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"Summer afternoon-summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language." -Henry James
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August 2016
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The last few weeks of summer are upon us! If you haven't had a chance to take a Waterfront Walking Tour, presented by the Downtown Waterfront Alliance in partnership with Harbor WildWatch, you are missing out! These tours take place each Wednesday (5:30pm meet at Harbor History Museum) and Saturday (10am meet at Maritime Pier) and have been very popular among locals and visitors. Bring visiting family and friends down for a tour this month!
Summer Sounds at Skansie continues to be the 'place to be' on Tuesdays. Many thanks to CHI Franciscan and Harbor Hill for making these possible. Catch one before August 16th, when we wrap with Sounds Like Dolores.
The Waterfront Farmers Market has had a record number of vendors during recent weeks. Crops are at their peak as is variety and goodies. Come down Thursdays to find out what all the fuss is about!
Enjoy August and all Gig Harbor has to offer!
Sincerely,
Karen Scott & Mandy Silver
City of Gig Harbor Tourism & Communications Office
August Lodging Special
10% Off Stay of 2 Nights
or
15% Off Stay of 3 or More Nights
Offer good for stays September through November, booked by the end of August.
Subject to availability.
Use code FALL10 or FALL15 on our website.
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Team Up Against Crime at the 2016 National Night Out, August 2nd
National Night Out is a "community-wide" block party designed to heighten crime prevention awareness and an enjoyable means to promote neighborhood spirit, build police-community partnerships and send a message to potential criminals letting them know we will not tolerate crime in our community. Come enjoy a free community BBQ and live music presented by Waypoint Crossfit on the Pepsi Main Stage. This year features Afton Prater featuring Smiley-D and special guest, Olympic Medalist Amanda Beard!
Gig Harbor's National Night Out will include:
- City of Gig Harbor Police
- Pierce County Sheriff
- Washington State Patrol
- Gig Harbor Fire and Medic 1
- South Sound 911
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- U.S. Military
- U.S. Coast Guard
- Storm Troopers
- Games and activities for children
- and the BEAST BUS!
This event is hosted by the City of Gig Harbor Police Department and sponsored by: The Jaycox-Gig Harbor Police Benevolent Fund, Gig Harbor Fire and Medic 1, Gig Harbor Employees Guild, Pepsi-Cola, Peninsula Light Company, American Family Insurance, South Sound 911, Waypoint CrossFit, Target, Home Depot, Wilco Farm Stores, Costco Wholesale, Gig Harbor Kiwanis, PenMet Parks, United Rentals and Hemley's Septic Services. For more information, contact the Gig Harbor Police Department at 253-851-2428.
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Summer Sounds at Skansie each Tuesday 
All concerts start at 6:30 pm and are held on the waterfront at Ska
nsie Brothers Park in downtown
Gig Harbor. Kelly's, JW and Tides Tavern will be on-site to take food orders. Harbor General Store has teamed up with Harbor WildWatch to have gelato available at the Skansie House - a portion of the proceeds going to the non-profit. The events are rain or shine, and free! The concerts are sponsored by CHI Franciscan and Harbor Hill. This months concert schedule is as follows:
August 2nd - David Correa Group www.davidcorreaandcascada.com
August 9th - The Olson Bros. Band www.theolsonbrosband.com
August 16th - Sounds Like Dolores www.facebook.com/SoundsLikeDolores
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Farmers Market Every Thursday on the Waterfront
Hurry on down to the Farmers Market as August is already upon us. The Waterfront Farmers Market is a community-based, open-air market providing access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, fish and other local products while creating a vibrant forum that connects citizens and food producers in a mutually beneficial economic and cultural exchange. The goal is to return the farm to the farmers market in support of Gig Harbor's rich fishing and agricultural history and provide fresh food access to everyone.
The WFM is a project of the nonprofit Gig Harbor Downtown Waterfront Alliance. For more information, click
here.
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19th Annual Cruise the Narrows Car Show at Uptown, August 6th
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New Art Unveiling at Maritime Pier, August 10th
The Gig Harbor Arts Commission is pleased to announce the dedication of a new public art piece in Gig Harbor. "The Landing" is located at the Maritime Pier at 3303 Harborview Drive. The dedication ceremony will occur on Wednesday, August 10th at noon.
The artist, Matthew Dockrey has honored Gig Harbor's rich maritime history. The name and form refer to the first landing of the captain's gig from the 1841 Wilkes Expedition. It also recalls the time when rowboats were a main form of transportation and pays tribute to our town's long tradition of commercial fishing.
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Galloping Gertie Half-Marathon Run, August 13th 
August 13, 2016 will be a day of fitness and fun for running enthusiasts and entire families. At 8 am enjoy the Galloping Gertie Half Maraton Run, a chip-timed half marathon offering spectacular views across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and back; and recognition to top finishers. Families can enjoy a leisurely 5K Fun Run/Walk (does not cross Narrows Bridge).
Starting this year, the Gallop Gertie Half Marathon will be hosting a friendly competition between Gig Harbor High School and Peninsula High School. All participants and volunteers are asked to show where their affiliation lies for a percentage of the registration funds to be kicked back to their schools. The high school with the most supporters will get to display the prestigious Lenny Trophy on their campus for the following year! Come out to show your support and SHOW YOUR COLORS!
For more information, the schedule, or to register, visit www.overthenarrows.com.
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A Wave of Orange on August 13th - OBLITERIDE
This is the year for everyone to join Obliteride - the event will come through Gig Harbor on Saturday, August 13th. Show your support - deck yourself out in orange and welcome the riders between approximately noon and 3pm at Skansie Brothers Park. Or you can sign up to ride!
Nearly 1,200 people rode in Obliteride last year, which has routes for everyone from rookies to road warriors. Participants raise a minimum of $500 or $1,000 depending on their route. Every dollar riders raise goes to Fred Hutch.
Obliteride has raised nearly $7 million for lifesaving cancer research at Fred Hutch in its first three years. "These funds are vital to our work toward cancer cures," said Dr. Gary Gilliland, president and director of Fred Hutch. "There's a very real urgency now as we are on the verge of breakthroughs. For example, our scientists have seen extraordinary success using a patient's own immune cells to make cancer literally vanish, even in patients with the most advanced stages of disease. It's unprecedented. Fundraising efforts like Obliteride help us cure cancer faster."
The need for cures is urgent. Nearly 70,000 people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer this year in the Northwest alone. "If you're one of them, you're going to want a cure," Lavin said.
Obliteride is so much more than a bike ride. Riders are treated to a first-class event including fun parties, live entertainment and fantastic food from Tom Douglas Catering. To be part of this exciting event the weekend of Aug. 12-14, 2016, sign up to ride 10-165 miles or volunteer at www.obliteride.org.
Please drive with caution and watch for riders along Crescent Valley Drive, North Harborview, Harborview Drive, and Soundview Drive on Saturday, August 13th.
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Olalla Blue Grass Festival, August 20th
Organizers have pulled out all the stops with the line-up for the 25th Olalla Bluegrass &  Beyond Festival on Aug. 20.
Headliners Trout Steak Revival will fly in from Denver, Colorado with their special style of bluegrass music. "They were a smash hit at Wintergrass this past February," said festival founder Charlee Glock-Jackson. "The audience loved them so we figured we should bring them back to the Northwest and introduce them to our Olalla audience."
Another Wintergrass hit, Rabbit Wilde, from Bellingham, is also in the line-up. "They have wonderful, youthful energy and they're all stellar musicians," Glock-Jackson added. A
lso from Bellingham, Hot Damn Scandal will make an encore appearance after getting a standing ovation at last year's festival.
While the focus of the day is clearly on music, there are also old time crafts demonstrations, food and craft vendors and kids activities, including a parade around the ball field.
Added attractions this year are a display of skulls of local wildlife, courtesy of Gig Harbor's Harbor WildWatch and guided nature walks along nearby Olalla Creek led by Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife staff.
Added to all the fun and music is Olalla's famous berry pie - and plenty of it. "'Olalla' means 'place with many berries,' so every year we have a berry pie contest and lots of homemade pie for sale," said JoAnn Smith who coordinates the pie contest.
Gates open at 10am. Music starts at 11am and continues til dusk. For more information visit click
here.
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Harbor Hounds Charity Dog Walk, August 27th
Harbor Hounds is a Charity Dog Walk held in downtown Gig Harbor along the spectacular  waterfront. The most furry event of the year, join us for some good old fashioned four-legged fun. Event sponsors set up booths to display and/or sell their products and services between two end-point locations: Skansie Park and Donkey Creek Park. Registered Dog Walkers walk with their best friend(s) between these two locations, at their leisure, visiting booths, making friends and getting Raffle Cards stamped by the participating sponsors for a chance to win spectacular Harbor Hounds prize packages (to be announced soon). Food vendors and entertainment are provided throughout the day. And, we have plenty of sponsor provided watering holes along the way. The day ends with a number of fun contests for you to show off your dog. Categories include: Best Tricks, Best Kisser (the dog), Best Tail Wagger, Best Dressed, and our fun musical Sit and Stay contest. For more information visit
www.harborhounds.com.
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Waterfront Guided Walking Tours on Saturdays through August
The Guided Walking Tour is free to the public and presented by the Gig Harbor Downtown Waterfront Alliance in partnership with Harbor WildWatch and the Harbor History Museum. This fun, informative tour will offer a general overview of Gig Harbor history and wildlife  along the downtown waterfront. The one way, 1.3 mile route hugs the waterfront beginning at the Maritime Pier and ends at the Bogue Viewing Platform in the Finholm District. There are ten stops at intriguing points of interest along the way.
The tour is offered rain or shine on most Saturdays at 10am through the end of August. Since the tour is one way, participants are encouraged to ride the Trolley to get them back near the starting point, or to walk back and enjoy lunch or a visit to the museum. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Those who wish to take the tour should meet at the Maritime Pier 15 minutes prior to the 10 am start time. Tour size is limited to the first 20 participants. For more information call (253)514-0071 or visit www.gigharborwaterfront.org.
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Volunteer Opportunity at the Skansie Visitor Center
Calling all residents who are passionate about Gig Harbor! We are seeking additional volunteers at the Skansie Visitor's Center in downtown Gig Harbor. Volunteers typically work two, 3-hour shifts each month, and help greet visitors, answer questions, and keep the center tidy. If you like talking to residents and visitors of all ages, please contact Karen Scott at [email protected] or Becky Allen at [email protected].
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Harbor History Museum 
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August 13 - Our Town Finland (Family)
The Northern Lights are known as nature's most spectacular light show. On August 13th from 1:00-3:00pm, use chalk to make your own breathtaking views. This event is FREE.
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August 18 - Third Thursdays at the Museum: Richard Twice (Singer-Songwriter)
This Third Thursday performance will be accompanied by the premier of the short animated documentary film, Richard Twice, by documentarian Matthew Salton. Based on the life of Richard Atkins, this film showcases the skillful artistry of both the musician and filmmaker alike.
Tickets are $18 for members and $25 for non-members and includes admission to the Museum's exhibits for the evening. Doors open for happy hour at 6:00pm, which includes complimentary snacks and a cash bar featuring beer from
7 Seas Brewery and regional wines. To get tickets, visit our
Buy Tickets page.
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August 20 - Our Town Finland (Adult)
The Finnish Choral Society of Seattle is one of the remaining American choirs to sing in Finnish. On August 20th from 2:00-3:00pm, enjoy a group performance that will include kantele playing and a Kalevala trio. Tickets for members are $5.00 and $7.50 for non-members. To purchase your tickets for this concert, contact the Front Desk at 253-858-6722.
For more information about Harbor History Museum and their many events, visit www.harborhistorymuseum.org or call 253-858-6722.
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Harbor WildWatch Events
- Beach Walks
Thursday, August 18th you can find Harbor WildWatch on the Purdy Spit and at Kopachuck State Park. Come get your feet wet as you explore the beach for sea creatures. Visitors will learn about the anatomy, feeding habits and the amazing adaptations these creatures must possess in order to live in the harsh beach environment. The goal of this interactive program is to bring awareness and respect for the species that share our home and encourage stewardship for our natural resources.
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Gig Harbor BoatShop offering classic boat rentals
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Livery Service Open for the Season
Classic boats are available to rent by the hour from the Livery during summer weekends. Take a cruise in a restored electric launch or rowboat and see the Harbor from a different perspective. Visit
www.gigharborboatshop.org or call (253) 857-9344 to reserve your boat or to learn more.
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GHB Community Boat Restoration Program for Women
Join Jaime Storkman, Gig Harbor BoatShop board member and long time wood boat owner, on Tuesday or Wednesdays as he guides a crew of women through boat maintenance project. $10/non-members, free for members.
- 2016 Family Boat Building Program
This is a 2-day program occurring on a Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. Each group is assigned their own wooden boat expert who will guide your team every step of the way through the construction of a 12-foot, 90-pound Salt Bay Skiff. The skiff will be yours to take home and enjoy forever. Call to book your reservation.
- GHB Community Boat Restoration Program
Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. Learn from master boatbuilder Tom Regan as he guides your team through a boat building, boat repair, or boat restoration project. $10/non-member, free for members. Call 253-857-9344 to register.
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Arts and Entertainment Around the Harbor
- Uptown Gig Harbor Summer Concert Series - August 4, 11, 18
Uptown Gig Harbor Pavilion
Bring your lawn chair to the Uptown Gig Harbor pavilion to enjoy wonderful music this summer, Thursday evenings from 6:00 PM-8:00 pm. The schedule is as follows:
For more information about Uptown or it's events visit www.uptowngigharbor.com.
- Fiddler on the Roof - August 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27
Paradise Theatre 
A musical theatre tradition, Tevye the milkman tries to protect his daughters and his way of life from a changing world. Winner of 9 TONY Awards when it debuted in 1964, Fiddler On The Roof is the brainchild of Broadway legends Jerome Robbins, Harold Prince, songwriters Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, and book writer Joseph Stein. Touching audiences worldwide with its humor, warmth and honesty, this universal show is a staple of the musical theatre canon.For more information, contact Vicki Richards, Artistic Director at 253-851-PLAY (7529), or email [email protected]. www.paradisetheatre.org
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First Annual #Community Myxer - August 6
Gig Harbor History Museum
The festive evening will bring the community together with live music by Budapest West, delicious food by celebrity chef Nola Nevers, fine wines and cocktails by Heritage Distilling as we honor extraordinary people, share transformative projects, and reflect on works of building, bridging and enriching our greater Gig Harbor and Key peninsula community. And, in celebration of the Foundation's 10th birthday we'll be making a gift of 5 community spirit micro grants to our greater peninsula community. Tickets: $50 per person. Reservations may be made online here or by calling the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation at (253) 514-6338.
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The Muse at Morso Featuring Jed Myers - August 11
Morso
Morso presents The Muse at Morso, a monthly program featuring premier authors and poets. On the second Thursday of each month, Morso hosts prominent poets and authors to Gig Harbor then share work from the community. This month on August 11 at 7pm, we feature Jed Myers. Jed did not seek publication until the events of September 11th, 2001. Since that time, his work has been widely published. For several years now he has been active in maintaining a consortium of music-and-poetry open-mic cabarets called Easy Speak Seattle.
The Muse at Morso is presented in conjunction with Watermark Writers, www.watermarkwriters.com. Please call us at 253-530-3463 for further information. This event is free.
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Summer Art Camp: Drawn Beneath the Sound - August 15-18
Apprentice Academy has partnered with Harbor WildWatch to create a one-of-a-kind camp experience for a limited number of students ages 6-12. Not only will we study color pastel technique as we create finished drawings of local marine life, but we'll dip our hands in touch tanks full of Puget Sound creatures! Join us as we learn to identify tube worms, sea stars and kelp crabs and the challenges they face in their natural habitat. All materials included. More information here or call 253-405-6694.
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Open Studio Tour Preview - August 16-September 11
Morso
Morso is happy to hold a preview of this year's Open Studio Tour in our gallery from August 16 - September 11. Morso will display work from many of the local artists participating in this year's tour and hold a Meet the Artists Reception on Thursday August 18 from 6-8pm. Come and get a sneak preview of the work from this wonderful annual local art studio celebration. www.morsowinebar.com
- Chapel on Echo Bay's August benefit welcomes Kim Archer - August 19
Zog's 
Vocalist and guitar-player Archer has a loyal following of fans in the Pacific Northwest. Her music is a mixture of blues, soul and classic rock and her music has often been compared to the strong, heartfelt hits of early Bonnie Raitt. The Kim Archer concert will be Friday, August 19, 2016, 7-9 p.m. at Zog's, 585 6th Avenue FI, Fox Island WA 98333.
Cover charge is $20 per person, payable at the door. All proceeds go to the Chapel on Echo Bay. For more information: 253-549-7039.
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Dining, Gig Harbor Style
- Anthony's at Gig Harbor
Summer is in full swing and we're celebrating with fresh peaches at Anthony's! Locally grown from peach farmers, including Douglas Fruit Company located in Pasco Washington, these tree-ripened peaches are considered to be some of the sweetest and juiciest in the world. Our culinary team has worked to showcase these in our seasonal recipes for you to enjoy as long as Mother Nature allows! Stop by for a fresh peach cocktail and don't miss out on our Fresh Northwest Peach Slump!www.anthonys.com
- Morso BBQ Specials for August
In addition to our Alabama White BBQ Sauce Grilled Chicken with Edamame Succotash, Tidewater Coleslaw and Corn Muffin, we have added our twist on a Shoreline Seafood Boil. Fresh fish, clams, mussels, shrimp, corn, carrots and more all combined to give you the feel of the sea right here in Gig Harbor. www.morsowinebar.com.
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JW Restaurant
JW is proud to introduce Executive Chef Douglas Kim, who recently joined our team  in July 2016. Doug has had experience running his own Construction Company and Tattoo/Piercing Parlor in Tacoma, but his passion is in the kitchen. Being Korean and trained in French cuisine, Doug's favorite part of cooking is fusion...he loves bringing the unique flavors of different cultures together.
Upon graduating from Culinary School at Le Cordon Bleu Seattle in 2009, Doug sought out the fine dining scene in the Seattle/Tacoma area where he worked at a variety of restaurants including 13 Coins, Lobster Shop, Cliffhouse & El Gaucho. His goal is to continue to grow and learn in the kitchen as a successful Chef and eventually teach students who share that same passion for cooking and learning.
Doug is a natural born leader and teacher, which translates well into the role of Executive Chef here at JW. We look forward to Doug leading our team and the fusion of JW's style with his own.
Doug's passion in the kitchen does come second to one thing, his family. Doug lives in Tacoma with his Fiancé and his 4 daughters, yes...I said 4 daughters!! He enjoys every moment of his time with his girls, and cooking for them too!
www.jwgigharbor.com.
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Did We Miss Your Event?
The Gigabyte is published monthly, with the exception of January.  While we do our best to include all events, due to the amount of time involved, we simply cannot find every event happening in the Harbor. This is where we need your help. If you have an event that you would like included in the Gigabyte, please email it to [email protected] no later than the 20th of the month prior (don't forget the five W's and the H (who, what, where, when, why & how) in your email). Pictures may be submitted but we cannot guarantee that they will be included. Also, be sure to enter your event onto our city calendar for all to see at www.gigharborguide.com! Contact Mandy Silver at the email address above or at 253-853-3554 with questions or for more information.
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More Gigs
- AARP Smart Driver Class - AARP Smart Driver Class is from 8:45 am to 1:00 pm and is a 2 day class. This program is designed for the senior driver (50 and older), but any person can enroll, and will be presented with a certificate upon completing the (required) eight hours, but must meet the minimum age to be eligible for their insurance policy premium reduction. For registration and further information please call (253) 265-8508.
- First Saturday Art Walk - Indulge your love of art at the First Saturday Art Walk every month along Gig Harbor's Downtown Waterfront. This free event allows art enthusiasts to stroll through six galleries featuring artist demonstrations, refreshments, and displays reflecting a diverse selection of mediums and styles.
Pick up your passport at the first gallery visited and drop off at your last stop. With all 7 stamps you will be entered into a drawing for a $50.00 gift certificate. If you are under 21, you don't have to visit MORSO to get your passport stamped. (MORSO of course is for 21+ only).Participating galleries include Ebb Tide Gallery, Gallery Row, Water's Edge Gallery & Framery, Inc., Blackwater Trading Company, Sea Hags, MORSO and Maritime Jewelry.
- Every Tuesday join Gig Harbor Audio for 'Disk After Dark'. Come listen to an entire album from start to finish, be it the Gorillas, Carlos Santana, or something classical or jazz. Come celebrate the actual art of the album - all are welcome. Read more about what Gig Harbor Audio is up to here.
- Book Club at Gig Harbor Audio Wednesdays from 6 pm - 8 pm, local author, D.L. Fowler, hosts SoundAudiobooks - a brown-bag dinner discussion group inside Gig Harbor Audio.
- Every Tuesday, attend a no-cost Freedom From Tobacco Weekly Support Group from 5:30-6:30 pm at St. Anthony Hospital. Drop-ins welcome. For more info call (253) 223 7538.
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City News
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Lift Station 4B Replacement and Welcome Plaza (Jerisich Dock and Skansie Brothers Park)
The City currently operates and maintains sewer lift station #4A (also known as a pump station), at this location. A recent Wastewater Comprehensive Plan identified the lift station #4A as needing replacement. Current design layouts can be seen
here. This new welcome center will include new restrooms with shower facilities and a self-guided directory of local services to supplement the nearby Visitor's Center.
Construction start date is September 6, 2016. The park will close through construction, expected to last through May, 2017.
Puget Sound Energy Gas Main Relocation
Puget Sound Energy is scheduled to begin gas main relocation work starting August 8th, 2016 on Harborview Drive from Rosedale Street to the Skansie Brother's House in Skansie Brother's Park. This work is expected to take up to 10 days to complete.
This work is being required in anticipation of the City's upcoming Welcome Plaza/ Lift Station 4b project which is scheduled to begin on September 6th, 2016. The gas main in its current location is in conflict with the work that is planned for the Welcome Plaza project, and is being relocated accordingly to allow room for the installation of future lift station utilities.
Traffic and Construction Impacts:
* During this construction you can expect a lane closure with two-way flagged traffic control between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
* You can expect longer than normal traffic delays, and it is highly recommended that alternate travel routes be utilized.
* The PSE crews will NOT be working on Thursday's to accommodate the downtown Farmer's Market, and their crews will be required to be off the roadway by 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday's in anticipation of the concerts in the park.
Your patience and cooperation during this construction is greatly appreciated, and we apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause.
ACCESS TO ALL BUSINESSES and RESIDENCES WILL BE MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES.
City of Gig Harbor - 2016 Healthy Communities Award Recipient
Congratulations to the City of Gig Harbor, a recipient of the 2016 Healthy Communities Award from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. This year's award recognizes local jurisdictions that have adopted comprehensive plan policies to improve the health of all community members.
FROM WSDOT
Tacoma Narrows Bridge Paving Project
This August the Washington State Department of Transportation will repave both Tacoma Narrows Bridges on State Route 16. One of the bridges, the new 2007 eastbound bridge, will be repaved during night hours with traditional lane closures. To repave the 1950 westbound bridge, however, crews will close the bridge entirely over two weekends (from Friday night to Monday morning) and will divert westbound traffic onto the eastbound bridge. During the westbound bridge closures, SR 16 traffic will be reduced to two lanes in each direction. WSDOT will also temporarily reduce the SR 16 speed limit at the Narrows over both weekends. Dates have yet to be determined.
Follow the City's new municipal
Facebook
page for updates. Please like page for meeting and open house information.
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Fab Photo of the Month
Many thanks to the Downtown Waterfront Alliance basket watering
volunteers.
Submit your favorites on our
Facebook page today!
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