PORT GAMBLE — Feb. 12 could turn out to be the most important day of the year for one lucky local bride.
Well, it will only be second to her actual wedding day, but next Saturday could make the momentous occasion even more memorable, especially if she can get all her wedding needs for free.
Port Gamble and local businesses will be hosting the first annual Port Gamble Dream Wedding Giveaway, where brides will have the chance to win a wedding package worth more than $30,000. The prize includes services from a catered dinner for 200 guests to custom floral arrangements.
Brides can register for the giveaway by going online to www.portgambleweddings.com, at the Kitsap Expo Feb. 5 at the Kitsap Fairgrounds, or by calling Port Gamble wedding and events coordinator Julie McAfee at (360) 297-8074.
The last applicant for the contest will be taken at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 12. Brides must be present to win when the name is drawn at 3 p.m. at the Port Gamble Vista Pavilion.
The local wedding show, Brides Northwest, which airs on KONG Channel 6/16 Saturday mornings, will be filming the giveaway and the winning couple will also have the chance to have their wedding featured on the show.
The contest is limited to one entry per person and the winner must agree to have the wedding on Sept. 24, 2005, as that’s when all the companies participating in the giveaway can do the event.
“It’s basically $34,000 worth of stuff for free,†McAfee said. “It’s worth a fun day here, I think. If you don’t win, you had a great time.â€
While waiting for the announcement, brides and their friends can spend the day in Port Gamble brainstorming for their big event by talking with various wedding service providers who will have booths set up in town.
Beginning at 10 a.m., brides will start at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, where they can register for the contest and other door prizes, then pick up a map showing where the various vendors are located. A horse-drawn carriage will be available to take people between sites.
“It’s an opportunity to sample the cake, meet everybody, (and find out) what their needs are for the wedding,†McAfee said.
