Americana Festival at Raab Park

to benefit Chamber of Commerce, Eli’s Place.

POULSBO — It’s strictly the good ol’ US of A on the menu for a day, despite Poulsbo’s known penchant for celebrating its Scandinavian heritage.

The inaugural Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce’s Americana Music Festival will kick up its heels at 11 a.m. at Raab Park Sept. 13.

Proceeds from the barbecue benefit will be split between the chamber and Eli’s Place, a shelter for battered women and kids.

Chamber Executive Director Adele Heinrich said the event is a chance for the whole family to play outdoors and enjoy tunes from three bands. Kids’ contests, face painting and a bounce house are on the day’s agenda.

“The whole idea is that it’s family entertainment on the green,” Heinrich said.

Admission is free, and Heinrich said drinks and barbecue items will be sold at affordable prices.

Shuttle rides will be provided by Kitsap Transit from North Kitsap High School and Christ Memorial Church.

“It’s the first annual, we hope,” Heinrich said, adding the chamber is looking to infuse Poulsbo with plenty of kid-friendly community activities. “What the chamber is striving for is some fun events in town that are really family-oriented.”

The Tune Stranglers, Chele’s Kitchen and the Konzelman Family Band are lined up to perform. In addition to barbecue proceeds, donation jars will be set out to take contributions for Eli’s Place.

The event will run until 5 p.m. Raab Park is located at 18349 Caldart Avenue.

A soft opening of Poulsbo’s Centennial Park previously scheduled to occur at the start of the festival Saturday has been rescheduled. The opening and unveiling of commemorative centennial art work will take place Oct. 25 as a part of Poulsbo Park Days, during which a celebration will commemorate Fish Park’s grand opening.

For more information contact the chamber office at (360) 779-4848 or the city at (360) 779-3901.