Pirate's Booty: Yo Ho Harbor Paraders Win Awards

Thirteen of more than 100 participants in the 's parade won awards Saturday afternoon for being the best in a wide range of categories from the most original entry to the best motorized unit.

As Gig Harbor residents lined Harborview Drive to bask in the sun and fun of the festival's kick-off event, a panel of four judges — Gig Harbor Chamber Board Chairman Scott Limoli, Police Chief Mike Davis, former Fire and Medic One Chief Bob Black and Mayor Chuck Hunter — were hard at work evaluating parade entries as each marched past their judge's stand.

This year's Gig Festival parade included 103 participating groups and organizations. Starting out at Donkey Creek Park at 10 a.m., it took more than two hours for all of them to complete the route into downtown Gig Harbor.

All in all, Lomili declared this year's parade to be "the best ever."

Added Chief Davis: "The weather, the quality of the parade was outstanding."

The 13 winners, listed below, were announced at a 2 p.m. awards presentation by the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce at the Skansie Brothers Park Pavilion Stage.

• — Most Original Entry
• — Best Depiction of the Yo Ho Harbor Theme
• Multicare — Best Commercial Entry
• Gig Harbor 4-H — Best Animal Entry
• Gig Harbor Cruisers — Best Antique Vehicle
• — Best Motorized Unit
• The Shy Boys — Best Musical Group
• Washington Midsummer Renaissance Fair — Best Costumes
• — Best Children's Entry
• — Best Service Organization Entry
• Zen Martial Arts — The Judges' Choice
• — The Mayor's Choice
• — The Chairman's Choice

In addition to the parade winners, the Chamber presentation also honored winners of the 2011 Public Safety and Community Service Award. They included:

• Detective Mike Cabacungan —  Officer of the Year,
• Deputy Joseph McDonald — Officer of the Year,
• Trooper Christopher Frederick — Officer of the Year, Washington State Patrol
• Firefighter/EMT Nick Langlow — Officer of the Year,

Check back later for the video coverage of the parade.