Pics from the Gig Harbor Maritime Gig Parade

Posted June 10th, 2009 by   |  Photography, Travel  |  Permalink

Last weekend was Gig Harbor’s Maritime Gig Parade and I just had to get out there and snap a bunch of pics of the event. My family and I had a great time participating since my son walked in the parade with his classmates. They were able to travel the parade route with the local Gig Harbor Fire Department which was a big thrill for the kids. 

You taking a photo of me? Arrrgh!

You taking a photo of me? Arrrgh!

This year’s theme was Pirates of the Peninsula and most of the floats and people were dressed up as swashbuckers in some form or another. Pirate canons were firing off with a deafening “BOOM” at regular intervals and people were being chased down the street by men wielding swords. Arrrgh was the word of the day!

Not quite a pirate, but the Daffodil Queen will do.

Not quite a pirate, but the Daffodil Queen will do.

I took along a small camera kit that included a Nikon D90, 12-24mm lens and an older 80-200mm f4.5 lens that I bought in the 1990’s. I stood along the side of the street until something interesting came along, then I walked into the middle of the parade to take the photograph. Small town events are perfect for getting good access; no fences, no walls, no security force to keep you back. Just happy people with big smiles, all having a good time together. 

This young lady was part of the Harbor Heights Elementary Circus Club.

This young lady was part of the Harbor Heights Elementary Circus Club.

Events like these are also wonderful for taking people photographs, because everyone fully expects to have their photos taken. Nobody has any inhibitions. When you pull out your camera, they’ll do just about anything for the lens! I had kids doing summersaults, adults dancing around in circles, pirates pretending to swing their swords and drivers of classic cars stopping to show off their chrome. Anything for a pic!

Elvis is in the house! Or, on the street.

Elvis is in the house! Or, on the street.

Wouldn't be a parade without a marching band and crazy drummers.

Wouldn't be a parade without a marching band and crazy drummers.

There were an amazing number of boats in town for the Maritime Gig.

There were an amazing number of boats in town for the Maritime Gig.

Lots of old classic cars and roadsters.

Lots of old classic cars and roadsters.



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