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August is like the Sunday of Summer. -Unknown
| August 2015
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GIG HARBOR DINING 
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GIG HARBOR LODGING 
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WANT TO VOLUNTEER? 
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Greetings!
Hello August! As we welcome in the warm weather this weekend, keep cool by getting out on the water! There are many options to get out there including Destiny Harbor Tours, who offer daily scheduled tours that include sightseeing of Tacoma Narrows Bridges, Gig Harbor, Salmon Beach, Point Defiance, Thea Foss Waterway and the Port of Tacoma. Gig Harbor Boat Shop, Lee's SUP and Gig Harbor Rent A Boat all have rentals that allow you to explore the harbor at your own pace. You can even sleep on the water in a Pleasure Craft Houseboat. However you do it, find a way to keep cool this month - and be sure to join us as we wrap up Summer Sounds and CinemaGig. As always, keep up to date at www.gigharborguide.com and on Facebook and Twitter. Enjoy August in Gig Harbor!
Sincerely,
Karen Scott & Mandy Silver
Gig Harbor Tourism & Communications Office
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FEATURED LODGING SPECIAL
THE INN at Gig Harbor AV Special
Book your event now at The INN at Gig Harbor and receive free audio/visual. Offer is valid if booked before September 20, 2015, and only valid for in-stock items.
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 Uptown Concert Series Continues Into August
Join the community at Uptown and enjoy live entertainment every Thursday from 6-8pm. Coming this month:
August 6th Common Ground - Rock
August 13th Budapest West - Hungarian Soul
August 20th Rokkerbox - Rock
Located on the westside along Point Fosdick Drive, Uptown Gig Harbor is your place to gather, connect, hang out, and shop in Gig Harbor. You will find cool local & national shops, casual & fine dining, a 10-screen movie theatre and much more!
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 Registration for TCC's Write in the Harbor Regional Writers Confernce Opens Aug 1st
Sponsored by Tacoma Community College, Write in the Harbor's first annual regional writers conference will be held in Gig Harbor, Washington, on Friday and Saturday, November 6 and 7. The conference kicks off Friday evening at the Tacoma Community College Gig Harbor campus with a plenary session keynoted by prominent author and Pacific Northwest native, Garth Stein. Following his presentation, Mr. Stein will be available to conference participants during an informal mixer and book signing. Saturday activities begin at 8:30am with a master class taught by Garth Stein and panels of agents and editors. Stein is an American author and film producer widely known as the author of the New York Times bestselling novel, The Art of Racing in the Rain, Stein is also a documentary film maker, playwright, teacher, and amateur racer. To register please visit here. This is sure to be a popular event, so take advantage of the early bird registration that opens this Saturday, August 1st. The conference is also sponsored by the INN at Gig Harbor. To book your hotel stay please call the INN at 253.858.1111.
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Only Three Performances Left as Summer Sounds' 13th Season Soon Comes to an End!
Summer Sounds continues in August with live, quality music each Tuesday evening through August 18th from 6:30-8 pm at Skansie Brothers Park along the waterfront. Bring lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy a meal delivered right to your spot from Gig Harbor's favorite eateries and all brought to you by CHI Franciscan, Metagenics, and Harbor Hill. PLEASE observe set up time no earlier than 7 am and be respectful of your neighbors. Please consider riding the Trolley to ease congestion. Trolley scheduling and routing can be found at www.piercetransit.org/pt-trolley/. For a complete line up visit the website.
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 That's A Wrap! CinemaGig Free Movies in the Park Finishes with Environmental Weekend August 7th and 8th CinemaGig! Outdoors is wrapping up with Environmental Weekend, August 7th and 8th. Come on down to Donkey Creek Park Friday night where Blackfish will be showing, or bring the family to Skansie Brothers Park for Saturdays movie, Happy Feet. Thanks to our sponsors, MultiCare Gig Harbor Medical Park and Taylor-Thomason Insurance, and in conjunction with the City of Gig Harbor, these movies are free! Even the popcorn and soda are free thanks to the Gig Harbor Kiwanis Club and Kitsap Bank! Gig Harbor Film Festival will be on hand with movie introductions. Join us on the 7th & 8th as Harbor WildWatch will have special activities both Friday and Saturday. Movie start times vary through the summer, depending on when it gets dark. Find the CinemaGig Schedule here.
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Join Us For National Night Out, Tuesday, August 4th
The community of Gig Harbor is invited to come together on the Civic Center Green, at 3510 Grandview Street, joining thousands of communities gathering nationwide for National Night Out. This fun, free, community-wide event from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. will include free food, live music on the Pepsi Main Stage, the Home Depot Root Beer Garden and many other fun activities for the whole family. Our featured music guest is the amazing Steve Stefanowicz with the band Too Many Cooks. In addition, we are proud to announce that Stephanie Anne Johnson from the hit show The Voice will be making a special appearance. Find more information here.
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Uptown Presents the 18th Annual Cruise the Narrows Classic Car Show, August 1st
It's official, the Marquee vehicle for the 2015 Cruise the Narrows Cars Show is....Tri-Five Chevy. If you are unfamiliar with the term Tri-Five, here is what wiki has to say:
In automobile parlance, Tri-Five refers to the 1955, 1956 and 1957 Chevrolet automobiles, in particular, the Bel Air, 150, 210 and Nomad. Revolutionary in their day, they spawned a cult following that exists in clubs, websites and even businesses that exclusively cater to the enthusiasts of the Tri-Five automobiles. All featured a front engine, rear wheel drive layout. They remain some of the most popular years for collectors and hot rodders. Join us at the Cruise the Narrows Show from 9 am - 3 pm at the Gig Harbor Uptown Plaza. Entry donation is $20 at the gate, no pre-registration required. All years, makes and models are welcome. For more information, visit here.
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 The Waterfront Farmers Market Brings Fresh Options to the Waterfront Each Thursday
If you haven't visited the Waterfront Farmers Market yet, what are you waiting for? The Waterfront Farmers Market is a community-based, open-air market with a mission to create a vibrant forum that connects citizens and food producers in a mutually beneficial economic and cultural exchange. The WFM is a project of the nonprofit Gig Harbor Downtown Waterfront Alliance. Many community partners and volunteers have come forward to support the market including the City of Gig Harbor. The market operates each Thursday from 3-7 pm in conjunction with the GHDWA's Thursday Night Out events. More info.
Fun entertainment coming to the market in August:
Spare Thyme (two fiddles, fun listening) from 5 to 7pm on August 6th. Chuck Wayne and Robin (soft rock hits, guitar, vocals, flute) on Thursday August 13 Mary Farr (acoustic folk, country & blues, featuring Sky Davenport, Vocal, Guitar, & Harmonica) on Thursday August 20
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Ride the PT Trolley through Labor Day Weekend - Catch It Before It's Gone!
Ride the Trolley before the 18th of August and bring your expired Pierce Transit All Day Pass (with name and phone number written legibly on it) to any Summer Sounds at Skansie concert to enter in the drawing for the following prize:
Luxury overnight accommodations in either a Fireplace or Jacuzzi Suite with continental breakfast at the INN at Gig Harbor +
$100 gift card good at over 25 merchants at Uptown
Drawing will take place on Tuesday, August 18th - Remember, bring an expired Pierce Transit All Day Pass to enter from a previous day, not the one you are using that day, unless you want to buy another one to get home!
Drawing ends at 8pm on 8/18 and winner will be notified shortly thereafter. One entry per expired Pierce Transit All Day Pass. Must be 18 or older and a Washington state resident. Pierce Transit and City of Gig Harbor employees and their families are not eligible. Chances of winning based on number of entries received. Need not be present to win. Your information will only be used for selecting and contacting the winner. For information about this drawing, please call 253.853.3554.
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 Happening at the Gig Harbor BoatShop This Month
Looking for something to do? Check out these great programs at the Gig Harbor BoatShop!
Classic Boat Rental Program - Saturdays, 10 am to 4 pm. Make your reservation and your boat will be waiting for you when you arrive.
Community Boat Restoration Program - Saturdays, 10 am to 4 pm.
Observe the crew as they work on Ellyn, a 1941 motor launch, that has been out of water for 65 years!
The Maritime Mentorship Program - Thursdays, 10 am to 4 pm.
Pair with a master boat builder and learn the ropes of boat building and restoration skills and techniques.
Community Sail Program - a skippered 90 minute sail aboard the historic Thunderbird #2, Pirouette.
And by all means, visit the retail area of the BoatShop to find treasures of all shapes and sizes. Hours are Monday - Friday 10-4 and Saturday 10-5pm. Contact the Gig Harbor BoatShop for more information.
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 Happening at the Harbor History Museum This Month
Buried History: Harvesting Memories
August 26 - The intriguing characters, mysterious stories, and hidden aspects of the Peninsula will be featured in a four part historic speaker series. A wonderful opportunity to hear the personal history of oysterman, Jerry Yamashita. Mr. Yamashita will be joined by author Ron Magden to discuss the seldom mentioned Japanese oyster farms on the Peninsula. Yamashita family mementos will be on display at the Harbor History Museum alongside happy hour.
Concert with Alejandro Fleites
August 27 - Alejandro Fleites is a Havana, Cuba born singer and guitarist. Accomplished in multiple musical genres, Alejandro and his trio will be performing the songs of his native Cuba including salsa, son, rhumba and Afro-Cuban. Cuban music is often considered one of the richest and most influential of the world. Selections from the Buena Vista Social Club as well as the music of Brazil and Venezuela will round out this very special evening. Alejandro will share some of the stories and lyrics behind the music and invite several guest performers to join in.
For more information, visit www.harborhistorymuseum.org.
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 Explore Gig Harbors History with a Waterfront Walking Tour
Take a step back in time to explore Gig Harbor's rich maritime history during this summer's NEW Waterfront Walking Tours. Guests of this interactive tour will be taken on a journey through Gig Harbor's cultural history, learning about early life in this area and how those activities have influenced our present. Participants on the Waterfront Walking Tour will explore a variety of topics, including:
- How Gig Harbor got its name
- 'Galloping Gertie" and what now lies beneath the world famous bridge
- Stories about Gig Harbor's Shipbuilding and Fishing Fleet
- Historic net sheds and tools used by early settlers
- Wildlife that make the harbor and Puget Sound their home
- Hollywood movies filmed on the Gig Harbor Waterfront
- Much, much more!
Here is what some guests have said about our tour:
"The tour was fun and informative and everybody was just so darn nice. As new residents the tour helps us feel more connected to our new community -thanks again." - Michael H
"We enjoyed our tour very much and learned a good deal about the town I've lived in for 40 years. The guides were excellent and it finished on time... The fact that the tour is offered free is just wonderful and will be a very popular attraction. Thanks so much." - Linda A
"Fantastic tour for residents as well as visitors! Very well done and fun! Highly recommended! Thank you! - Mark and Susie G
This fun, informative tour is a one way, 1.3 mile route that hugs the waterfront beginning at the Maritime Pier and ends at the Bogue Viewing Platform in the Finholm District. Two tour guides will lead you to ten points of interest along the way. Tours are free to the public, rain or shine and are offered on Saturdays at 10 am June 13th - August 29th. Meet at the Maritime Pier near the Tides Tavern and sign in 15 minutes before start time. No RSVP is required. Waterfront Walking Tours are presented by the Gig Harbor Downtown Waterfront Alliance, Harbor WildWatch and the Harbor History Museum. For more info visit here, or call 253-514-0071.
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| | Gig Harbor's Team Obliteride 2014 |
Gig Harbor Welcomes Team OBLITERIDE on August 8th
On August 8th there is no doubt you will see cyclists pedaling through the downtown streets of Gig Harbor. The cyclists are part of Obliteride, a fund-raising ride for Fred Hutch, the proud home of Nobel-prize winning research, including the development and refinement of bone marrow transplantation. Bone Marrow Transplantation has boosted survival rates from nearly zero to 90 percent for certain types of Leukemia.
The bike ride is a journey where everyone is riding for the same thing - better treatments, better outcomes and better lives. Team Obliteride has raised over $4.1 million to date; 100% of every dollar raised for Obliteride goes toward lifesaving cancer research at Fred Hutch. Each year, they are looking to recruit more riders, fundraise more money, have more fun and ultimately allow our scientists to explore more cures that will save the lives of our loved ones. www.obliteride.com
Skansie Brothers Park is a proud Rest Stop Location on Saturday August 8th - Team leader Ellen Betit is working hard to recruit volunteers and is calling the
Gig Harbor stop, 'SUPERHEROES IN THE HARBOR'. Bring your superheroes (young and old) in costume to Skansie Brothers Park from 11am-3pm on Saturday, August 8th to welcome Obliteride riders as they travel through Gig Harbor on their 150-mile journey from Seattle down through the peninsula and back. Come participate in art activities for kids - and celebrate your cancer heroes ... patients, doctors, families. Call Ellen at 907.209.4929 for more information.
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Get Ready For Football Season! Cougarwear - More Than a Wazzu Store Through the end of the year you can get your favorite Gig Harbor, Seahawks, Mariners or Sounders apparel for 20% off one item by mentioning this ad! With a wide selection you are sure to find something for everyone! Be sure to check out their diverse selection by visiting Cougarwear at 7700 Pioneer Way, Ste 202, in Gig Harbor. Open 7 days a week. Visit here.  Gameday Sports Shop has you covered
Sideline beanies are BACK! Armsocks are BACK! NFL JERSEYS are IN! Seahawks season is just around the corner and Gameday Sports has tons of Seahawks gear plus more! Gameday Sports is located in Uptown Gig Harbor righ next to Galaxy Theatre, is open 10am - 6pm daily. Learn more here. Gig Harbor Fish Bowl coming next month
The always entertaining FISH BOWL (annual football game between Gig Harbor High School and Peninsula High School) will take place on Friday, September 4 at 7pm at Roy Anderson Field at PHS. Be sure to wear your favorite team apparel and cheer on the players. All high school fall sports begin soon - good luck to our outstanding high school athletes.
 Gig Harbor youth competing in Nationals This Weekend
Best wishes to the Gig Harbor Canoe & Kayak Racing Team
The GHKCRT will begin competition in California this weekend as the San Diego Canoe/Kayak Team will host the 2015 USA Canoe/Kayak Sprint Nationals & Paddlefest on July 30 - August 2, 2015 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California. As we all know, the world class GHCKRT are defending national champions. Good luck team! Follow them here |
 Dining, Gig Harbor Style
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!
Visit here for more information.
Morso
August 14 - Tailgate Favorites & Wine: A Unique Wine Pairing-
Football season is approaching and with the Seahawks first exhibition game on our TV beginning at 7pm, we will be holding a tailgate party starting at 5 pm. We will be featuring some of our favorite wine and tailgate foods. This is just like our typical Friday wine tasting where will have great wines paired with a few bits such as
guacamole dip and chips, red beet hummus with harissa, tomato salsa and chips, pepperoni & jalapeno flatbread, chicken wings, chili, and lamb sliders.
August 21 - Sausage & Wine Pairing
Game on our TV beginning at 5 pm
One of the most ubiquitous food throughout the world is sausage. There are so many types and styles of sausage, we have decided to explore lots of different pairings of wine with sausage. Sausages often contain more salt than most foods. Salt loves fresh, mouthwatering acidity in wine, and a wine that seems sharply acidic on its own can mellow out with a salty dish. Come and see what we have paired with these sausages: bratwurst, kielbasa, andouille, italian sausage, chorizo, and hot dogs.
If you like some of the pairings, we will have it available for purchase while you watch the game on our TV. This is a great way to get ready for the football season no matter which team is your favorite. There is a $5 fee/person for this event. This fee will be refunded with a wine purchase. Any wines purchased from the tasting may be served without a corkage fee on the night of the tasting. 21+ learn more
JW
JW's is offering our lovely prix fixe menu (3 courses for $30 every Tuesday & Wednesday). We will also have a beer dinner scheduled with Seven Seas on Thursday August 27th at 6pm - menu to come! For more information please call 253.858.3529 or visit here
Lunchbox Laboratory
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Tourism News
Gig Harbor has had a flurry of press lately - if you haven't seen the press page on our website, you can view it here. We keep the page updated regularly so continue to check back and share with friends and family. Thank you to all the businesses, groups and citizens that create such quality material for travel writers. And thank you to the travel writers for visiting!
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More Gigs
 Visit the Skansie Netshed during the month of August
The Skansie Netshed will be open and available several times during August. Docents will be ready to welcome you each Tuesday during Summer Sounds, Thursday during the Waterfront Farmers Market and Saturdays and Sundays. The Netshed offers visitors the ability to learn about Gig Harbor's rich maritime heritage and what makes the Skansie property and Gig Harbor so special. Make sure you get a visit in during August.
Meet Tim Sherry at The Chapel on Echo Bay 8/5
Presented by Mostly Books, local Tim Sherry will be reading and signing his debut collection, One of Seven Billion, Wednesday, August 5th at 7pm at the Chapel on Echo Bay on Fox Island more info
Ebb Tide Gallery
Located at 7809 Pioneer Way in beautiful downtown Gig Harbor, the gallery is open 10 am to 6 pm and Thursdays until 8 pm. During August you are invited to two receptions to meet your favorite artists:
August 13th, 5 - 8 pm - Meet watercolor artist Susy Stremel
August 20th, 5 - 8 pm - Meet Becky Horkan and see her ceramic art.
For more information, visit here.
August Events at Morso
Now through August 16 - My Release: An Exhibition by Mikki Parkhurst, Jo Ann Sullivan & Richard Weathermon. Curated by Donna Trent. more info
 August 13 - The Muse at Morso featuring Joseph Green
A monthly program featuring premier authors and poets. On the second Thursday of each month, Morso hosts prominent poets and authors to Gig Harbor and shares work from the community. more info
August 18 to September 16 - Open Studio Tour Preview
Meet the Artist Reception Thursday Aug 20 6-8pm. more info
Fox Island FICRA Fair 8/8 Saturday, August 8 more info
Gig Harbor Farmers Market
Each Saturday at Peninsula Gardens property, 5503 Wollochet Drive. Also, the Gig Harbor Farmers Market at Uptown on Sundays from 11-4 pm more info
Cinema Under the Stars on Key Peninsula
Cinema Under the Stars is on Friday nights in August. Pre-movie activities begin at 7:30 with the movies starting at approximately 8:30 pm. Bring blankets, pillows and snacks and enjoy an outdoor movie! This years lineup:
August 7 - Finding Nemo
August 14 - Mary Poppins - 1964 version
August 21 - Monsters University
August 28 - Maleficent
Olalla Bluegrass and Beyond Festival 8/15
The festival is a non-profit event dedicated to entertaining and enriching our local community more info
There is still time to train and enter the Galloping Gertie Half Marathon and 5k (formerly the Over The Narrows Run) that takes place on Saturday, September 5th learn more
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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Voluntary Watering Restrictions
The City of Gig Harbor asks residents and businesses in the City water service area to participate in voluntary water restrictions beginning immediately. Based upon findings by the City of Gig Harbor Public Works Department, water use levels between May 2014 and May 2015 have increased by 30%. Subsequently, the City requests water users within the City of Gig Harbor's water service area to voluntarily reduce water consumption until Washington State lifts the drought emergency or November 1, 2015, whichever comes first. Suggested practices include: READ MORE
CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
Grandview Forest Park Diseased Tree Removal - A significant amount of trees in Grandview Forest Park have suspected presence of laminated root disease. The city hired a certified arborist firm, Thundering Oak, to inventory the evergreen trees in the park, evaluate the extent of the suspected infection and make recommendations for a management strategy of the diseased trees. The recommendations have been received and a minimal amount of tree removal will occur after a contractor is selected and a project schedule is submitted by the contractor. The city public works crew has removed five of the most critical trees. The contract award will be presented to City Council on August 6th.
Jeresich Dock Water and Power Project -
This project will install water and power supply pedestals and a payment kiosk at Jerisich Dock for use by moored vessels. In preparation for the pedestal installation, Peninsula Light Company will put in upgraded power equipment at Skansie Brothers Park and City crews will repair the gangway deck and install water system improvements. There will be minor impacts at the park during the pre-project work, currently scheduled to start in August. Water and power pedestal construction is scheduled to start in September and will take approximately a month to complete. During the pedestal installation, the dock will be closed during working hours to ensure public safety.
Lift Station 4B- Lift Station 4B/Welcome Center - City staff held a DRB Pre Application conference with the Design Review Board and received favorable comments on the proposed project in general. City staff will provide the 30% design to Council for presentation on August 10th. Lift Station 4B is located at Jerisich Dock in Skansie Brothers Park.
Pioneer Way Sewer Main Replacement - This project will replace the sagging gravity sewer line on Pioneer between Kimball and Grandview. Construction will be performed during the night time with construction occurring in late August through September.
Annual Pavement Markings -Pierce Country will be performing the annual repainting of the City street lane lines in mid August. The downtown corridor and Westside areas will be painted early Sunday morning.
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Fab Photo of the Month
Our beloved Summer Sounds at Skansie brought to us by Metagenics, Harbor Hill and CHI Franciscan. Submit your favorites on our Facebook page today! |
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