Do you love sea shanties, live music and pirate-themed fun?

The Port Gamble Maritime Music Festival is a free, family fun, live music event that takes place noon to 5 p.m. on Aug. 13, between the Port Gamble General Store and the famed Walker-Ames Mansion.

Bring some sunscreen, a blanket, and settle in on the natural amphitheater lawn for an afternoon of great live music. For event details, go to www.portgamblemaritimemusic.com.

10th Annual Marathon Trail Race AUG. 7: Roots Rock Run is set for their 10th annual Port Gamble Half Marathon/Marathon on Aug. 7. If you’d like a challenge, then this is the race for you. For race details and registration, go to www.rootsrockrun.com.

Local Dahlia Garden in Port Gamble Draws Crowds Every Summer: Four years ago, the Kitsap County Dahlia Society received a request from Shana Smith, then town manager, to plant dahlias by the Post Office.

The dahlias have become a big draw for visitors to Port Gamble, and they work hard to make sure that good varieties are planted there. The Dahlia Society also has a garden behind the Post Office. The main purpose of that garden is to grow tubers for their popular annual tuber sale in April in Silverdale.

Port Gamble’s own Master Gardener, Mark Smith, has planted 100 dahlia plants with 50 beautiful varieties in front of the Post Office building.

“We are looking to plant a total of 200 plants with nearly 100 varieties in both gardens,” Smith said. “A visitor favorite is the ‘Harvey Koop,’  which is a dinner plate [size] multi-colored flower.”

His favorite is the “Ruthie G,” which is pink with a kiss of yellow.

Like the Kitsap County Dahlia Society’s Facebook page to stay up to date on their activities.

Port Gamble Bay Cleanup Project — Construction Site Still Closed to Public: Season two of construction began in full on July 18. The summer months of the construction season will be focused on pile pulling, demolishing old structures, intertidal excavation, and capping a 61‐acre area in the central bay south of the mill site.

Important note: Temporary closure of a shoreline access point in Port Gamble Heritage Park while we work in that area to remove the former log transfer facility. It will re‐open to the public when work is complete near the park, expected by the first week of August. The park and trails on the west (upland) side of Highway 104 will remain open as usual.

Some key planned actions during the next few weeks include: In‐water cleanup construction work began July 18. Demolition work began at the former log transfer facility July 18 and will include some late-night work. Vessel activity will be heaviest near the former log transfer facility, the north end of the mill site, and in the central bay south of the mill site.

Capping a 61‐acre central bay area south of the mill site began with about 32,894 cubic yards of clean material. Truck traffic will be very active throughout the construction season — please be careful in town.

Get all of the latest updates at the project website, www.portgamble baycleanup.com and follow the project on Facebook at www.facebook.com/port gamblebaycleanup.

Port Gamble Ghost Conference is Right Around the Corner: The seventh annual Port Gamble Ghost Conference is planned for Oct. 28-30 at the historic Port Gamble Theater. This award-winning conference is one of the biggest of its kind and is suited for those simply interested in the paranormal to those who are seasoned paranormal investigators.

This year, we are excited to be partnering with the North Kitsap Tourism Coalition (www.wa       sanctuaryshore.com) and Spirits & Spirits Fest (www.spirits andspiritsfest.com) Oct. 21–29.

The Ghost Conference features speakers from the Northwest, Southern California, and The Netherlands.

We will also offer classes, workshops, and a live psychic gallery reading throughout the weekend, as well as investigations in some of the Port Gamble’s hot spots of paranormal activity like the Walker-Ames House.

Registration for all three days is $50 per person, or get a one-day pass for $25. Download the registration form and see details at http://portgamble.wix.com/pt-gamble-paranormal #!ghost-conference-2016/c9wo.

One of North Kitsap’s Best Sunset Viewing Spots is here in Port Gamble: If you enjoy picturesque spots in the Northwest, we’ll let you in on a little secret.

Located on the west hill next to the Buena Vista Cemetery, you’ll find one of the best spots in North Kitsap to view the beautiful summer sunsets. Secluded from the hustle and bustle of our downtown area, this spot offers peace and tranquility along with some of the best photo ops you can find anywhere.

Check it out, and be sure to tag Port Gamble, Washington on Facebook in your photos.

Unique and Beautiful Retail Space Available in Historic Port Gamble: Move your business to Port Gamble. The Hovey House (House 8), built in 1890, is available for rent on Port Gamble’s historic Rainier Avenue.

This Victorian-style home is perfect for retail and rents for $1,600 per month. This 2,089-square-foot building has two bathrooms and is available for a one-year lease with option for more.

If you or someone you know are looking for a great business opportunity, contact the Port Gamble property manager at 360-297-7251 and set up an appointment to tour the Hovey House.

Get your prime parking space now: Did you know that Pope Resources/Olympic Property Group LLC has three parking spaces for rent, literally steps from the Kingston ferry landing?

These prime parking spaces can be rented on a month-to-month basis for $65 per month — with no deposit, and ACH capable. Please contact the Port Gamble property manager, Tonya Caswell, at 360-297-7251 to rent a no-hassle, prime parking space and make your commuting life easier.

Stay in Touch: You can stay up to date with activities and happenings at Port Gamble by subscribing to the monthly Port Gamble E-Newsletter at www.portgamble.com.

For more information about the E-newsletter, please contact the events office at 360-297-8074 or via email at portgamble@orminc.com.

Stay up to date by viewing our Calendar of Events for 2016 at www.port    gamble.com or tune into Port Gamble on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

— Pete Orbea is marketing manager for Olympic Property Group. Contact him at porbea@orminc.com