Once every year, several thousands of people gather at Roy Anderson Field, a small stadium in the small town of Gig Harbor, Washington. The Peninsula vs. Gig Harbor High School football game, an event known as Fishbowl, is one rich with history.

But as all eyes are on the field, focused on the hard-working playmakers of the football squadrons, we forget who the real heroes of Fishbowl are. The ones in the stands that make it all happen for football players and cheerleaders alike. I’m talking about the parents, of course.

While the young men and women capture everyone’s attention on the turf, I had the chance to interview a few of the adults that have, whether they realize it or not, had a part in putting it together.

By random chance, two of the people I spoke with, Jeannette and Dennis Chantler, are the parents of Gig Harbor High School head coach Aaron Chantler. When asked what made the Fishbowl a unique experience, Dennis spoke up, saying that

They also said that in all their years attending the Fishbowl, the atmosphere has been “very upbeat, positive… no trouble at all.”

Pat yourselves on the back, Peninsula School District.

In another interview, I had the chance to speak with Gina Gray, mother of GHHS cheerleader Abbey Gray. They also had high praise of the event, describing the “excitement in the community coming together.”

Neither group I spoke with was far off in their predictions, as the Chantlers and Grays both predicted a Gig Harbor win 31-17 and 32-14 respectively.

There is still room for improvement, though, because more seating and a larger parking lot were both topics brought up for future games. Nonetheless, as long as we have willing parents, the Fishbowl will be a must-see event for years to come.