Another community event is set to be restored in 2022.

A beloved holiday parade will be marching down Maxwelton Road on Monday, July 4 in celebration of Independence Day.

This is the 105th year for the South Whidbey tradition, which last happened in 2019. The parade has been known to cease only for World War I, World War II and now a global pandemic.

Harriet Arnold, an organizer for the event, said the Maxwelton Community Club made the call this year to move ahead with the festivities.

The last parade drew around 2,000 to 5,000 participants. Over the years there have been several colorful entries, from groups promoting climate crisis awareness to guys on stilts to a dressed-up goose.

This year’s event will be structured the same as previous years, with registration opening at 10:30 a.m. on July 4. There is no cost to participate.

The Whidbey Shuttle will run from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. from the Little Brown Church at Maxwelton and French roads, where parking is available.

The fun begins at noon, led this year by the Megan McClure Honor Guard and Grand Marshall Darren Crownover. The parade will be followed by the National Anthem by Danny Ward.

The parade typically begins at the intersection of Maxwelton and Swede Hill roads and proceeds down Maxwelton Road, ending at Dave Mackie Park, where food and commemorative buttons are available for purchase and classic family games can be played in the park.

Button-collecting has become something of a competitive sport, with people clambering over buttons from years past. Arnold said the button for 2020 will be available for sale for one dollar. Every year, there’s a contest for kids to create the winning design.

The Maxwelton Community Club is looking for some new members, especially some “young blood,” Arnold said.

Photos provided Participants at a former Maxwelton Fourth of July Parade in 2018.

Photos provided Participants at a former Maxwelton Fourth of July Parade in 2018.