritage, representing a country, bringing an international tradition to life, or simply getting creative with the theme, we want to see you think globally and parade proudly!
🌍 Best Cultural RepresentationTake us on a journey around the world! This category recognizes the entry that most creatively and authentically represents a culture, country, heritage, or tradition. From traditional attire and cultural symbols to music, dance, and storytelling, show us what makes your culture special!
🎉 Most Interactive EntryGet the crowd involved! The entry that creates the most excitement, participation, and memorable moments with parade spectators will take home this award. Wave, dance, cheer, sing, and get the whole crowd celebrating!
🎶 Outstanding PerformanceBring the entertainment! Music, dance, cultural demonstrations, live performances, and other creative acts are encouraged. This award recognizes the most captivating, energetic, and memorable performance of the parade.
These contest categories are designed to inspire participants to get creative, celebrate culture, and take spectators on a journey around the world — all without leaving Oak Harbor!
🌎 NO PASSPORT REQUIRED. JUST BRING YOUR CULTURE, CREATIVITY & COMMUNITY SPIRIT!
As Holland Happening & International Festival celebrates cultures from around the world, all parade entries must be decorated and presented in alignment with the festival theme: “No Passport Required!”
Whether you're showcasing your heritage, representing a country, celebrating a cultural tradition, or simply taking us on a creative journey around the world, we encourage you to have fun and bring the theme to life!
Please keep the theme in mind when planning your entry before registering.
To ensure the parade remains vibrant, enjoyable, and well-paced for our community and visitors, participation will be limited to 80 entries through an application process.
One vehicle per entry is permitted.
If you would like to include more than one vehicle, you must register each vehicle as a separate entry.
Smaller recreational vehicles or entries with special circumstances may be accommodated. Please contact info@oakharborchamber.com to discuss your needs.
Entries must remain on theme, family-friendly, and respectful of all individuals and groups.
Entries may not exceed 12 feet in width, as the parade route travels along Pioneer Way.
Limiting the parade to 80 entries will help us maintain an estimated two-hour parade duration, creating an enjoyable experience for both participants and spectators.
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 parade entries must remain consistent with the festival theme and maintain a family-friendly and respectful atmosphere.
Our goal is to create a positive, inclusive celebration that leaves lasting memories for our community and visitors.
Application Deadline
Apply by March 20 and start planning your entry early!
Approved Applicants Announced
Approved participants will be notified and invoices will be sent.
A Certificate of Liability Insurance is required for any vehicles being driven in the parade.
Payment & Parade Scripts Due
Payments and parade scripts must be submitted by this date. April 10th
Parade Scripts:Your script is what the emcee will read when your entry reaches the grandstand. Scripts must be 100 words or fewer and emailed to:
info@oakharborchamber.com
Parade Instructions & Lineup Announced
Final parade instructions, lineup information, and additional details will be provided to approved participants.
Greater Oak Harbor Chamber Members receive 15% off!
Entries may be no wider than 12 feet due to the parade route along Pioneer Way.
Scripts will be read by the emcee at the grandstand.
Maximum 100 words
Due April 10, 2026
Email scripts to info@oakharborchamber.com
A Certificate of Liability Insurance is required for vehicles being driven in the parade.
COIs must be submitted by June 4, 2027, and emailed to info@oakharborchamber.com.
NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER OR NON-PARTICIPATION.
The Greater Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce believes in providing equal opportunities for all participants and will make every effort to fairly evaluate all applications.
The Greater Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to deny acceptance of any applicant if past experience or other circumstances warrant exclusion.
As a participant in a Greater Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce event, I acknowledge and agree that I assume full responsibility for any injury, property damage, or loss that I may sustain as a result of my participation in the Holland Happening & International Festival Parade.
I understand that I am responsible for carrying my own insurance coverage as appropriate for my participation and entry.
Thank you for being a vital part of Holland Happening & International Festival!
Join us April 24–25, 2026, as we celebrate cultures, traditions, and communities from around the world.
We can't wait to see how you bring “No Passport Required!” to life and take our community on an unforgettable journey around the world — right here in Oak Harbor!
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