North Whidbey hosts New Years Eve events

New Years is coming to the North End with fun-filled events for the whole family.

The Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce will put on a fireworks show at the Oak Harbor Bay at 9 p.m. Interested residents will be able to see the fireworks from Windjammer Park and surrounding areas. The show may be canceled in the event of inclement weather.

Deception Pass State Park will also be hosting a New Years party for outdoorsy folks. The coming year, 2022, marks the park’s centennial, and park officials are celebrating in the most appropriate way for a state park — with a campout.

For one night only, the park will open the West Beach parking lot to campers beginning around 3 p.m. Interpretive staff will provide activies, programs and s’mores.

The fun doesn’t stop on New Years Eve — the park will also be hosting a “Puffin Plunge” at 9:30 a.m. on New Years Day. Registration is pay what you will, but the park suggests a $10 donation. Proceeds from the plunge benefit the Fidalgo Nature School.

For a slightly less chilly beginning to 2022, the park is also hosting two “First Day Hikes,” taking off at 10:15 and 10:30 a.m. The hike will take place along the Sand Dune Interpretive Trail at West Beach. The trail is paved and just under a mile. It is expected to take about 45 minutes, and snacks and warm beverages will be available before and after the hike.