BEAUTY AND THE BEAST IN GIG HARBOR

Gig Harbor's Paradise Theatre opens Disney's Beauty and the Beast on Friday August 7th. One of the most beloved stories and Disney productions features some outstanding talent in the lead rolls and is a must see for all ages.

Want a sneek peak of this show? Join us on Tuesday August 4th, Summer Sounds at Skansie concert in the park when Paradise will perform a piece from the show before the concert.

Learn more about Beauty and the Beast in Gig Harbor and reserve your tickets for the three week run at http://www.paradisetheatre.org/

Gig Harbor Kayak Team in Russia

Coach Alan Anderson and two of his team are preparing for the race of their life, two days from now in Moscow Russia.

More details as soon as we get them but this is so awesome and we are so proud of our paddlers!

http://www.gigharborguide.com/

Gig Harbor - A National Maritime Heritage Area??

www.gigharborguide.com

The public is invited to an Open House at the Harbor History Museum, located at 4121 Harborview Drive, on August 10th from 4:30-5:30pm to learn the benefits of the Gig Harbor community becoming a National Maritime Heritage Area.

National Heritage Areas are places designated by Congress to recognize nationally important natural, cultural, historic and recreational resources. Today, there are more than 40 national heritage areas throughout the United States. There is no increased federal regulation associated with NHA. Instead, the designation supports local citizens to preserve, share, and promote our own heritage, with full local control.

Gig Harbor's maritime history has national interest. Boatbuilding, commercial fishing, mosquito fleet, lighthouses, ferries...an abundance of heritage stories are waiting to be told. Sharing these tales with the rest of the country will boost heritage tourism and help preserve Gig Harbor's local heritage.

Various groups - from heritage societies to ports to Native American tribes and intertribal organizations - have worked diligently to protect and celebrate our living maritime heritage in our State. However, many of these groups have also struggled to maintain volunteer support, raise funds, and build sustainable organizations.

Local organizations are considering a new designation for Washington's maritime resources as a National Heritage Area - the first National Heritage Area in the country to be focused on maritime heritage. This designation would raise awareness of our heritage resources with a national audience. Gig Harbor is perfectly poised to be a leader - our strong heritage, our soon to be opened Harbor History Museum, our Croatian fishing families, our local governments commitment, not to mention we call ourselves THE MARITIME CITY.

The Open House that is planned for August 10th is an opportunity to learn about the benefits to our community of becoming a National Maritime Heritatge Area. Dr. Allyson Brooks (Washington Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation) will make a presentation and be available to answer questions about the Washington State feasibility study that is currently underway.

Join me and many other Gig Harbor residents on the 10th. For additional information, contact the City of Gig Harbor Historic Preservation Officer, Lita Dawn Stanton at (253) 853-7609.

Remember - Gig Harbor IS Washington's Maritime City

Time to Walk the Dog!

Coming up in September is one of Gig Harbor's favorite events, and a great kick off to fall, the Harbor Hounds Walk the Town. Every September Gig Harbor invites pets and people to come together and walk the harbor. All proceeds from this event support the Purdy Prison Pet Partnership, Coalition Humane, Spay and Neuter Clinic and the Gig Harbor Mid-Day Rotary Club.

September 26th is the big day. Register early for a discounted registration rate. Entertainment is included as is lots of booths and vendors and contests and games. Learn more about this event at http://www.harborhounds.com/

Celebrate with your family and pooch in Gig Harbor September 26th!

HOGS FOR DOGS - Harleys come to Gig Harbor to support Coalition Humane

Hogs for Dogs Dice Run - Saturday August 29, 2009

Come join the fun on a relaxing motorcycle ride along the shores of Puget Sound in beautiful Gig Harbor and help support Coalition: Humane, Spay and Neuter Clinic.

The ride begins and ends at the famous Floatation Device in Purdy WA. Lots of fun on a summer day helping a great cause!

Register: http://www.coalitionhumane.org/pdf/hfd_reg.pdf

See Map: http://www.coalitionhumane.org/pdf/route_map.pdf

Download flier: http://www.coalitionhumane.org/pdf/hogs4dogs_flier.pdf

FRANKIE'S 5k - REMEMBERING A GIG HARBOR MAN

Katie and her dad Frank Crowell were very close. Best friends she will say. A special father-daughter bond. When Frank succumbed in 2007 to esophageal cancer, Katie and her family were devastated.

We all have been touched by tragedy at one time or another. Most of us have also lost someone we love to cancer. It's a tough row to hoe, no matter what the terms. Katie grieved, and then pulled up her boot straps and made a commitment in the memory of her father to make some thing good come of it.

On August 8th, the Second Annual Frankie's 5 K will be held in Gig Harbor, Katies effort to raise money for esophageal cancer through the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Frankie's 5K is a Run or Walk that starts at Gig Harbor's Crescent Creek Park at 8:30a.m.

Register on line at http://www.active.com/.

Way-to-go Katie. Your dad was a lucky man.

GIG HARBOR CANOE AND KAYAK TEAM MAKES A MARK IN RUSSIA

Cedric Bond and Katy Hill of the Gig Harbor Canoe and Kayak Team have met time standards and are now in Moscow Russia racing in the Junior World Championships reoresenting the United States and putting Gig Harbor on the map once again.

We are waiting additional news from Coach Alan Anderson - will they stand on the podium this year? Will they be the first athletes from Gig Harbor to make it to worlds?

Keep it tuned here for more info!

http://www.gigharborguide.com/

Street Closures Planned in Gig Harbor for Upcoming Events

The City of Gig Harbor will close streets for three upcoming events in the weeks ahead. Residents and visitors are advised to plan ahead due to these street closures and the anticipated related traffic issues;

Saturday and Sunday July 18th and 19th. Judson Street will be closed all day for the Gig Harbor Summer Arts Fair. Alternate routes are available.

Tuesday July 21st. Harborview Drive between Pioneer and Rosedale will be closed from 4pm-9pm during the Summer Sounds at Skansie concert, due to higher than normal expected turn-out for the BEATNIKS performance at 6:30pm. Alternate routes and detours available.

Tuesday August 4th. Harborview Drive between Pioneer and Rosedale will be closed from 4pm-9pm during the Summer Sounds at Skansie concert, and the coinciding event NATIONAL NIGHT OUT. Alternate routes and detours available.

Learn more at http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/ or http://www.gigharborguide.com/

High School Musical Not Just Kid Entertainment

www.gigharborguide.com

Encore Theater in Gig Harbor has premiered its newest production HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2, after a very successful HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL last summer.

Think this is just a kids show? Think again.

The cast has returned from last years production and they are an amazing, talented group of young adults. Singing, dancing, humor and clean fun, this production is perfect for anyone who loves live theater.

You surely want to get OUTSIDE and enjoy theater under the stars this summer with this production of DISNEY'S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2.

Playing Friday-Sunday throughJuly 26th with a special Thursday performance on July 23rd. Learn more and get directions at http://www.encoretheater.org/.

Brix 25 in Gig Harbor hosts Sparkman Cellars

A menu influenced by summer farmers market and created by Chef Thad Lyman is on tap next week for Brix 25, Gig Harbor, Sparkman Cellars Winemakers Dinner on July 16th.

Sparkman Cellars is a family intent on creating rich, flavorful, soulful life around Washington's remarkable wine world. It's apparent in their wines, built from some of this state's finest vinyards.

Sparkman will be on hand to complement the menu July 16th with their 2007 Lumiere Chardonnay. 2006 Wilderness Red Blend, 2006 Ruby Leigh, 2006 Kingpin Cabernet Sauvignon

and 2006 Darkness Syrah.

These wines will be paired with Chilled Watermelon & Honeydew Soup, Salad of Bing Cherries and Five Spice Grilled Pears, Applewood & Hibiscus Smoked Scallops, Grilled Center Cut Ribeye and Macerated Summer Berry Triffle.

If your mouth is not watering yet, there is definietly something wrong with you!

Reservations a must! $95 per person plus tax and gratuity. Call today at (253) 858- 6626

ART EVENTS COME TO GIG HARBOR JULY 18&19

CHALK THE WALK MAKES GRAFITTI OKAY FOR A DAY
Join the fun and beautify the sidewalk on Saturday July 18th
http://www.gigharborguide.com/

Once a year residents and visitors are encouraged to take chalk in hand and play Michelangelo on Gig Harbor sidewalks. “It’s the one time of year we encourage graffiti” said Carola Stark, Executive Director of the Gig Harbor Historic Waterfront Association, “ be creative as you like, just keep it rated “G”!”
Chalk the Walk is organized by the Gig Harbor Historic Waterfront Association and happens annually during the Gig Harbor Summer Arts Festival. This year, two new venues will be added. Now artists can show their creative side in historic downtown, at Eddon Boat Works and in the Finholm district. Chalk is provided and young and old are encouraged to participate! New categories have also been added this year and prizes will be awarded for; kids, families, high school/college and professionals. A People’s Choice Award will also be inaugurated at the 2009 Chalk the Walk.
The fun starts at 10am and judging takes place at 3pm. Awards will be announced at 4pm. Enjoy entertainment throughout the day with roving and stationary entertainers including Dave the Wood Carver and Michael Morales from “Unfinished Lips”.
Learn more at http://www.gigharborwaterfront.org/

The annual Gig Harbor Summer Arts Fair takes place on Saturday and Sunday July 18 & 19th on Judson Street. This event, the oldest festival in Gig Harbor, draws artist vendors from all over the greater Puget Sound area. The festival runs from 10a.m. to 7p.mon Saturday the 18th and from 10a.m to 5pm on Sunday the 19th. To learn more about this event visit http://www.peninsulaartleague.com/

FLAGS AND FIREWORKS

Brand new, beautiful and colorful American flags are flying again all over Gig Harbor thanks to the amazing generosity of this community. Hundreds of people stepped up with both cash and flag donations after a call went out last week for assistance to replace the tired and faded flags.

The community really came through...families, individuals, businesses, organizations and church groups all pulled together and more than 75 flags were donated...about 25 more than needed. But the good news is we now have back up flags for replacement when needed.

Next Tuesday July 7th, when the 133rd Army National Guard Band performs at the Summer Sounds at Skansie Concert, Mayor Chuck Hunter will thank the community for this patriotic effort.

So enjoy your 4th of July Gig Harbor and be proud of what you did! If you want to see fireworks on this side of the bridge, head out to the Purdy Spit and enjoy the show that is planned by the non-profit Henderson Bay Fireworks Committee. The show is scheduled to start at 10:10pm. You might want to get there early...

Be safe!