KINGSTON — Perhaps the highlight of the longest running parade in Washington came when the Kingston High School Buccaneers emerged in front of the entire crowd of onlookers during the Fourth of July celebration.

It was a proud moment for the soon-to-be school and the community at large.

The Kingston Junior High marching band, under the direction of Jeff Haag was directly in front of the future KHS faculty and students as the parade made its way through town.

“There were at least 100 people part of Kingston High School in the parade,” he said. “I thought it was great. It seemed like every section of the school, whether it be sports, band, or Future Farmers of America, was represented by KHS during the parade.”

Haag said he was impressed by the introduction of the Bucs.

“It was a good way for the school to introduce themselves to the community,” he said. “The amount of students attending was impressive.”

KHS athletic coordinator and football coach Dan Novick proudly marched with faculty and students, wearing a smile throughout the parade. He had good reason to be cheerful.

“The atmosphere was very energizing,” Novick said. “When we were walking by I could hear someone from the sidewalk yell, ‘Finally!’ The community is happy to have a school of its own. It’s been a long time coming.”

KHS band booster and parade volunteer Colette Wilson played an instrumental role in getting the high school portion of the parade organized.

“As soon as all of the KHS group came in behind that banner we received a large cheer from the crowd,” she said. “All along the sidewalks people were cheering them on. The kids loved it.”

A rally from the Kingston High School cheerleaders made the occasion a special one.

“Everyone was chanting, ‘We are Kingston, We are Kingston.’ It was such a warm reception,” Wilson said. “They definitely felt like they were welcomed by the entire town. The Buccaneers have arrived. It was super.”

She said the parade walk made the friendly, festive environment of Kingston’s Fourth of July even more fantastic.

“It was a blast. You could see the pride in the kids faces,” she said. “I consider it a great success.”

This is just the tip of the iceberg.

“We’re still moving forward with filling the school with supplies and having the grand opening,” Wilson said. “The parade is just a taste of what is to come.”