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Autumn paints in colors that summer has never seen. -Ami Dewar
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October 2016
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GIG HARBOR DINING
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GIG HARBOR LODGING
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OPEN Wednesday - Sunday
10am - 4pm
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It's time to celebrate fall! This weekend PenMet Parks hosts the Scarecrow Fest at beautiful Sehmel Homestead Park. Visit Uptown later this month as we welcome a master pumpkin carver who will make magic of a gourd into a jack-o'-lantern. This Gigabyte has all the details about events and activities throughout the month of October - please share with family and friends, and join in on the fun. Gig Harbor is a spectacular place!
Have a wonderful month.
Sincerely,
Karen Scott & Mandy Silver
City of Gig Harbor Tourism & Communications Office
 We are excited to be the new Innkeepers for the charming Waterfront Inn located at the head of the bay. We look forward to being a part of this
wonderfully diverse community. We love the small town feel of Gig Harbor and all the amazing things it has to offer. There is truly something here for everyone.
With both our children grown, we are ready for this new season in our life.
Dennis proudly served his country for 20 years. We retired 9 years ago and moved to beautiful Gig Harbor. He calls it the "Mother in Law" clause. We enjoy being back home with family (my dad is a Peninsula High School graduate), and friends.
Making the Waterfront Inn our home this September makes house number 16 for us!!! Yes, 16 houses in 28 years of marriage, you heard right. Though moving at times was rough we have been to Austria, the Eiffel Tower, Oktoberfest in Munich, Tulip fields of Holland, Wine tasting on the Mosel River and so much more...We'd love to meet you, feel free to stop by and introduce yourself...
Warmest Regards,
Denise and Dennis Funk
Innkeepers
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Gig Harbor Film Festival takes place October 20-23rd
Be a part of the excitement of film in Gig Harbor at this year's Gig Harbor Film Festival.
The Gig Harbor Film Festival starts Thursday, October 20 with an opening film and gala party at the Harbor History Museum. The festival then runs from Friday, October 21 through Sunday, October 23 with several events planned throughout the festival. Catch one or several wonderful films at the beautiful Galaxy Uptown. The weekend will end with an Awards Party full of celebrating the arts. For details and tickets to this years film festival, visit
www.gigharborfilmfestival.org
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PenMet Parks Scarecrow Festival, October 1st
Join us for PenMet Parks Annual Scarecrow Festival held on the first Saturday in October at Sehmel Homestead Park. The festival is an autumn celebration with live entertainment and music, farm animals, hay rides, camel & pony rides, hay maze, carnival games, food and fair treat vendors. The Scarecrow Festival features a community Scarecrow Competition with entries created by local business, communities groups and families. Groups compete for cash prizes for best of show and people choice. Admission to the festival is FREE; some activities include a small fee and suggested $2/child donation for kidz zone. $5/child for pony ride. Complete details at
www.penmetparks.org
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Worldwide Photowalk, October 1st 
Scott Kelby's 9th Annual Worldwide Photowalk will again roam the waterfront of Gig Harbor on Saturday, October 1. Gig Harbor resident Ron Norris will lead photo lovers along a scenic walk as the group captures our unique city in beautiful images. The walk and photo competition is FREE and open to all ages and levels of photo enthusiasts. For more information or to register visit
www.worldwidephotowalk.com
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 Key Pen Farm Tour, October 1st
Come experience over 100 years of rich farming history on the beautiful Key Peninsula on Saturday, October 1st, from 10am to 4pm. Join in for free, family fun. The Key Peninsula Farm Tour
was established in 2006 by Trillium Creek Winery as a participant of Pierce County/WSU HarvestFEST. Local farmers established a committee of the Key Peninsula Community Council (KPC), and assumed responsibility for the farm tours when government funding for the program was depleted. The Longbranch Improvement Club (LIC) Fiber Arts Show joined the tour in 2007, Key Pen Gateway Park in 2012 and the Key Pen Fire Department Firehouse Pancake Breakfast 2013. Presently over two dozen farms participate in the event.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the KP Farm Tour. For more information, please visit www.kpfarmtour.com
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Harbor WildWatch's 2nd Annual Make Waves: Celebrate, Donate, Educate Benefit, October 13th 
Harbor WildWatch is thrilled to host their second annual benefit, Make Waves: Celebrate, Donate, Educate on Thursday, October 13 from 6:00 to 8:30 pm at The Club @ the Boatyard in downtown Gig Harbor. Guests will enjoy fresh local food from Sunshine All Naturals catering and Taylor Shellfish Farms, marine-themed beverages from Heritage Distilling Company and Narrows Brewing, and entertainment from local pianist Elijah Bossenbroek. The event will offer a silent auction with a unique mix of local products and experiences, as well as a Raise the Paddle to benefit Harbor WildWatch's interactive programs.
Limited seating is available for this 21+ event, with tickets at $100 per person or $150 per couple.
Tickets can be purchased online here
or you may pay in-person by stopping by the Harbor WildWatch office at the Historic Skansie House during Visitor Center hours (Thursday-Saturday from 10-4 pm). Cash, check and all major credit cards accepted. All proceeds will directly benefit classroom and outdoor education programs for in the greater Gig Harbor community in 2017. For more information visit www.harborwildwatch.org.
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Cyclocross Race Coming to Sehmel Homestead Park, October 29th 
CROSS OUT CANCER! Cyclocross race is coming to Gig Harbor at Sehmel Homestead Park on October 29th from 8am to 4pm. A Benefit Race in honor of George Garner and Jamie Hoover, and to everyone affected by this devastating disease. This WILL be the absolute best new cylcocross bike racing venue in the South Sound! All the best to offer: Grass Maze w/barriers, gravel, downhill/uphill sections, hill run up, bridges, water feature, asphalt stretch, woods, team tent area along start/finish, food trucks (Stacks! & On The Grind 253), beer garden, real bathrooms, and killer prizes from our sponsor - FSA. You name it! 100% proceeds to be donated to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. For more information, visit
www.gigharborvelo.org.
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Trick or Treat in the Harbor
The Gig Harbor Downtown Waterfront Alliance presents "Trick or Treat in the Harbor" beginning at 3pm and ending at 6pm on Halloween. Many downtown waterfront businesses will be open for trick or treating. Harborview Drive will be closed between the Tickled Pink store and Rosedale St, and Pioneer will also be closed from Harborview to Tarabochia to ensure safety for everyone. Street closures will begin at approximately 2pm.
Besides many businesses being open for trick or treating, the following activities are planned:
- Harbor WildWatch will present their "Mad Scientist Laboratory" at the Skansie House
- Harbor Dance will have Spooky Dance Performances on Harborview
- The Kaleidoscope store will have a "Boo Bash" & Costume Contest
- Gig Harbor Church of the Nazarene will have their "Trunk or Treat Carnival" behind and inside the church
- Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One will welcome the kids near the Skansie House
- Kids can visit Paradise Theatre's Haunted House at the old ACE Hardware locations from 4-6pm for free! No scares!
For more information on this event, or about GHDWA, visit www.gigharborwaterfront.org
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Spend Halloween at Uptown 
Celebrate the great pumpkin at Uptown and watch as amazing things develop during the Giant Pumpkin Carving taking place on October 27th from 9am - 3pm under the Pavilion.
On Halloween, join in on Halloween Trick or Treating at Uptown, October 31st, from 4-6pm.
Uptown is located at 4701 Point Fosdick Drive and open Monday - Saturday,10am - 8pm and Sunday, 10am - 6pm.
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#Community Harvest 
Now in its 25th year, Make A Difference Day is the largest national day of community service - a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. On this day, millions of Americans will come together in a common mission to improve their communities. And, we're standing up to do the same in our community! read more
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 Free Gardening Talks
October 15th - WSU Pierce County Extension Master Gardener Program presents Extending the Growing Season with Carol Heeren. This event is Saturday, October 15th from 11-12pm at Sehmel Homestead Park - 10123 78th Ave NW. This program is open to the public, no registration needed.
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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 scottk@cityofgigharbor.net or Becky Allen at becallen06@gmail.com.
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First Saturday Art Walk October 1st 
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 9 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 9 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, Maritime Jewelry, Dolly Mama Boutique and Harbor WildWatch.
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| Harbor History Museum Events
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Gig Harbor BoatShop offering workshops & more
For more information on events or to register for a workshop, call (253) 857-9344, email info@gigharborboatshop.org, or visit www.gigharborboatshop.org.
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Arts and Entertainment Around the Harbor
There's always something happening in Gig Harbor!
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Music at the BoatShop presents Matt Sircely and Craig Judelman on October 14th at the historic Eddon Boatyard. Visit here for more information
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Morso features various events all month long. Don't miss out on the last few days of Oktoberfest, listen to Richard Shindell, or view local artist Ann Stockdale's solo art exhibit. More information on Morso events can be found here.
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Meaningful Movies featuring a new movie every month, this months feature is 'Before The Flood'. Leonardo DiCaprio may be the star of his latest documentary, Before the Flood, but something much bigger takes center stage: Earth. DiCaprio travels to Alberta, Canada to see its toxic tar sands. He witnesses the frequently flooded streets of Miami Beach, Florida. He visits Beijing, a city shrouded by a constant cloak of smog. DiCaprio also explores Indonesia, a country scorched by forest fires caused by unsustainable palm oil development. 2nd Friday of every month - Agnus Dei Church 7pm
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Biblical Days of Awe Kick-off Celebration - Known as 'The Day of Blowing' the kickoff to this time of contemplation is a festive celebration of God's goodness marked by the blowing of shofars, shells, and other noisemakers at sunset around the world. More information here.
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Dining, Gig Harbor Style 
- Anthony's at Gig Harbor
Handpicked Northwest wild huckleberries have made their appearance! It was a wonderful season so enjoy our huckleberry cocktails and desserts, such as our famous Huckleberry Slump served warm and topped with vanilla ice cream! www.anthonys.com
- Morso
If it's raining, we're pouring at Morso!
For each ¼ inch of rain during the day at Morso, we extend our Happy Hour by one hour. So if it rains over 1/4 inch, Happy Hour goes until 7 pm! If it rains another 1/4 inch, we will extend our Happy Hour to 8 pm...longer if it keeps raining. Don't let the rain keep you away from a great time at Morso. www.morsowinebar.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 silverm@cityofgigharbor.net 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 
- Cougarwear - Stock up on your Seahawks gear and receive 10% off your entire purchase when you mention this ad (on Seahawks items only)! You are sure to find something for everyone! Be sure to check out their diverse selection by visiting them at 7700 Pioneer Way, Ste 202 in Gig Harbor. Open 7 days a week.
- 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.
- Death Café - At Death Cafe people come together in a relaxed and safe setting to discuss death, drink tea and eat delicious cake/treats. The objective of Death Cafe is "To increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives". The next meeting is September 12 at the Gig Harbor Library. Future meetings can be found at www.gigharborguide.com.
- The Journey of Grief - Come together as a group around the loss of a loved one. This is an opportunity to share, receive, laugh, cry and begin to heal as we work through grief together. This facilitated group (maximum of 10 people) will read Alan Wolfelt's "Understanding Your Grief" and be led in weekly discussions. It will be a place where you find privacy and safety to discuss the challenge of loss. Call 253-851-9991 for more information.
- 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. For continual park updates visit www.SkansieParkProject.com
Kimball Drive and Hunt Street Overlay
This project involves overlay of existing Kimball Drive and Hunt Street from Pioneer Way to Soundview Drive. Upgrade existing crosswalks and associated ramps to meet ADA compliance. This upgrade shall include rectangular flashing beacons (RRFB) and signage, and removal of the existing ground-installed crosswalk lighting. Some night work is anticipated. Anticipated Project Schedule:
Bid opening of September 1, 2016 with Contract Award of September 12, 2016
Construction is planned for fall 2016.
Primary Project Contact
City Council Workstudy Session - Ancich Park October 6th 5:30 pm in the Community Rooms at Gig Harbor Civic Center. The session is to discuss Ancich Waterfront Park design. More information on Ancich Park can be found at www.ancichwaterfrontpark.com.
Follow the City's new municipal
Facebook
page for updates. Please like page for meeting and open house information.
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