The Yo' Ho' Harbor Grande Parade

The Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce parade is an annual celebration of the community in which we live, highlighting our rich history, traditions, and economic vitality. Spectators are welcome to line up anywhere along the parade route to watch. Generally anywhere between 6,000-8,000 people attend the festival each day. Make your plans to join us for a fun weekend!

Up to 100 parade applications are accepted from businesses and organizations who wish to participate in Gig Harbor's biggest summer event. Early bird pricing is available for those who do so before March 31. The final deadline for applications is on July 23rd.

Registration for the 2021 Parade online or via PDF application form. 

2019 Parade Winners

• Best Animal Entry: #49 Gig Harbor Farmers Market
• Best Antique Vehicle: #73 Juranich Aviation Inc.
• Best Children’s Entry: #33 Gig Harbor Academy
• Best Commercial Entry: #47 Joy Inc.
• Best Costumes: #37 Penrose Harbor of Heron's Key
• Best Depiction of Theme: #41 PenMet Parks
• Best Motorized Unit: #80 Gig Harbor Cruisers
• Best Musical Group: #92 Key Peninsula Middle School Band
• Best Service Organization: #96 Gig Harbor Library
• Chairman’s Choice: #36 Gig Harbor Brewing
• Judges’ Choice: #82 Paradise Theater
• Mayor’s Choice: #84 Gig Harbor Peninsula Fish
• Most Original: #51 Harbor Heights Circus Club of Harbor Heights Elementary School

Open a PDF of the map, or see it below:

Vendors

The Maritime Gig Festival is a two day event in Gig Harbor. The event is Gig Harbor's largest summer event and draws between 6,000-8,000 people each day. 

On the Saturday of the festival, businesses, food, non-profit, and craft vendors can have a booth to market, sell, or hand out information. Booths are for Saturday only.

Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance into the festival. The festival committee will review each application and notify those upon approval. Applications without payment will not be accepted.

Children's Fair Vendors

Please contact Sandra Kern if you're interested in being part of the children's fair at the Maritime Gig Festival.

Business Vendors

• Date: Saturday, August 21, 2021 
• Location: On Harborview from Rosedale up to Tarabochia and Pioneer.
• Set-Up Time: Individual Setup time(s) to be determined. Beginning at 6 a.m.
• Booth Fee: $450 (member pricing) and $475 (non-member pricing) per 10’ x 10’ space (no electrical hook up or covered spaces provided. Must provide own tent.)
• Deadline: All reservations for exhibition space must be in by August 2nd, 2021

Register online or download and fill out a business vendor registration form.

Craft Vendors

• Date: Saturday, August 21, 2021
• Location: On Harborview from Rosedale up to Tarabochia on Pioneer.
• Set-Up Time: Individual Setup time(s) to be determined. Beginning at 6 a.m.
• Booth Fee: $200 per 10’ x 10’ space (no electrical hook up or covered spaces provided. Must provide own tent, tables, chairs)
• Deadline: All reservations for exhibition space must be in by August 2, 2021

Download and fill out a craft vendor registration form then email along with images of your craft items to the address on the form. We review the application and images when accepting craft vendors. There is not an online registration option.

Food Vendors

• Date: Saturday, August 21, 2021
• Location: On Harborview between Pioneer & Rosedale streets, next to Skansie Brothers Park
• Set-Up Time: Individual Setup time(s) to be determined, beginning at 6 a.m. Vending teardown will begin no earlier than 8 p.m., vending is open until 9 p.m. Streets cleared by 11 p.m.
• Booth Fee: $250 per 10’ x 10’ tent or $400 per food truck
• (Space fees include nominal use of electric/water and garbage)
• Deadline: All reservations for exhibition space must be in by August 2, 2021
• We don't allow more than one type of food vendor-for example, we won't have two vendors serving cotton candy

Download and fill out a food vendor registration form.

Non-Profit Vendors

• Date: Saturday, August 21, 2021
• Location: On Harborview from Rosedale up to Tarabochia and Pioneer
• Set-Up Time: Individual Setup time(s) to be determined. Beginning at 6 a.m. 
• Booth Fee: $200 per 10’ x 10’ space (No electrical hook up or covered spaces provided. Must provide own tent.)
• Deadline: All reservations for exhibition space must be in by August 2, 2021

Register online or download and fill out a non-profit vendor registration form.

If you have any questions please contact Miriam Battson, Membership Development & Communications, Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce at 253-851-6865 or email mbattson@gigharborchamber.com.

U.S. Bank Family Fun Run

Saturday, August 21, 2021

Register online now for our U.S. Bank 5k Family Fun Run, 8:45 a.m., Saturday, August 21, 2021.

Or download an application to fill out and send in by email or mail.

Free kids dash at 8:30 a.m.

7:30-8:30 a.m. Yoga with Tuladhara Yoga

Free Pre-Race Yoga Warm Up

Adults: 7:30-8:30am Runners, yogis and newbies alike, are all welcome to join us for a free 60 minute yoga based warmup and stretching class led by Tuladhara’s Laura Genton. The first half will consist of a cardiovascular warming sequence based on basic yogic movements, followed by deep stretches that target the muscles used most in running, to help prevent injury. Whether you’re participating in the 5k afterward or just curious about yoga, all levels of ability are welcome. Please bring your own mat and water. We’ll have a limited number of mats to borrow.

Free Pre-Race Yoga for Kids

Kids: 8-8:20am Join Kristi with Kidding Around Yoga and Tuladhara Yoga Studio for some pre-race kids and family yoga. Prepare for your race with some breathing, stretching and meditation, all presented in a fun, playful way. All are welcome to this 20 minute session!

There is no cost for these classes, but we ask that you register in advance at https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?studioid=267868&stype=-8&sView=day&sLoc=2&date=08/21/21

Our classes will be held outdoors at the Hop Pharm across from the race registration table. 

Hop Pharm 3216 Judson St, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Saturday August 21^st  

12: 15 p.m. My Guilty Pleasure

My Guilty Pleasure is a high energy classic Rock & Roll party experience giving it patrons the best time possible playing the hits and alternative classic songs we all grew up with from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and beyond. 

1:30 p.m. Peninsula Youth Orchestra

The Peninsula Youth Orchestra Association seeks and trains young people to enjoy the many benefits of music-making in the context of a string orchestra. The program balances nurture with rigor and compassion with excellence and is open to all.

2:30 p.m. TwoMacs & Friends

Homegrown, family friendly, and unique are Two Macs and Friends. Debbie & Scott MacGougan have lived in Gig Harbor over 20 years. Their music is family friendly, celebrating what is good and all their music is original, fresh and delightful. Their Latin Jazz style group includes Scott on a nylon-stringed guitar singing harmony while his wife Debbie sings lead. Their son plays bass, and they often bring in friends to play the saxophone and hand percussion.

3:45 p.m. Sweet Mary

Mary Farr is a singer/songwriter residing in Gig Harbor. Mary connects to listeners with her distinctive, rich vocals, singing folk, country and original music. She creates sweet harmonies with her talented friends in a variety of venues.

4:45 p.m. The Night Gig

The Night Gig is a 20 piece Big Band performing songs made famous by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Rosemary Clooney, Benny Goodman and more!

5:45 p.m. Kim Archer

Kim Archer is a life-long artist who draws, entertains and holds crowds with her honest, soulful delivery. Whether she’s playing a premier venue with her award-winning band, or an intimate solo show, she never disappoints. With guitar in hand, she commands the stage whether playing her own original songs or conjuring up a whole new vibe on a diverse set of your favorite covers. Known for her rraw, powerhouse performances and unforgettable voice, her band has received multiple awards, and she is involved in various music projects.

7:00 p.m. Heart By Heart

Steve Fossen and Michael Derosier, bassist and drummer for the band Heart during the 1970’s and early 1980’s, are now touring as Heart By Heart. “Our mission is to perform the classic Heart music as faithfully as we can,” Fossen says. The band features vocalist Somar Macek, guitarist/keyboardist/vocalist Lizzy Daymont and guitarist Chad Quist. Heart By Heart presents a powerful, dynamic show that includes all the favorite Heart hits as well as deep album cuts that fans will love.

Sunday August 22^nd  

10:00 a.m. Harbor Dance performances

Harbor Dance and Performance Center offers professional dance instruction that not only enhances a dancer's technical ability, but elevates their aptitude as an artist, an expressionistic being, and a well-balanced, compassionate person.

Our professional faculty gives students an arts-based curriculum with a holistic approach to dance. Our vision is to be a safe environment to build a dancer's artistry and empathy, and to provide quality training which will facilitate the growth of a dancer's ability to respect dance as an art form.

10:45 a.m. Harbor Voice

Harbor Voice Studio of Gig Harbor brings talented students to sing for your enjoyment! Grammy-nominated voice teacher Kathyanne teaches voice lessons to students of all ages. Her students have performed at the Mainstage Puyallup Fair, Cheney Stadium, Taste of Tacoma, Festival of Trees, local assisted living and nursing homes, and many other venues. Come hear them perform at our Maritime Gig Festival!

11: 30 a.m. Wally and The Beaves

Born out of a mutual love of the music and pop culture from the 50’s, 60’s, 70's & 80's, Wally & The Beaves formed in the spring of 2011 by six of the most respected artists and musicians in the Pacific Northwest. Their unique show has been gaining a loyal following ever since. Each member of the band brings a bit of humor by dressing like well-known iconic characters from the era. From The Beatles to The Rolling Stones to Elvis by way of Ricky Nelson and Cyndi Lauper, Wally & The Beaves are sure to put on an entertaining show.

12:45 p.m. Harbor Voice

Harbor Voice Studio of Gig Harbor brings talented students to sing for your enjoyment! Grammy-nominated voice teacher Kathyanne teaches voice lessons to students of all ages. Her students have performed at the Mainstage Puyallup Fair, Cheney Stadium, Taste of Tacoma, Festival of Trees, local assisted living and nursing homes, and many other venues. Come hear them perform at our Maritime Gig Festival!

1:30 p.m. Narrows Music Society

The Narrows Music Society is an umbrella organization for several performing groups including The Harbor Winds Concert Band, the Dixie Dusters Dixieland Band, jazz combos and chamber groups. The purpose of NMS is to enrich the greater Gig Harbor area through the performance of music and to promote music through young artists’ educational programs. NMS offers wind and percussion musicians an opportunity for artistic expression and provides the community with quality performances. The members represent a broad spectrum of backgrounds including attorneys, accountants, executives, educators, homemakers, students, senior citizens and professional musicians.

3:00 p.m. Stephanie Anne Johnson

Stephanie Anne Johnson is that special singer. The front person for the Tacoma-based band, The Hidogs, can don a cowboy hat and sing over a slide as old timers weep. And she has wowed judges on the immensely popular NBC TV series The Voice, showcasing her gifts. Her music is rooted in all that’s American, expresses the pain of the past, the roots of the down home and the hope that hard work will lead to proper reward.

4:00 p.m. The Shy Boys

The Shy Boys is what happens when you put 4 professional musicians together as a band. Four singers, two lead guitar players – and they all play each other’s instruments! They play mostly 70’s and 80’s acoustic rock like Eagles, America, Santana, and Doobie Brothers. The Shy Boys won #2 in Best of Western Washington (King 5) 2011 and they have been South Sound Magazine “Best Band” choice the last 3 years in a row! They have also been the headline band for the Gig Harbor Maritime Gig celebration for the past 3 years. This is truly unique, fun band – one of a kind!

Saturday August 21^st

12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Plein Air painting

Local artists will be painting at the following locations throughout the weekend.

• Old Ferry Dock Past Tides Tavern
• People’s Dock near Tides Tavern
• Skansie/Jerisich park area
• New Ansich Park
• Eddon Park
• Austin Estuary Park near Harbor History Museum
• Bogue Platform and/or Finholm Hill Climb near Anthony’s Shorline.

Sunday August 22^nd

Local artists will be painting at the following locations throughout the weekend.

• Old Ferry Dock Past Tides Tavern
• People’s Dock near Tides Tavern
• Skansie/Jerisich park area
• New Ansich Park
• Eddon Park
• Austin Estuary Park near Harbor History Museum
• Bogue Platform and/or Finholm Hill Climb near Anthony’s Shorline.

1:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Plein Air Art Show

View the work of local artists from this weekend’s Plein Air Event.  Art will be shown in Skansie Park and will be available for sale.

Wheels on the Water Car Show

Sunday, August 22, 2021

Visit our car show, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. in beautiful Skansie Park on the Gig Harbor Waterfront. Cars will be shown along Harborview Drive from Rosedale Street to Pioneer Way. The event is free to visitors. Enjoy a fun day of entertainment, classic cars and tradition at the Maritime Gig Festival!

Download an application to send in by email or mail. Preregistration accepted through August 20th, 

Learn more about the show.

Or register online to show off your car in our Wheels on the Water Car Show, Sunday, August 22, 2021. Vehicles begin going into position at 9:00AM. Groups, please make plans to arrive together for placement together.  

The date is contingent upon COVID restrictions. 

Awards categories:

GIG HARBOR MARITIME PARADE

Supplemental Service Saturday to be announced. 

Service operates 8:30 am - 10:30 am from Kimball Park & Ride. Buses will express passengers to a temporary bus stop on Judson Street, just one block from the parade. Service back to Kimball Park & Ride resumes after the parade. 

The Blessing of the Fleet

2021 (private event)

The Blessing of the Fleet, a beloved time honored tradition, in Gig Harbor that typically occurs the Sunday morning of the Maritime Gig. It includes the Saint Nicholas Catholic Church Knights of Columbus and parish Priest procession from the church to Skansie Park with the “Our Lady of the Harbor” icon. Usually a service is held to honor those lost at sea and to pray for a safe and bountiful catch. The Priest then circles the fishing fleet blessing each boat and crew with holy water. Many boaters, canoe and kayakers join them on the water. 

We are working with the Fishermen to find another way to honor them at the 2021 Maritime Gig. Plan to join us in 2022 to experience this wonderful tradition.