KEYPORT — The community of Keyport will host a small-town festival on Sept. 20, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with local bands, a car show, drawings, and food and craft vendors.
Free activities for children are a special focus and will be offered by the Keyport Improvement Club, the Naval Undersea Museum, Poulsbo Fire Department, the Poulsbo Marine Science Center, Kitsap County Sheriff, Kitsap Conservation District, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Navy divers, Kitsap Community Resources, and others. The Port of Keyport is sponsoring a free fishing derby for children. Port commissioners and volunteers will provide fishing gear and instruction.
Keyport’s Navy neighbor will celebrate its centennial in conjunction with Keyport Fest 2014. Capt. David Kohnke, commanding officer of Naval Undersea Warfare Center Keyport, will share the 100-year history of this command. In 20 minutes you will learn about the early start of NUWC and the role of Keyport today.
Some festival highlights:
From 10-11 a.m., the North Kitsap High School Marching Band will perform throughout Keyport, making multiple stops.
Two Navy bands will perform in front of the Undersea Museum: the five-piece Jazz Combo at noon and the seven-piece New Orleans Brass Band at 2 p.m.
Eleven local bands will play music in six venues throughout the day. Musicians will perform outdoors at Whiskey Creek Steakhouse and Los Corales Mexican Restaurant, and both restaurants will offer special menus.
The car show will feature classic and collectible cars, hot rods, trucks, and motorcycles, from antiques to modern. Vote for your favorite.
Children can pick up a Heron Passport at the Keyport Improvement Club booth. The Keyport Mercantile will give a free ice cream cone to children with four or more activity stamps in their passports.
At least 75 booths will offer food, crafts, products, and information.
Celebrating life on a smaller scale, Keyport Fest events are centered on three blocks, from the Naval Undersea Museum to the Keyport Dock, so Keyport Fest is a friendly size for families and others who appreciate a festival with fewer steps. Free parking will be available at the Naval Undersea Museum. Handicapped parking for ADA-permitted visitors will be available at BAE Systems on Poulsbo Ave.
Keyport Fest is sponsored by the Keyport Improvement Club and 35 local businesses. Proceeds from support Keyport park maintenance and the NKHS Marching Band program.
Visit the Keyport Improvement Club online at www.keyport98345.com.
