"Some of the best memories are made in flip flops."
Kellie Elmore
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July is here, my favorite month of the year! I hope you are enjoying the fabulous weather.
This month is full of fun events and activities all around town. The concerts are underway at Skansie Brothers Park, and Uptown concerts will begin in one week. The always popular
Summer ArtFest will be held on July 15th & 16th. Close to 130 artists and craftspeople will be featured at the 33rd annual event on Judson Street. There will also be a Literary Corner for authors and book illustrators, live music from 11 - 4 on Saturday, plus the "Art in Paradise" exhibit of artwork by PAL members at the nearby Paradise Theatre.
Chalk the Harbor will take place in conjunction with ArtFest - this event makes 'graffiti okay for the day'. Be sure to view the amazing artwork that will pop up on sidewalks throughout downtown on Saturday, July 15th. Make sure to jump on the
trolley for easy access to all these fun events
PLEASE BE AWARE - Harborview Drive, between Pioneer and Rosedale, will be closed on July 18th between 4pm and 9pm as we welcome the Beatniks to Summer Sounds at Skansie, and again on August 1st for National Night Out (
new location) as part of Summer Sounds at Skansie.
Keep tabs about all things Gig Harbor by reading this month's GigaByte, visiting our
website, following us on
Facebook, and
Twitter plus see beautiful photography by visiting
Instagram.
I look forward to seeing you in the sunshine. Enjoy!
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Summer Sounds at Skansie Off To Great Start!
If you missed the Dusty 45's this week, you missed a great show. The extremely popular and free outdoor concert series will run on consecutive Tuesdays until August 15th at the newly renovated Skansie Brothers Park, 3207 Harborview Drive. All concerts are held rain or shine. The concerts are sponsored by CHI Franciscan Health and Harbor Hill.
July 18 - The Beatniks
www.thebeatniks.com
plus "Fill the Fish Tank Food Drive" in partnership with Gig Harbor Peninsula FISH Food Bank ROAD WILL BE CLOSED
August 1 - Bobby Sox and the Jukebox
www.funaddictsband.com
and "National Night Out" in partnership with Gig Harbor Police Department
ROAD WILL BE CLOSED
Returning in 2017 is the popular restaurant delivery service to the park by downtown eateries. Concertgoers are encouraged to ride the Gig Harbor Trolley and bring lawn chairs and blankets. Gig Harbor parks are non smoking and alcohol free parks. For best viewing, only small umbrellas are permitted, and please be respectful of your neighbors. Please note: Chairs may be moved if necessary for set up and safety, and chairs will not be allowed on the viewing platform (roof-top level). Set up of chairs is allowed beginning at 7am each day of event.
See you at the concerts!
Link to More Information
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Friday Family Fun Movies in the Park debut July 7
The City of Gig Harbor is pleased to announce the lineup for 2017 Friday Family Fun Movies in the Park hosted at Skansie Brothers Park each Friday in July. This program is provided to our community by our returning sponsors of Taylor Thomason Insurance and MultiCare Gig Harbor Medical Park.
July 7 - SING beginning at 9:15pm
July 14 - Finding Nemo beginning at 9:00pm
July 21 - Finding Dory beginning at 9:00pm
July 28 - The Little Mermaid beginning at 8:30pm
Times are approximate and movies will start when it is dark enough. Movies are cancelled during rain or high wind. Bring chairs or blankets. Special thanks to our popcorn sponsor Kitsap Bank and to Harbor WildWatch for providing family friendly activities beginning at 7:30pm. Make sure and bring a refillable water bottle for the water station. Special thank you to the Gig Harbor Film Festival for providing introductions at the movies.
Link to Additional Resource
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Build a Better World
Pierce County residents of all ages can improve their reading skills, earn prizes and have guaranteed fun this summer during
Pierce County Library System's Summer Reading,
June 24 through Sept. 3 at all
Pierce County Libraries
.
In addition to prizes, drawings, and library fine reductions for readers of all ages, the library branches will host
nine local authors, a
teen writing incentive, and a variety of seminars and demonstrations geared towards various ages.
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Gig Harbor Wings and
Wheels July 2
Back again for the 7th year, the Gig Harbor Wings and Wheels Air Show and Car Show will be back at the Tacoma Narrows Airport on July 2nd, 2017. This event will feature many different aspects to include - multiple live aerobatic performances and fly-overs, dozens of planes on static display, a 200+ count car show, vendors, delicious food, a beer garden, and activities for the kids. The event will run from 11:00 AM till 4:00 PM.
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Gig Harbor BoatShop Offers Family Programing
The Gig Harbor BoatShop Livery is now open for the season! Enjoy a cruise around the harbor in one of our hand crafted row boats or restored electric launches. Regular seasonal hours are Friday 10am to 4pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm
Rates range from-
$7.50 to $15 per hour for members | $15 to $30 per hour for non-members
Call (253) 857-9344 or stop by the BoatShop to make a reservation - Walk-ins welcome if boats have not been previously reserved.
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Swing for a Soldier Tournament July 10
Seven-time Olympic medalist Amanda Beard will headline the fourth-annual SWING for a Soldier golf tournament on Monday, July 10. This year's tournament, a traditional four-person scramble, will be held at the award-winning
Canterwood Golf Course in Gig Harbor, Wash.
The tournament supports the Permission to Start Dreaming Foundation, a Gig Harbor-based foundation that raises funds for alternative therapy programs that help veterans and their families find a light through the darkness of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.
The tournament begins with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Registration for the tournament is $200 per person and includes a round of golf, golf cart, practice range, tee prizes, lunch and dinner. An awards ceremony will immediately follow the tournament
Click here for further information and details
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Gig Harbor Film Festival Fundraiser July 14
Dance to the Movies Summer Fundraiser --
The Gig Harbor Film Festival is celebrating its 10
th
Anniversary this year! Get involved in the celebration and show your support for this world class cinematic event at a live auction with dinner and dancing to the tunes of Baking With Julia! Make some memories and support our local arts scene on this beautiful summer evening with friends at The Canterwood Golf and Country Club.
Date: July 14
th
, 2017
Time: 6:00pm
Location: Canterwood Golf and Country Club, Gig Harbor
Tickets: $75 Per Person
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Recipe Contest & Sponsorship Opportunity
This year as part of the annual Make a Difference Day, the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation is putting on #communityharvest. As part of this tradition to improve communities and help others, this year features a recipe contest. Through July 15th
submit an original recipe to be featured in the 2017 #Community Harvest Cookbook, which will be sold on Make a Difference Day, October 28th 2017. Additionally, these recipes will
be used by sponsors and volunteers to collect ingredients for meals to be donated.
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Roses And Rosedale - A Summer Historical Walking Tour July 8
Come to Sehmel Homestead Park on July 8th for Roses and Rosedale -- Summer Edition
A Historical Walking Tour of Sehmel Homestead Park beginning at
11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Come beat the heat and head into the woods with us as we walk a portion of the more than four miles of park trails. Along the route, the staff of EnviroCorps will talk about the history of the Sehmel family, their farm, and their place as one of the original pioneering families of Rosedale at the end of the last century. As they lead the walk, your guides will share information on the many noteworthy plants along the way. Please meet at the flag poles, in front of the snack bar, across from Volunteer Vern Pavilion. This event is free, family friendly, lasting approximately one hour, and will be held rain or shine. For more information please call Karen at 253-225-6900 Or visit
www.penmetparks.org, the Sehmel Homestead Park Facebook page or the EnviroCorps Facebook page.
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Summer Concerts at Uptown Begin July 6
Uptown Summer Concert Series runs each
Thursday night from 6-8pm at the Uptown Pavilion, 4701 Point Fosdick Drive, Gig Harbor.
July 13th - The Shy Boys
August 17th - Wounded Mic
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Self-Guided Waterfront History Walk Guides Available
Whether you are a visitor to Gig Harbor or a long time resident, the Waterfront History Walk will not only help you brush up on old facts but learn new ones. This self-guided tour takes you from the Old Ferry Landing at the end of Harborview Drive, to the Old Methodist Church built in 1893 on North Harborview Drive. Each of the 45 buildings and locations depicted in the guide are marked on the map and include a brief historical description. The walk is about two miles one way so feel free to catch a ride on the iconic red trolley on the way back. Pick up your copy of the Waterfront History Walk at the Skansie House Visitor & Interpretive Center located at 3211 Harborview Drive at Skansie Brothers Park.
Link to hours at the Skansie Visitor & Interpretive Center
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Gig Harbor Wine & Food Fest 2017 July 29
This event will feature some of the best Chef's the Pacific Northwest has to offer, several of which will be battling it out in two cook-off competitions under the watchful eye of Chef Thierry Rautureau, the Chef in the Hat.
Wine & Food lovers will enjoy sampling the best of what more than 50 regional restaurants, wineries, breweries and distilleries have to offer. The Grand Tasting Event will be held on the grounds of the Harbor History Museum on beautiful Gig Harbor Bay, Saturday, July 29, from Noon - 4:30pm.
Attendees will receive a commemorative wine glass, carrying bag, tasting plate, wine opener, event program with map and 15 sip tickets at entry.
Aside from providing savory delights for anyone's palate, the event will feature a variety of wine seminars and food demonstrations by food and wine experts for those eager to learn. Sip wine and develop your culinary skills, all while experiencing the lovely maritime location. Be sure to see all the great classes we have available when you click on the green ticket llink. Classes are available only with a purchase of the Grand Tasting.
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Winemakers Dinners at JW
July at JW brings two more opportunities to learn about wine from area winemakers and enjoy a delectable four course meal including wine at each course. Wine will also be available for purchase at the end of dinner.
Willamette Valley Vineyard Winemaker Dinner w/Jim Bernau: Wednesday, July 26th @ 6pm
Obelisco Winemaker Dinne
r
w/Doug Long: Friday, July 28th @ 5pm and 7:45pm
Link to additional information
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Join Us In Supporting GHP FISH on July 18th, 20th and 21st
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The Skansie House Visitor Information & Interpretive Center looking for Volunteers
The City of Gig Harbor's Visitor & Interpretive Center at the Skansie House is currently recruiting for volunteer ambassadors for our welcome center. The center is run in partnership with Harbor WildWatch and is home to the Harbor WildWatch Laboratory too. Volunteer shifts consist of regularly scheduled weekly, monthly or on a fill in basis. Please contact
Karen Scott at the City Tourism & Communications Office by
email for more details on how to sign up.
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Winner of Best Food Truck 2017
The JW @ The Boatyard Food Trolley was voted by the readers of
South Sound Magazine "Best Food Truck of 2017"
Located at the Gig Harbor Boatyard & Marina, the JW food trolley is open 7 days a week 11 am to dusk until September 30th.
Link to additional information
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Madrona Links Offers Summer Programming
Madrona Ladies Golf Club is welcoming new Members. Enjoy Golf, make new friends, reconnect with old friends or practice your golf skills
The Ladies Club plays Tuesday & Sunday mornings. For information please email
madronalgc@gmail.com or stop by the Madrona Links Golf Course Pro Shop for information, 3604 22nd Ave NW, Gig Harbor
Link to Additional Resource
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Harbor Institute Provides Learning Opportunities
Tacoma Community College Gig Harbor Campus presents Harbor Institute, a non-credit program for adults who want the fun and challenge of a college class without the papers, tests, and grades. With affordable prices, Harbor Institute makes it easy to learn local history, immerse yourself in art, or keep up on some of the most exciting and important trends unfolding in the world at large.
Link to Additional Resource
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July with Harbor WildWatch
Harbor WildWatch offers an array of activities throughout town such as beach walks, walking tours, and interactive Science Saturdays! In addition, you will find a new interactive sandbox, a year-round touch tank with various invertebrates from Puget Sound, and an underwater camera with live feed at the Skansie Visitor & Interpretive Center, located at 3207 Harborview Drive and open Wednesday through Sunday 10-4 beginning April 5th. View the link below to find beach walks, Cocktails & Fishtails, volunteer opportunities, and many more fun and educational events.
Link to Harbor WildWatch calendar of events
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City of Gig Harbor News
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| Skansie Brothers Park Grand Opening |
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| Traffic switch on I-5 in Tacoma requires advanced planning and patience |
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Welcome to Mike Dudley, the new City of Gig Harbor Building Inspector, who joined us June 5th.
City of Gig Harbor Firework Regulations
Sidewalk Work On-Going
Gig Harbor Operations will be starting sidewalk repair work around town on June 28th with work being completed on June 30th. Our repair locations will be as follows:
- 6750 Kimball Dr. (in front of Great Car Wash)
- 3710 Grandview St (between Pioneer Way and Stinson)
- 8812 North Harborview (in front of dry cleaners)
- Burnham Dr (heading west over Hwy 16 from lower Round about)
Lane shifts will be used for traffic control on Kimball and Grandview. Sidewalk closed signs will be up.
Roadway Stripping
Olympic Drive overpass will have re-stripping and traffic signal modifications completed on July 17th and 18th. Work should take place in the nighttime and early morning hours. Please drive carefully through this area and be aware of the change in traffic flow.
Olympic Drive / Point Fosdick Right Turn Lane
A new right turn lane will be constructed beginning July 10th. The majority of this work will take place at night.
Follow City of Gig Harbor on Facebook for the most up to date information on construction projects, agendas and meetings www.facebook.com/cityofgigharbor
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City Construction Updates
You can find information on the following projects at the link below:
Ancich Park
Connect The Gig Transportation Planning
Stormwater Low Impact Development and 2017
Public Works Standards Update
Planning Projects
Public Works Projects
One Harbor Point
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Ongoing Events
First Saturday Art Walk
Gig Harbor Farmers Market
Super Business Group
Meaningful Movies in Gig Harbor
Toastmasters
AARP Smart Driver Class
The Journey of Grief
Freedom From Tobacco Weekly Support Group
Our calendar is jam-packed! Find more events at activities at:
www.gigharborguide.com
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