Just before there were caps and gowns and diplomas, there was a party on Bay Street.

The class of 2024 got their true hometown sendoff in the center of downtown Port Orchard as the high school band and cheer team set the pace for the 5th annual South Kitsap Senior Parade June 7.

Full of classic cars, SK Wolves flags and hundreds of boisterous teens counting down their last hours in high school, the parade garnered quite a crowd before the trip to the Tacoma Dome for commencement the next day.

Eric Worden played an instrumental role in the parade’s organization even before his November election to the City Council. While not a school event, Worden continues to believe the event is worth it. “We will continue to advocate for celebrating our single high school town. This is an event that everyone can support.”

The parade originated out of a need for continued celebration of the accomplishments of graduates during COVID. Organizers such as Worden and Kim Shaw feared the event would fall victim to high costs and public transportation concerns as the parade had not drawn a closure of the downtown’s main street before 2023.

This year’s parade required thousands of dollars in road closure and professional staffing, Worden said, but there was at least no question this time that the celebration would go on. Worden thanked Bay Street businesses for their week of support and the police department.

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