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You can find me where the
music meets the water.
Summer Sounds at Skansie every
Tuesday in July!
| July 2016
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Greetings!
July is packed full of activities - around town and on the peninsula. Join us at one of the Tuesday concerts, the Farmers Market on Thursdays, or take one of the walking tours. The walking tours are brought to us by the Gig Harbor Downtown Waterfront Alliance, Harbor WildWatch and the Harbor History Museum. They are offered twice weekly, at 5:30pm Wednesday beginning at the Harbor History Museum, with the second on Saturday mornings beginning at 10am at the Maritime Pier. Both tours hug the waterfront and are fun and informative. The Blue Willow Lavender Fest takes place on July 8th & 9th on the Key Peninsula. This colorful destination is definitely worth a visit.
Enjoy July and all Gig Harbor has to offer!
Sincerely,
Karen Scott & Mandy Silver
City of Gig Harbor Tourism & Communications Office
July Lodging Special
Best Western
Wesley Inn & Suites
Mention this ad to get 20% off one of our deluxe rooms or suites.
Book directly through the hotel at
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Summer Sounds at Skansie each Tuesday 
All concerts start at 6:30 pm and are held on the waterfront at Skansie 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:
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Movies in the Park begin Tonight
Friday Family Fun Movie Night at Skansie Brothers Park is pleased to announce an all kid-friendly line-up that is sure to entertain the whole family! Bring your blankets and enjoy the movie while snacking on free popcorn! Movies in the Park is sponsored by Taylor Thomason Insurance, Multicare Gig Harbor Medical Park and popcorn sponsor Kitsap Bank. Join us on July 1st to receive a FREE Movies in the Park refillable water bottle (supplies limited). See you tonight! Show time for July 1st is 9:15pm.
July 1st - Minions, rated PG 9:15pm
July 8th - The Lego Movie, rated PG 9:15pm
July 15th - Aladdin, rated G 9pm
July 22nd - The Good Dinosaur, rated PG 9pm
July 29th - Brave, rated G 8:30pm
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The Big Sports Gig, July 1st 
Our Gig Harbor & Key Peninsula community will 'takeover' Cheney Stadium to raise essential funds to help enable the participation of disadvantaged youth in ALL sports, recreation and league programs across our greater peninsula community.
Evening highlights include:
- National Anthem and 1st Pitch by members of our community!!
- Pregame Tailgate BBQ with misc. grillins, beverages & commemorative cup
- Cheneyville Whiffle Ball game for kids
- On field parade for kids
- Ball signing for kids
- Post-game Fireworks!
All proceeds from The Big Sports Gig will go to the community Recreation Scholarship Fund. Tickets can be purchased here, or at the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation office, 7191 Wagner Way, Ste #102, Gig Harbor, WA 98335. 253-514-6338
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Gig Harbor Wings and Wheels, July 3rd
Gig Harbor Wings & Wheels is back for its sixth year with activities for aviation, car and motorcycle enthusiasts alike. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 3 at the Tacoma Narrows Airport, located at 1202 26th Ave. NW in Gig Harbor.
Attendees will be able to watch airplane fly-bys, meet pilots, and purchase a spot on a flight aboard a Douglas DC-3 or biplane. Other highlights include a car and hot rod show, and watching Smoke-N-Thunder jet cars as they race down the runway at 300 miles per hour. The event also features food and arts and crafts vendors, a beer garden, and a kids' fun zone and activity center.
Tickets prices are as follows: Adults 18 and older: $15; Seniors and Military ID card holders: $10; Kids 6 to 17: $5; Kids 5 and Under: FREE. Tickets available are limited. Buy your online tickets early to be sure you don't miss out! For more information about parking, shuttle location or to purchase your tickets visit here or contact Larry Hanson at (253) 377-2525 or via email.
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Blue Willow Lavender Festival, July 8th
Join us as we celebrate the summer splendor of lavender at your local lavender farm - Blue Willow Lavender Farm on July 8th! There will be hundreds and hundreds of
 lavender starts in many different varieties available for purchase. Shop in our lavender store for lavender and lavender products, stroll through the vendor court where you will find wonderful products for sale, listen to live music, make a lavender wreath or discover how to make lavender vinegar, (fees applies) or u-pick your own fresh lavender bouquet (fee applies), attend free lavender classes and demonstrations, and enjoy the fragrance of over 4,000 lavender plants blooming in 15 fields!
The admission is free, and the memories will last a lifetime. For questions, contact (253) 225-9030 or email tracy@bluewillowlavenderfarm.com. Blue Willow Lavender Farm, 10615 Wright Bliss Rd KPN. www.bluewillowlavenderfarm.com
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 Chalk the Harbor, July 16th
Children, families and adults are invited to decorate the sidewalks of the downtown waterfront between 10am and 2pm on July 16th. The Alliance provides free chalk along with Certificates of Award in the following categories: Kids, Family, High School, College Students, Adult, Group and Best Maritime-Nautical art. We encourage participants to bring a chair or knee pads! A maritime theme is encouraged, though not required. Chalk the Harbor is a fun, FREE, family event. Harbor WildWatch will be at Skansie Brothers Park with their touch tanks and Face Painting will be available. Chalk the Walk will take place all through the downtown area with regitration booths at Skansie Brothers Park AND Anthony's parking area in the Finholm District. For more information visit www.gigharborwaterfront.org.
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Gig Harbor Summer Arts Festival, July 16 & 17th
Gig Harbor's annual Summer Art Festival will showcase the work of craftspeople on July 16 & 17 on Judson Street near the historic downtown waterfront. The festival is presented by Peninsula Art League. Admission is free.
Painters, potters, jewelry designers, fabric artists, woodworkers, photographers, sculptors and more will have artwork to admire and acquire. Proceeds from the Art Festival support scholarships for PAL members and high school seniors who want to pursue art studies. The festival is presented by Peninsula Art League with sponsorship support from Key Bank.
Saturday July 16, 2016 10am-6pm Sunday July 17, 2016 10am-5pm. Contact Jeni Woock by email for more information.
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Heritage Distilling Hosting Sip & Savor Dinner, July 22nd
Purchase tickets here or call 253-508-0008.
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Wine and Food Festival, July 21st-23rd
This popular festival is back and will feature vendors providing wine, beer and food tastings from many regional wineries and restaurants. The event also includes educational classes and demonstrations, and previously hosted a Celebrity Chef "Cook-off" as well as onsite exhibitors, auctions, and popular Wine Maker Dinners.
This years event kicks off July 21st with the 2016 Sip & Stroll. Enjoy the evening strolling throughout the downtown waterfront and savoring sips and tastes at participating locations. Many businesses will stay open late tonight so you can shop while you stroll too!
It's an event you won't want to miss! For more information, contact the Downtown Waterfront Alliance at (253) 514-0071, visit www.harborwineandfoodfest.com or email info@ghhwa.org.
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Peninsula Guild Thrift Stores Annual Vintage Sale July 16th & 17th
Stop by the shop located at 6851 Kimball Dr on July 16th and 17th between 10 am and 4 pm for their annual vintage sale. They have been collecting all year long so you are sure to find that 'something' you've been looking for! Benefitting Mary Bridge Children's Hospital.
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Gig Harbor Garden Tour Seeking Artwork for 20th Year Poster
The Gig Harbor Garden Tour Association invites regional (Kitsap and Pierce County, WA)  artists to submit two-dimensional garden related artwork to be considered for the publicity poster for the 2017 Gig Harbor Garden Tour which will be the 20th year for the Tour. The selected artist will not receive a monetary stipend but will benefit from many facets of publicity and exposure of the Tour such as posters, cards, calendar, press releases and program tickets. The selected artist will be able to have a complimentary booth space with the 2017 Garden Tour.
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Peace Pole Unveiled 
On June 13th the Gig Harbor Midday Rotary and the City of Gig Harbor unveiled a new Peace Pole, located in the front garden at the Gig Harbor Civic Center.
The Peace Pole movement dates back to 1985 when Masahisa Goi (1916-1980) of Japan first introduced the art pieces adorned with the universal message for world peace, May Peace Prevail On Earth. The first Peace Pole was presented in the United States in 1986. Peace Poles are now the most recognized international symbol of peace throughout the world, and are found in more than 180 countries. Members of the Gig Harbor Midday Rotary lead the way for the creation of the Peace Pole to be placed at the Gig Harbor Civic Center.
The Gig Harbor Peace Pole includes the message, May Peace Prevail On Earth, in eight languages; Spanish, French, Croatian, Russian, Norwegian, Swedish, Lushootseed (Puyallup Tribe) and English.
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Annual Gypsy Moth Hunt Begins 
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) began its annual gypsy moth hunt. Trappers placed bright orange traps in trees, shrubs and other foliage in a decades-long effort to protect Washington's forests, parks, agriculture, and cityscapes from a pest capable of defoliating over a million acres of trees in a single year.This extensive undertaking required 35 trappers to place the small cardboard traps in residential neighborhoods, business districts, ports and rural areas. The triangular traps are checked every two to three weeks until being removed in September.
The non-toxic traps contain a pheromone that attracts male moths. Inside is a sticky coating that ensnares the moth. Detections alert WSDA to new introductions and developing populations of gypsy moths. In the fall, WSDA entomologists use the trapping results to plan responses for the following year, including standard trapping, intensive trapping, and treatments if necessary. For more information, click here.
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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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Harbor History Museum hosts live music July 28th 
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Harbor WildWatch photo contest and more!
- Harbor WildWatch Beauty and the Beach Photo Contest
The contest theme is anything beach related (landscapes, animals, people having fun) from a Pacific Northwest beach.
Submissions are due August 5th and are to be formatted in an 8x11 print and a digital copy. Submissions will be divided into 3 age categories, 8-12 year olds, 13-18 year olds, and adults.
Contact Jennifer Beard at jennifer@harborwildwatch.org or by phone at 253-514-0187. For more information visit www.harborwildwatch.org.
- Cocktails & Fishtales
Don't miss our monthly science social series for adults in Gig Harbor. Hosted at rotating breweries, restaurants, and pubs, attendees will learn about our local ecology from experts in the field. Ages 21+ only.
This months series will be held Wednesday, July 20th from 5:30-7pm at Wet Coast Brewing Company. Speaker Mike Behrens, PhD, Pacific Lutheran University will be speaking about Sea Star Wasting Syndrome.
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Gig Harbor BoatShop offering classic boat rentals
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Livery Service Open for the SeasonClassic 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
- Disney's The Little Mermaid - July 1-2, 8-9,
Paradise Theatre 
In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. Based on one of Hans Christian Anderson's most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney's The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. For more information, contact Vicki Richards, Artistic Director at 253-851-PLAY (7529), or email vrichards@paradisetheatre.org. www.paradisetheatre.org
- Jazz at Morso with The Kareem Kandi Band- July 2nd
Morso Wine Bar  Come and hear local jazz performers The Kareem Kandi Band at Morso this Saturday evening starting at 8 pm. Make dinner reservations or just drop in. If the weather cooperates we will have patio seating available for the evening too. Live jazz to keep the holiday weekend down on the waterfront. Kareem Kandi is a saxophonist and native of the Pacific Northwest. Check their website for more events happening this month or call 253-530-3463 to reserve your tickets.
- Meaningful Movies presents Just Eat It - July 8th
Agnus Dei Lutheran Church
Main and Vine, Harbor Greens and FISH to speak at Meaningf ul Movies. Businesses in our community are working to limit food waste. On July 8th you will learn what some businesses are doing and what we can do in our own kitchens to make a difference. 10511 Peacock Hill Ave NW Gig Harbor (Agnus Dei Lutheran Church)
FREE to the public. Small donation is gratefully accepted. For more information please contact mmgigharbor@yahoo.com
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 Music at the BoatShop Concert Series presents Ben Hunter & Joe Seamons - July 22nd Northwest roots duo who won critical acclaim in 2016 when they took first place at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. General admission $20, members $15. Doors open at 6:30pm. For tickets and more info www.gigharborboatshop.org
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Tacoma Symphony Orchestra - July 24th
Morso Wine Bar  Our next concert from the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra Chamber Series highlights one of the loveliest combinations of instruments, the Flute, Viola and Harp Trio, which concludes the series at 7 pm Sunday, July 24, 2016. Flutist Jennifer Rhyne, principal viola Thane Lewis, and harpist Catherine Case will perform music inspired bynature and Impressionism, the late 19th century school of French painters led by Claude Monet. Impressionist art led to a similar movement in music, the most famous proponent of which was composer Claude Debussy. The program will conclude with Debussy's gorgeous Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp.
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Dining, Gig Harbor Style
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 Anthony's at Gig Harbor
Summer has arrived at Anthony's at Gig Harbor! Stop by for our fresh seafood and soak in the sun and scenic, waterfront views! Not to mention the deck expansion should be complete at the end of July! Fresh wild Pacific Salmon and Alaska Halibut are at the height of their season.
We happily welcome the arrival of fresh-from-the-farm Northwest berries to Anthony's! Fresh berries have made their appearance alongside some of our fresh fish entrees, as well as in some show-stopping desserts and cocktails! Our Fresh Berry Shortcake is the perfect end to any meal this summer! Please check our website for more information about the farmers we work with! www.anthonys.com
- Morso
Summer is just the perfect time for enjoying all things BBQ. This week we bring the iconic New Orleans BBQ Shrimp on board. BBQ Shrimp isn't about slathering grilled or fried shrimp in a ton of BBQ sauce. Rather, it is a shrimp dish delicately prepared in a rich butter sauce flavored with Worcestershire and white wine. We are serving ours with Fried Green Tomatoes and Remoulade Sauce.
We are also serving our Grilled Chicken and Alabama White BBQ Sauce with Edamame Succotash, Tidewater Coleslaw and Jalapeno Corn Muffin. Come in and try this classic southern BBQ favorite. We are also featuring fresh King Salmon with Sweet Potato Chorizo Hash with Avocado Crema. Also we have added a real treat: Blistered Padron Peppers with Italian Speck as a starter and a Pulled Pork Flatbread with a tangy North Carolina BBQ sauce. 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
- 7 YEARS FOR 7 SEAS!! You are invited to The 7 Seas Brewing Anniversary event! Enjoy music, food and refreshments while helping them celebrate 7 years. Event is at their tasting room at 3006 Judson Street #110, on July 9th, noon to 8.
- 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.
- 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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Kimball Drive / Hunt Street Overlay - This project has been deferred until 2017.
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.
Follow the City's new municipal Facebook page for updates. Please like page for meeting and open house information.
For more City construction updates, visit the Public Works Construction Project Page.
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Fab Photo of the Month
A soldier handing out flags at the Maritime
Gig Festival. Photo by Michelle Carter Johnson
Submit your favorites on our Facebook page today! |
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