KINGSTON — The last existing vessel of Puget Sound’s historic Mosquito Fleet will be steaming into the Little City By the Sea next weekend.
The Virginia V, which visited Kingston in summer 2002, will be moored at the Kingston Marina July 10 and will offer four sailings that day during an event sponsored by Olympic Property Group, American Marine Bank and the Kingston Revitalization Association.
“It’s the one thing we have done people have asked the most for,” said KRA chair Karen Ross. “I’ve had people asking when they are going to bring it back.”
Aside from the Virginia V, several local steamboaters will also be in town and offering free rides, Ross added. The Kingston Farmers’ Market will be open and the Home Town Band will be playing music from the Mosquito Fleet era between 10-11:30 a.m.
“The people who want to hear the music should come to the early sailings,” Ross suggested.
Tickets for the Virginia V sailings are $15 and can be purchased at the Kingston Chamber of Commerce office in the morning, American Marine Bank, Kingston Naturals, Kingston Nautical Supply or from Ross by calling (360) 297-0316. Ross advised people to get their tickets early as she expects sailings to fill up quickly as they did in 2002. Sailings will be at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.