The annual Fathoms O’ Fun Festival returned to the streets of Port Orchard for the first time since 2019, culminating with the Grand Parade a week ago Saturday.
Past celebrations had been canceled due to COVID-19, and this year’s event almost met the same fate after a late surge in cases during the spring.
Families set up blankets and folding chairs to watch the 53rd annual parade make its way down Bay Street. Attendees tried to set up wherever they could find shade due to the weekend’s unseasonably high temperatures, which reached into the low 90s.
The Saints Car Club of Port Orchard won the Grand Sweepstakes Award, the highest award given by the parade judges.
Several political groups also participated with the midterm elections only five months away and the primaries taking place Aug. 2.
Saturday also saw the return of competitions such as the Hotfoot 5K and 1-mile races and a horseshoe competition.
Parade winners
Car Clubs: 1. Kitsap Klassics Car Club 2. Kitsap Mustang Car Club
Commercial Entries: 1. Simply Irresistible Pets 2. Bethel Towing
Dance, Gym, Drill & Drumline: 1. South Kitsap High School NJROTC
Equestrian: 1. Kitsap Saddle Club
Fraternal: 1. Kitsap Peninsula Shrine Club
Military and Veterans Groups: 1. Bremerton Base Submarine Veterans Float
Novelty Groups: 1. Shelton Ladies Society
Political: 1. Jesse Young for state Senate 2 Rick Kuss for Kitsap County Sheriff
Service, NonProfit Units: 1. Soroptimist International of Port Orchard 2. Port Orchard Rotary
Visiting Royalty (without floats): 1. Maria Hoyt, Miss Spokane 2. Miss Poulsbo, Kingston, Silverdale Scholarship Program
Youth Groups: 1. Boy Scout troop 1528 2. Cub Scout Pack 4528
Judges: Deborah Bonneville – Managing broker with John L. Scott Real Estate; Gary Simpson – retired Kitsap County sheriff; Brandy Wallace – Port Orchard city clerk.
Parade Tally – Sharron King, parade chair & Fathoms O’ Fun Festival chair
Two gentlemen compete in a game of horseshoes at South Kitsap Regional Park.
A couple hug each other just past the finish line of the Hotfoot 5k after finishing the race.
