PO can’t fathom being without parade, even in rain

The return of Port Orchard’s premier street parade had once been far from certain with longtime volunteers and members stepping down last year, but for the 55th time, Fathoms O’ Fun completed its Grand Parade through the city’s downtown June 29.

The weather was less than ideal as puddles began to form on the street even before the parade began. Still, crowds came, many using the overhead shelter of downtown stores and sidewalks along Bay Street. Trees served well to others, and more opened umbrellas of all colors and sizes.

As for the paraders, umbrellas and rain jackets were plentiful, but many fared well in the increasingly wet conditions and opted to stick with what they had. These included South Kitsap’s own Fathoms O’ Fun Royalty Court, who since getting crowned in March have put in nearly 100 volunteer hours.

“They go to different auxiliary clubs and help them raise money, promote our city, help with community service events,” royalty director Helene Jensen said. “We are all about digging in there and doing good for the community.”

Fathoms’ new chair Jon Hohol considered the festival and parade a success, especially given how close the nonprofit had been to a brief pause of even dissolution the year prior. Sharron King had served as the longtime chair of 13 years and community servant of 35 before the new chair, and she also served as this year’s grand marshal of the parade.

Her exit meant a lot of new learning for Hohol and the newer incoming directors that mixed in with those still serving. “With the change in positions, we are all learning how to fly,” he said. “We’re all learning a lot, and I’m taking notes and just trying to get better every year.”

Past royalty such as 2019 queen Rosellen Berberich were thrilled to see the festival and parade continue. “It’s always fun to watch all the new royalty, especially cause you get to make friends out of it. Honestly, I just play it by ear right now, but in all good hopes, I hope Fathoms is still here.”

The continuation of the parade brought on some unique challenges for the new leadership. Hohol felt as though everything seemed to be available on demand, especially with the state of construction downtown Port Orchard finds itself in. Knowing that the organization will likely have to work with the limitations of those projects, he said further efforts to organize the event will be necessary over the next few years.

Even with those difficult challenges, he continued to sing his praises of the city, the Port of Bremerton and new board members bringing plenty of new energy into an organization that desperately needed it. “We’re updating everything and trying to modernize, but you know, it’s been great in the past. We just want to be a part of Port Orchard and provide the community with great things.”

2024 Parade Winners

Best of the Parade: Back to the Future Delorean

Community Festival Float Awards: Grand Sweepstakes: McCleary Bear Festival; President’s: Olympia Capital Lakefair; Mayor’s: Jefferson County Rhody Festival; Governor’s: The Daffodil Festival; Festival: Sequim Irrigation Festival

Appreciation Awards (not judged): Kitsap Credit Union – Parade Sponsor; Astound Broadband – Fireworks Sponsor; Spiros – Hospitality Sponsor

Best Car Club: Saints Car Club

Best Commercial Entry: John L. Scott

Best Community Entry: Kitsap Regional Library

Best Fraternal: Kitsap Peninsula Shrine Club

Best High Energy Performing Group: Groove Studios

Best Military and Veterans Group: Military Mobile Museum

Best Novelty Group: Long Lake Garden Club

Best Political: 26th Legislative District Democrats

Best Service, Non-Profit Units: Port Orchard Rotary Club

Best Visiting Royalty: Miss Rodeo WA Sweetheart

Best Youth Group: Tae Ryong Taekwondo