What a May we had with the bridge closure and the largest park-n-ride in Washington down in the old mill site of Port Gamble. A variety of people in the surrounding area made comments, from how quiet it was from large trucks and traffic to how slow it was business wise from the ferry and locals.

We hope to see everyone support the local businesses in the communities and hope that, with the traffic flowing again, you stop by and see us in Port Gamble.

We are looking forward to a very busy summer both in festivals and weddings. Thanks to everyone who supports local businesses and lives and works in Port Gamble and the surrounding communities.

Business updates

Hood Canal Vista Pavilion. Our new wedding, conference and event facility is well under way in Port Gamble. The 2,900-square-foot facility is located on the site of the former Hotel Puget overlooking Hood Canal. Work is well underway with a completion scheduled for June 30. The site is a popular wedding destination on the Kitsap Peninsula. The Hood Canal Vista Pavilion is the first significant structure to be built in the town since 1920.

We have started painting the interior and exterior and in the next couple weeks the landscaping, sidewalks and interior finishes will be happening.

Gamble Bay Coffee — Now open: Our regular weekday hours are 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. and our weekend hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and during the many varied Port Gamble events this year, we will have extended hours to match the event.

New operator in the “old service station” — Mike’s Four Star BBQ will be opening a restaurant this summer in Port Gamble. It will be in the historic gas station along State Highway 104. You will still be able to find Mike at the Kingston Farmers Market on Saturdays and the Port Gamble Sunday Market on Sundays. For more information visit their Web site at: www.mikesfourstarbbq.com

Have you thought of owning your own business or living in historic Port Gamble? If you or anyone you know of is interested, please contact ssmith@orminc.com or (360) 297-7251.

Upcoming events

Port Gamble Night on the Town — Every First Friday, next Art Walk from 4-8 p.m. on June 5. Businesses in Downtown Port Gamble, along Rainier Avenue, will feature local artists monthly and music.

Medieval Faire (June Faire XXVII) from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., June 5-7. Step back into time … jousting, jesting and merry making sponsored by the Society for Creative Anachronisms. The SCA is a not-for-profit educational organization that studies the history and culture of the Middles Ages by recreating it. For a schedule of events please check their website at www.dragonslaire.org.

Civil War Re-enactment Battles & Encampments, June 19-21. Visit camps of the Union and Confederate armies. Hospital demonstrations, period fashion shows, magic lantern exhibitions, music, period sutlers and historic displays.

Entry Fee (to be collected as a parking fee): Adults, $7 each; juniors, 7-18 years old, $5 each; children 6 and younger, free; family (3 or more people), $20.

For more information, contact (360) 874-8548 or visit us at www.wcwa.net/portgamble/.

Daddy/Daughter Promise Tea on June 21. No matter what the age of your father or daughter, spend this special day together at The Tea Room at Port Gamble. This date is usually booked early in the year, so please call as soon as possible for your reservation. Limited seating is available, reservations required. (360) 297-4225.

What is new in Port Gamble?

One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure

Take advantage of the golden rule in Port Gamble as we expand our Sunday Market to include … well, anything. Once a month we’ll be hosting a flea market in conjunction with our Sunday Market. This is the perfect opportunity to for buyers and sellers alike to meet and make a deal.

Vendor set up is from 9-10:30 a.m. and the booth fee is $10 for a 10×10 booth, with all booths assigned on a first come, first served basis.

Flea Market Days:

June 14

July 5

Aug. 2

Sept. 6

Here is the exciting 2009 Calendar of Events for Port Gamble, please visit our Web site for a current listing.

2009 Schedule of Events:

Every 1st Friday Night on the Town — Art, Music, Dinner & Businesses

Every Wednesday Knit Night at the Artful Ewe 4pm — 9pm

April — October Port Gamble 7th Annual Sunday Market

June 6-7 Medieval Faire

June 13-14 Civil War Re-enactment

June 13 Historic Walking Tour, reservations required

June 14 Flea Market

June 21 Daddy/Daughter Tea — Tea Room at Port Gamble

July 5 Flea Market

July 11-12 Muddy Paw Dog Agility

July 12 Bear of a Run 8 Miler

July 12 Sereni-Tea Event — Tea Room at Port Gamble

July 18 Historic Walking Tour

July 25-26 International Food Festival

July 31 Paddle Kitsap

August 1-2 Great Peninsula Future Festival

August 2 Flea Market

August 8 Port Gamble Garage Sale

August 9 Port Gamble ¬Ω Marathon

August 15 3rd Annual Maritime Music Festival

August 16 Sunset Cinema

August 22 Historic Walking Tour

September 6 Roots Rock 50k/25k

September 6 Flea Market

September 12 Ghost Walk & Historic Walking Tour

September 12 Olde World Victorian Supper Tea — Tea Room at Port Gamble

September 12-13 Best Friends Antiques Fall Sale

September 19 Search and Rescue Trail Trek

September 25-27 Old Mill Days

September 26 Forest Festival

October 3,10,17,24,30 & 31 Ghost Walk

October 25 Spooky 12K Trail Race

October 31 Port Gamble Halloween Celebration

October 31 Halloween Victorian House of Horrors Dessert Tea — Tea Room

November 14 Ghost Walk & Historic Walking Tour

December 5 Ghost Walk & Historic Walking Tour

December 12-13 Port Gamble Country Christmas

December 12 Tea Cup Exchange — Tea Room at Port Gamble

December 19 Mrs. Claus Tea — Tea Room at Port Gamble

December 20 ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas‚Äù Reading — Tea Room