With Thanksgiving soon to be behind us, there is no denying that the holidays are definitely here and Christmas is just around the corner.
Enjoy the seasonal magic during the annual Country Christmas weekend Dec. 14-15. The town will be fully dressed for the occasion with ornaments, garland and thousands of bright white lights. Port Gamble merchants are stocking their shelves with holiday shopping in mind.
You and your family can create your own special holiday memories at Santa’s Workshop, a hands-on, interactive craft experience ($5 per child), or join the audience for the annual Holiday Fruitcake Contest. As darkness falls Saturday evening, you can gather around the community Christmas tree for the tree lighting and then take in the holiday fireworks celebration.
For a full list of activities and times, please visit www.portgamble.com.
Calling all bakers
It’s not too late to join the fun of the annual Port Gamble Holiday Fruitcake Contest, the oldest and largest fruitcake contest in the Pacific Northwest. The 2013 version promises to be the biggest and best yet.
In addition to the amateur division, this year’s contest includes a professional division with fruitcakes submitted by bakeries and baking professionals in Kitsap County. The judging process will be open to the public and a panel of celebrity judges will evaluate the fruitcake entries in front of a live audience.
Winners will receive an engraved plaque, a special basket of holiday goodies from Port Gamble and the title of “Best Fruitcake in Kitsap County” for 2013.
The 2013 Port Gamble Holiday Fruitcake Contest will be held Dec. 14 during the annual Country Christmas celebration in Port Gamble. For contest details, contact the Port Gamble events office at 360-297-8074 or email portgamble@orminc.com.
Beyond the Country Christmas celebration, Port Gamble is still a wonderful place to enjoy a meal, savor a hot beverage or finish up your holiday shopping.
No. 7 Books at Port Gamble, the newest business in town, stocks an exceptional variety of used, new and rare books. Come browse their shop, or get cozy in one of their writing rooms to produce a novel of your very own. No. 7 Books is open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. For more information, please call 360-881-0489.
Tango Zulu Imports has expanded for the holiday season and now offers a beautifully curated collection of men’s and women’s clothing and accessories at the building next door to its original store. Both are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.
Make the most of your trip and don’t miss a thing, there is fabulous shopping at all the shops in Port Gamble. Check out The Quilted Strait, Rainy Day & Wish, The Artful Ewe and Artful Ewe II, Olympic Outdoor Center and the Port Gamble General Store. When your stomach starts to grumble and your throat gets dry, enjoy some of North Kitsap’s finest food and drink options at Mike’s Four Star BBQ, the Tea Room at Port Gamble, Gamble Bay Coffee and the Port Gamble General Store & Café.
Need more entertainment? The Port Gamble Theater Company rounds out its 2013 season in December with the classic holiday production, “A Christmas Carol.” This classic Dickens holiday tale is directed by Scott Snively and Jim Wingren, who adapted the play for the Port Gamble Theater.
This is one of the company’s most popular shows and is sure to sell out. For ticket information, schedules and times, go to www.portgambletheater.com.
Want to stay up to date about activities and happenings at Port Gamble? Send us an email and ask to be added to our monthly e-newsletter. Or call 360-297-8074.
— Shana Smith is general manager of Port Gamble. Contact her at ssmith@orminc.com.
