KINGSTON — Pete DeBoer, longtime head of the Kingston 4th of July Celebration, has stepped down as chairman of the nonprofit corporation that manages the Independence Day festivities in Kingston.

“After 11 years, it is time for me to step aside and let some younger minds and eyes take over,” DeBoer said.

“I am very proud of how the organization has grown and come together. When I started, there were half a dozen groups trying to do bits and pieces of the celebration. We brought all of the entities together under one corporate umbrella and centralized all of the fundraising work.”

Scott Anderson of Windermere Real Estate in Kingston and Juliet Deggendorfer, a sales executive from Avalara on Bainbridge Island, will serve as co-chairs.  DeBoer will remain on the board of directors as a trustee.

The Kingston 4th of July Celebration coordinates Tiny Town, the parade, sound production, and all of the music performed in Tiny Town and at the bandstand at the Port of Kingston. It supports the Kingston Fun Run and manages the fireworks display.

All of the financing for the festival comes from contributions from individuals and businesses in the community. The celebration is the biggest community event of the year in Kingston.

Details on Kingston 4th of July activities can be found on the website, www.kingston4thofjuly.com,  and on the Kingston 4th of July Facebook page.

The activities coordinating committee begins meeting monthly in November.  To volunteer, visit the website for contact information.