With the Hood Canal Bridge reopened, the traffic is once again flowing through Port Gamble. We invite everyone to come visit the local businesses and drop in for a festival or two.

Last month we had the Medieval Faire and the Civil War Reenactment – both of which went off beautifully. We would like to thank the SCA (Medieval Faire) and WCWA (Civil War) for putting on great shows and being part of our community.

We are looking forward to a very busy summer both in festivals and weddings. Thanks to everyone who supports local businesses and lives and works in Port Gamble and the surrounding communities.

Business Updates:

Hood Canal Vista Pavilion. Our new wedding, conference and event facility is now open in Port Gamble. The 2,900-square-foot facility is located on the site of the former Hotel Puget overlooking Hood Canal. The site is a popular wedding destination on the Kitsap Peninsula. The Hood Canal Vista Pavilion is the first significant structure to be built in the town since 1920.

New Restaurant to open in the “old service station” – Mike’s Four Star BBQ is proud to announce that it will be opening a restaurant this summer in Port Gamble in the historic gas station along State Route 104. You will still be able to find Mike at the Kingston Farmers Market on Saturdays and the Port Gamble Sunday Market on Sundays. For more information visit their website at: www.mikesfourstarbbq.com

Have you thought of owning your own business or living in historic Port Gamble? If you or anyone you know of is interested, please contact ssmith@orminc.com or (360) 297-7251.

Upcoming Events:

Port Gamble Night on the Town – Every first Friday, next Art Walk from 4-8 p.m. on July 3. Businesses in downtown Port Gamble, along Rainier Avenue, will feature local artists monthly and music. The Dauntless Bookstore will feature a live band playing outside, if the weather cooperates.

Muddy Paw Dog Agility from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., July 11-12. MudPACK (Muddy Paws Agility Club of Kitsap) will be hosting a North American Dog Agility Council sanctioned trial for dogs of all breeds and mixed breeds at Port Gamble. Dog agility is one of the fastest growing sports in America. A trial demonstrates the ability of the dog and its handler to work under control as a functioning team over obstacles. The obstacles, including jumps, weave poles, teeter-totter, A-frame, tunnels, and dog walk, are grouped into courses for various levels of competition. Pre-registration is required to compete, but spectators are welcome. Please be fair to the competitors by keeping your children and pets under control while you are there.

Bear of a Run 8 Miler begins at 8 a.m. on July 12. Foot race on the Port Gamble Trails, 8 miles. Contact Poulsbo Running for more information and registration at poulsborunning@foxinternet.com, www.rootsrockrun.com or at (360) 779-8757.

Sereni-Tea Event from 3-4 p.m. on July 12. The Tea Room at Port Gamble is offering a special tea that will discuss calming ways to live, meditation, finding energy, healthy body positioning and of course the benefit of drinking Tea in our lives. A light afternoon tea will be served. Cost is $19.95 per person, Limited seating is available and Reservations are required. Info: (360) 297-4225.

Port Gamble Historic Walking Tour from 1-4 p.m. on July 18. Begin at the Port Gamble Historic Boardroom, located on the north side of the General Store building. Enjoy a stroll through Port Gamble narrated by the town’s Museum Curator. Cost is $15/person; reservation required – six person minimum. Info (360) 297-8074.

Paddle Kitsap Kick-Off July 31, 2009

Paddle the Pearls of North Kitsap communities and help establish the North Kitsap water trail. This spectacular 2 day fully supported paddle will be the highlight of your paddling year. Whether it’s a kayak, canoe, rowing, or other human powered craft you will enjoy the spectacular natural beauty, challenge of the course, and the making of your new paddling friends.

Paddle Kitsap is dedicated to transforming individuals and communities through Paddling. Paddle Kitsap is part of the now forming North Kitsap Trails Association. Paddle Kitsap is providing a portion of the proceeds from this Paddle to the North Kitsap Trails Association for the purpose of preserving and protecting water access in North Kitsap and to create the North Kitsap Water Trail for future generations. Paddle Kitsap recognizes these special places in Kitsap County and supports community development projects towards this end with grants from the proceeds.

For more information, call (360) 697-6095 or go to www.olympicoutdoorcenter.com .

Here is what happening at various businesses for Port Gamble’s Night on the Town, for more information on what is happening at each business please check our website, www.portgamble.com :

What is new in Port Gamble?

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure

Take advantage of the golden rule in Port Gamble as we expand our Sunday Market to include … well, anything. Once a month we’ll be hosting a flea market in conjunction with our Sunday Market. Do you have a storage locker full of stuff you don’t need? Bring it all down. Are you an avid antiquer looking for a place to sell your finds? Bring them down. This is the perfect opportunity to for buyers and sellers alike to meet and make a deal.

Vendor set up is from 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. and the booth fee is $10 for a 10×10 booth, with all booths assigned on a first come, first served basis.

Flea Market Days:

July 5

August 2

September 6

The Port Gamble Club Card is now available. This exclusive member’s only card is available at all Port Gamble retailers and gives you access to benefits that only members have. When you enroll you receive your own personalized Port Gamble Club Card which you show at each business if you wish to receive your discount.

Each Port Gamble business has set up their individual membership benefits along with other benefits when you enroll in the Club Card. A few examples of membership benefits are:

* Invitations/previews to open houses/events/speakers

* Members only access to a Port Gamble web community

* Quarterly newsletters

* Preferred parking at Port Gamble festivals

* Special discounts to local businesses which include free one-scoop ice cream cone per visit at General Store; 25 cents off any drink at Gamble Bay Coffee; $10 off a manicure/pedicure combo at The Salon & Spa on Gamble Bay; bi-annual tour of lab facilities at NewFields Lab; First notice of grass-fed beef for sale from Legacy Ranch plus many others.

You can contact any business or visit the website (www.portgamble.com) or call (360) 297-8074 for an application to enroll in the Port Gamble Club Card.

To see the complete, update 2009 Calendar of Events for Port Gamble, please visit our Web site at www.portgamble.com.