With the excitement of the holidays behind us and the winter blues settling in, Port Gamble is offering a variety of fun activities to brighten those dreary winter days and nights.

The Greater Kingston Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a Mardi Gras-themed gala from 6 p.m. to midnight on Feb. 2, in the Hood Canal Vista Pavilion in Port Gamble. The evening includes dinner, live music and raffles, with all proceeds benefitting the Kingston chamber. Attire is strictly masquerade or black tie, so dress accordingly. Tickets are $50 per person and available for purchase at the chamber office.

Valentine’s Day will be the theme of the Kids’ Celebration Craft Workshop Feb. 9 at the Walker-Ames House. This hands-on event is fun for the entire family. Craft activities will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at a cost of $5 per child. This is the first of four craft workshops for kids that will be held throughout the year.

February is a great time for winter trail running in and around Port Gamble. The race season begins Feb. 10, with the seventh annual Fishline 50K/25K trail race. The race, sponsored by Roots Rock Trail Running, winds through the wooded trails surrounding historic Port Gamble. For information or to register, visit www.rootsrockrun.com.

Want to learn a little more about the rich and colorful history of Port Gamble? Don’t miss the Museum Lecture Series, held regularly at the Hood Canal Vista Pavilion. This free speakers series kicks off from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 11. Topics and speakers vary monthly.

Port Gamble has a reputation as one of the most haunted towns in the United States, and you can experience it first-hand by participating in the renowned Port Gamble Ghost Walk on Feb. 16. An experienced tour guide will lead willing participants through town while sharing some of the spooky tales recorded over the past 100 years.

You’ll also explore the interior of several of the town’s most haunted buildings in town, including the “infamous” Walker-Ames mansion. The tour begins at 7 p.m. in the Historical Museum. Participants need a flashlight and weather-appropriate attire. The cost of the tour is $15 per person and reservations are a must, given the popularity of the walks and the limited number of available spots. Call (360) 297-8074 for reservations. You must be 16 or older to attend.

For information on these and other events in Port Gamble, please contact the events office at (360) 297-8074 or via email at portgamble@orminc.com.

Option agreement to purchase Pope timber lands expires March 28
The Kitsap Forest & Bay Project is continuing to work with Forterra and other organizations to secure funding that could be used to acquire all or part of Pope Resources’ timber lands in north Kitsap County. Once acquired, those lands could be conserved as open space for public use.

As a reminder, the option agreement between Forterra and Pope Resources expires March 28. To learn how you can get involved in this important endeavor, please visit www.greatkitsapforestbay.org.

— Shana Smith is town manager for the town of Port Gamble. Port Gamble is owned by Pope Resources.