W ith the holidays here and 2010 just around the corner, it is hard to believe that 2009 is over – where does the time fly?
The years seem to go by very quickly and with so many new things happening in Port Gamble. We wanted to let you know what has happened in 2009 – so here is our Year in Review. This year included numerous first-time events and some familiar traditions for Port Gamble. Here are some of our firsts:
In March the Dauntless Bookstore moved from being “the shop around the corner” to its current location on Rainier Avenue and opened in its new location on April 1.
At the same time, cattle returned to the Babcock Farm, as Legacy Ranch moved in livestock. Look for the grass fed beef to be for sale this summer.
In May the espresso stand changed hands and Gamble Bay Coffee opened, just in time for the start of the busy summer and …
A large park-and-ride opened for the months of May and June as the Hood Canal Bridge reconstruction took place. Amazingly, the bridge opened ahead schedule.
In July we opened the Hood Canal Vista Pavilion – the first major building built in Port Gamble since 1920. We have had weddings, meetings, events and Christmas and birthday parties in the building since.
August brought the first Port Gamble Car show. The show benefitted the Susan G. Komen foundation, and the outpouring of support and the cars were amazing.
In September, Olympic Outdoor Center moved from Poulsbo and opened their showroom and retail shop in the old fire hall. We are looking forward to being able to rent kayaks and stand up paddle boats from John Kuntz and his crew this summer, and go exploring Port Gamble Bay.
We held our first annual Fall Festival in October, with pumpkin flinging, a cider press and carnival games. It was such a great success that for 2010 we are adding a chili cook-off.
After a year in the making (or more) the Zombies of Mass Destruction movie premiered to a full house. It was a huge success, There were many of the extras and actors in the audience and we look forward to showing it on an annual basis in Port Gamble.
The Artful Ewe II opened a weaving shop in the former Port Gamble Gallery in November. Beverly Hooks is still there painting. Look for weaving and painting classes this coming year.
After a soft opening in November, Mike’s Four Star BBQ “officially” held an opening in December in the former service station, located on Stat Route 104, next to Gamble Bay Coffee.
We want to thank everyone who has been supporting the businesses in Port Gamble by visiting them, bringing friends and guests and of course shopping in the stores. From all of us in Port Gamble we wish you a very successful, happy and healthy 2010!
Here is a look at our 2010 schedule:
Port Gamble Ghost Walk, Jan. 9
Reservations closed.
Port Gamble Ghost Walk, Feb. 6
Reservations closed.
Oscar Night Party
Date: March 7
This black tie event includes gourmet meal, voting and Oscar viewing.
Port Gamble Ghost Walk, March 13
Reservations closed.
Northwest Paddle Sport Expo
Dates: May 8-9
Education, inspiration and sales targeting new to intermediate paddlers
Medieval Faire
Dates: June 5-6
Step back in time with the Society for Creative Anachronism
Civil War Re-enactment
Dates: June 19-20
Visit Union and Confederate army camps, then watch the battle
Quilt Shop Hop
Dates: June 23-27
The Western Washington Quilt Shop Hop. See www.westernwashingtonquiltshophop.com for more information
Port Gamble Car Show
Dates: July 2-3
Benefits Susan G. Komen for the cure for breast cancer.
Muddy Paw Dog Agility
Dates: July 16-17
A North American Dog Agility Council sanctioned agility show, hosted by MudPACK
Paddle Kitsap
Dates: July 30
Kick off a two-day kayak trip through North Kitsap’s “String of Pearls.”
Future Festival
Dates: July 31-Aug. 1
Great Peninsula Future Festival is a local sustainability festival with interactive exhibits, music and food
Maritime Music Festival
Dates: Aug. 14
A day of sea shanties and pirate themed fun.
Fall Festival
Dates: Oct. 2
Pumpkin flinging, cider press, carnival games, music, hayrides and chili cook-off
Ghost Walks
Saturdays in October and Halloween night. Tour Port Gamble’s buildings with supernatural activity – make your reservations early, as they sell out.
