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The time is here - to celebrate fall! There is a ton of fun to be had, scarecrows, falling leaves, candy corn and even ghostly goblins that will invade town soon. In the meantime, don't miss the 10th Annual Gig Harbor Film Festival beginning October 26. This year the event features many award-winning independent films on two screens at Galaxy Theatre Uptown.

The Tourism & Communications staff feels pretty lucky to work (and live!) in such a beautiful community. Plus, we get some fun perks that come with the job! This week, we got a sneak peak at Ocean5, the new building and project at Olympic Towne Center on Point Fosdick Drive. The building is amazingly beautiful, full of natural light. It is expected to to be certified as a LEED building soon. This means is it expected to save enough energy to run 36 traditional-sized homes. Most of this energy savings is based on the lighting design, using LED lighting and large windows. But more fun, it is designed to be a new community gathering destination for social activities (including bowling) and dining! Look for it to open in December.

In the meantime, stay connected with GigHarborGuide on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
 
All the best,
 
4th Annual Cider Swig September 20th

Come get your swig on Saturday, September 30, 12-5pm at Sehmel Homestead Park. This popular event features more than 24 Northwest cider makers providing more than 90 cider selections, along with food, music and fun activities. Proceeds support environmental conservation and education, parks, trails and related initiatives in the greater Gig Harbor and Key peninsulas.

Link to additional information.
Halloween in the Harbor

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 and some street closures will take place to ensure safety for everyone. Link to additional information.

Street closures will begin at approximately 2pm. Harborview Drive will be closed between the Tickled Pink store and Rosedale St. Pioneer will also be closed from Harborview to Tarabochia. 

Uptown Trick or Treat
 
Get in the Halloween spirit with trick or treating at Uptown Gig Harbor on October 31, 4-6pm.  Don't forget to check out the giant carved pumpkin. Link to additional information.

Paradise Theatre Haunted House
 
Now in its 18th year providing thrills and chills in Gig Harbor, Paradise Theatre's Haunted House is open October 20-22 and October 26-31. On Halloween kids can enjoy a free kids' tour from 4-6pm offering no scares, just candy, followed by a real fright night from 6-8:30pm.  Tickets available at Paradise Theatre half an hour before each tour. For more information or to volunteer contact   info@paradisetheatre.org

Haunted Harbor Party Presented by PenMet Parks & Pierce County Companionship
 
Join the fun Saturday, October 21, 6-8pm at Haunted Harbor Party, a fully inclusive Halloween party (for youth and adults with disabilities and family members). Light snacks and punch will be served. All participants will receive a souvenir photo to take home at the end of the night. Costumes are encouraged but not required. Link for Registration and additional information.
 

Emergency Preparedness Fair September 30th
 
The Peninsula Emergency Preparedness Coalition presents the Emergency Preparedness Fair, Saturday, September 30, 10am-3pm at Gig Harbor High School.  Learn the skills needed to survive a natural or man made disaster. Exhibits include techniques for food and water preservation, storage and management; cooking and sheltering during disaster conditions; structural reinforcing techniques and materials; pet housing and care during disaster; neighborhood resilience during disaster and much more.
 
Gig Harbor Film Festival coming October 26th - 29th

2017 Marks the 10th Anniversary of The Gig Harbor Film Festival. More than 60 visiting filmmakers from around the world will attend the October 26-29 event to promote their films, host audience Q&A sessions, and attend public parties at local businesses and homes. Two theaters at Galaxy Uptown will run a total of 82 films throughout the weekend in a variety of genres.
 
This year boasts an unprecedented number of films, and for the first time ever, two theaters will simultaneously run full schedules of film blocks.  
 
PenMet Park's 8th Annual Scarerow Festival October 7th
 
Welcome fall at this annual celebration featuring live entertainment and music, farm animals, hay rides, camel & pony rides, a hay maze, carnival games, food and fair treat vendors. The Scarecrow Competition is a fun festival event with entries created by local businesses, community groups and families competing for cash prizes for best of show and people's choice. Admission to the festival is FREE although some activities include a small fee.

The Scarecrow Festival takes place at Sehmel Park, 10am-4pm.

Meaningful Movies presents
"Command Control" October 13th

This chilling documentary exposes the terrifying truth about the management of America's nuclear arsenal and shows what can happen when the weapons built to protect us threaten to destroy us. Filmed in a decommissioned Titan II missile silo in Arizona, the documentary features the minute-by-minute accounts of Air Force personnel, weapon designers, and first responders who were on the scene. Command and Control reveals the unlikely chain of events that caused the accident and the feverish efforts to prevent the explosion of a ballistic missile carrying the most powerful nuclear warhead ever built by the United States - a warhead 600 times more powerful than the bomb that destroyed Hiroshima.
Downtown Sip & Stroll October 7th
 
The Gig Harbor Downtown Waterfront Alliance is proud to announce the Autumn Sip & Stroll on Saturday, October 7, 2017 from 1-5pm. This popular tasting event, coinciding with the October Saturday Art Walk, takes patrons on a tour along Gig Harbor's beautiful waterfront sampling Northwest wines, brews, spirits, and tasty small bites at businesses serving as "Stroll Stops." The Alliance will provide complimentary transportation throughout the waterfront to make it easy to visit all of the Stroll Stops. Participants will receive a commemorative tasting glass and 15 sip tickets for alcohol. Tickets are available for $30-$40 here.
Harbor History Museum Happenings
 
The Gig Harbor Literary Society, which is formed through a partnership with the Gig Harbor branch of Pierce County Library System, meets October 3 at 6pm to discuss Where Lilacs Still Bloom by Jane Kirkpatrick.

Humanities in the Harbor lecture series, which is made possible by Humanities Washington's Speakers Bureau program, presents author and clammer, David Berger who will discuss The Razor's Edge: The Washington Razor Clam Phenomenon, October 17 at 6pm.
New IMAX® Theatre Set for October Grand Opening at Galaxy Theatres Luxury+ Gig Harbor
 
Continuing to offer the best luxury movie going experience, Galaxy Theatres announced today that its Gig Harbor guests will soon enjoy the newest IMAX® auditorium in the Puget Sound area. Set to be the local go-to movie experience, the new IMAX includes 300 plush, reclining lounge chairs along with the powerfully immersive IMAX image and sound quality. Grand opening weekend will feature the release of Blade Runner 2049: The IMAX Experience with a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, October 5.

"We are proud to bring The IMAX Experience to Gig Harbor and the Central Puget Sound and know it will quickly become the best way to see movies in the area," said Frank Rimkus, Chief Executive Officer, Galaxy Theatres. "Galaxy Theatres is known for providing our guests with the best luxury accommodations and top-notch customer service. We hope our guests will enjoy this enhanced and truly immersive experience."

IMAX's cutting-edge projection system, which delivers crystal-clear images, coupled with IMAX's customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio, create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie. The new IMAX at Gig Harbor will offer moviegoers a truly immersive cinematic experience, allowing them to enjoy the biggest blockbusters like never before.
(information courtesy Galaxy Theatres)
Call for Art: 
2018 Gig Harbor Garden Tour
 
The Gig Harbor Garden Tour Association invites artists from Kitsap and Pierce counties to submit two-dimensional garden related artwork to be considered for the publicity poster for the 2018 Gig Harbor Garden Tour which will be the 21st year for the Tour. The selected artwork will be featured on posters, cards, calendar, press releases and program tickets. The artist receives complimentary booth space with the 2018 Garden Tour.  Submission deadline is Sunday, October 8, 2017.
Harbor WildWatch
 
Pier Into the Night
Take an undewater journal of Gig Harbor Bay without getting wet by going on a virtual underwater tour with our SCUBA divers. Jerisich Dock, October 7, 7pm.

Cocktails & Fishtales
Learn about the glacial history of Puget Sound at this 21+ science social. Harbor History Museum, Tuesday, October 17, 5:30-7pm.
Greater Gig Harbor Foundation Presents Community Harvest
 
Right now, one in four kids in our greater peninsula community struggles with hunger. On empty stomachs, kids don't have the energy to focus, engage, learn and grow.

Founded in 2016, #Community Harvest is a collaborative initiative to end hunger in our greater peninsula community. Led by the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation, the project is part of Make A Difference Day, the single largest national day of community service each year on the 4th Saturday in October. In its first year, the project raised more than $75,000 and provided about 5,725 crockpot meals to help meet the nutritional needs of our community's families.

The goal is to secure funds and primary ingredients to feed 425 area families every weekend from November through the remainder of the 2017-18 school year.
October Dining News
 
Winemaker dinner with Willamette Valley Vineyards on Wednesday, October 11, 6pm. 
Four courses of Willamette Valley wines paired with four courses of JW cuisine.  $89 per person plus tax & 20% service charge.  By reservation only, 253.858.3529.

Handpicked Northwest wild huckleberries have made their appearance! It was a wonderful season so enjoy huckleberry cocktails and desserts, such as Huckleberry Slump served  warm and topped with vanilla ice cream!

Gig Harbor's Cushman Trail Wins Vision 2040 Award
 
Gig Harbor has won a 2017 VISION 2040 Award from the Puget Sound Regional Council for the Cushman Trail Project. The awards recognize innovative projects and programs that help ensure a sustainable future as the region grows.
 
"Gig Harbor is increasing mobility options throughout its economic centers as well as regionally," said Josh Brown, Executive Director of PSRC, "The new trail is safer, ADA accessible and environmentally sound."
 
The award was be presented at the Gig Harbor Council meeting on September 25.
VISION 2040 is the region's growth management, economic, and transportation strategy, designed to meet the needs of the 5 million people expected to be living in the region in 2040. It is an integrated, long-range vision for the future that lays out a strategy for maintaining a healthy region - promoting the well-being of people and communities, economic vitality, and a healthy environment.
 
PSRC develops policies and coordinates decisions about regional growth, transportation and economic development planning within King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. The Council is composed of over 80 entities, including all four counties, cities and towns, ports, state and local transportation agencies and tribal governments within the region.
 
Title VI Notice: PSRC fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities. For more information, or to obtain a Title VI Complaint Form, call 206-587-4819.
 
Information courtesy PSRC. Link to additional information  
Tacoma Community College hosts Write in the Harbor
 
Write in the Harbor, November 3 and 4, is  an annual regional conference for writers offered through Tacoma Community College's Continuing Education department at the Gig Harbor campus. Attendees learn more about literary and commercial fiction genres and develop skills to create richer and more interesting stories.
Gig Harbor Planning Department honored with 'Great Neighborhood Award' 

Councilmember Paul Kadzik along with Kester and Mayor Jill Guernsey accept the award from the APA representative
On September 28th, the city won the Great Neighborhoods Award for the Gig Harbor Waterfront. Planning Director Jennifer Kester's nomination was chosen by the Washington Chapter of the American Planning Association and the Planning Association of Washington and she was presented the award at the Washington APA annual conference in SeaTac, Washington.

The Great Places in Washington Awards Program sought to recognize one neighborhood in Western Washington that provides for a resident's day-to-day living by mixing housing, services, and recreation; has design features that are visually interesting; encourages human contact and social activities; and, accommodates pedestrians, bicyclists, transit, and drivers.

This award acknowledges the city's recent successes in creating a thriving, vibrant waterfront.

Skansie House
Volunteer at the Skansie House

The City of Gig Harbor's Visitor & Interpretive Center at the Skansie House is currently recruiting 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.
 
Hotel Highlight: The INN at Gig Harbor Celebrates Anniversary with Rebrand and Renovation 

In celebration of their 20th anniversary, The INN at Gig Harbor has rebranded with a new logo and renovated their event space for a sleek, modern look and state-of-the-art technology. If your organization schedules meetings and events, you may be eligible for two complimentary breakfast vouchers for Café @ the INN when you schedule a site visit or refer an event that books. For details, contact Private Events today at 253-858-1111 or info@innatgigharbor.com.
 
Link to more information

City of Gig Harbor News
   
Welcome to new Human Resource Manager Ryan Patrick.  
 
Harbor Hill Drive Extension
Construction of Harbor Hill Drive to Burnham Drive. Construction is currently underway and is expected to be completed in December of 2018.

Ancich Park Upland Development
Stay tuned for ground breaking in October.
 
New Pilot Program - Expedited Civil Permit Review Process
Expedited Civil Permit Review is designed to complete civil permit review in 2 review cycles, each exactly 6 weeks long.
 
2017 Transportation Update, "Connect the Gig"
Please join us for a workshop on active transportation on October 7th at 9am at the Gig Harbor Civic Center.  


Follow City of Gig Harbor on Facebook for the most up to date information on construction projects, agendas and meetings www.facebook.com/cityofgigharbor   
News from the Gig Harbor
Police Department

2016 Crime Figures Announced and Gig Harbor Sees Decline in Violent Crime

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released the annual Crime in the U.S. report this week. This report closely mirrors the more thorough 2016 Crime in Washington Report published earlier this year by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC).
 
Both reports indicate that Gig Harbor remains a comparatively safe city. Overall, violent crime is down 11% from 27 reported incidents in 2015 to 24 reported incidents in 2016.  Aggravated assaults also dropped over 30%, but simple assault was up approximately 5% from 57 to 60 reported incidents over the previous year.
 
Read more
Construction cones
City Construction Updates

You can find information on the following projects at the link below: 
 
Burnham/Borgen Roundabout Traffic Modifications
Harbor Hill Drive Extension
Olympic Drive/Point Fosdick Drive Right Turn Lane  Intersection Improvements  
Well No. 11
One Harbor Point 
 
Also follow City of Gig Harbor on Facebook for the most up to date information on construction projects, agendas and meetings www.facebook.com/cityofgigharbor  
Ongoing Events

First Saturday Art Walk
Gig Harbor Farmers Market
Super Business Group
Meaningful Movies in GH
Toastmasters
AARP Smart Driver Class
The Journey of Grief
Freedom From Tobacco Weekly Support Group
Paradise Theatre's performances

Our calendar is jam-packed! Find more events at: www.gigharborguide.com
Coming Next Month

Donkey Creek Chum Festival
Turkey Trot
Girls Night Out
Write in the Harbor

Find out more at:

www.gigharborguide.com
Karen Scott |  Claire Bunker
City of Gig Harbor | Tourism & Communications | 253 853 3554   
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