HarvestFEST is coming to Gig Harbor!!

HarvestFEST '09 is an annual event that celebrates the farming heritage on the Key Peninsula - Come out for the FREE family fun celebration of the farming heritage of the region this weekend, Saturday October 3rd. The festival includes a Farm Tour, Fiber Arts Show, Wine Tasting, and a Cornucopia Dinner Dance. The Farm Tour also offers the opportunity to meet local farmers, observe their farms, see how food is grown and observe farm lifestyles and shop for pumpkins and other products, interact with farm animals and more. Tour hours are 10 am to 4 pm. For more information and map information visit http://www.piercecountywa.org/harvestfest The HarvestFEST is located all through out the Gig Harbor Key Peninsula area.

TIME AGAIN FOR THE GREAT PUMPKIN

The tradition of choosing a pumpkin is, for many young families, a fall tradition that can often be a full day excursion. I challenge Gig Harbor this year to think about making your pumpkin tradition a local one.

Finding small ways to support the local economy and help keep our businesses alive, all while saving gas and staying close to home, is a simple thing to do. Simple, because we have two fabulous Pumpkin Patch locations right here in Gig Harbor.

Patterson's Market Pumpking Patch - HOME OF THE JOLLY PUMPKIN - opens on October 1st and is open every day through the 31st from 9am-8pm. Hundreds, and hundreds of pumpkins in every shape, size and color as well as cider and other yummy fall treats are available. The thing that makes this a great family outing however, is the effort that the Patterson's put into FREE kids games (such a bowling, fishing and rubber duck race), FREE bounce house, and FREE prizes. Free is always good, especially during these tough times. Buy your pumpkin local, have a fun, free family event, and support our local merchants. Reach Patterson's at (253) 851-8144.

Peninsula Gardens opens its Pumpkin Patch on Saturday October 3rd. This year Peninsula Gardens will have the Patch open to everyone on Saturday's and Sundays and during the week for school group excursions. Pumpkins of every size for the little gouls and boys to the biggest are available at Peninsula Gardens. While you are there you can also pick up great Halloween decorations for your home, fall and winter flowers and plants and much more. http://www.peninsulagardens.com/

Have a Gig Harbor Halloween this year and have fun at our local merchants.

http://www.gigharborguide.com/

CHOWDER COOK OFF THIS SATURDAY IN GIG HARBOR

Don't miss the Gig Harbor Chowder Cook Off at the Gig Harbor Farmers Market this coming Saturday September 26th. The 9th annual event features chowders from area restaurants competing against each other for the BEST CHOWDER title for 2009.

Chowder is free for guests and tasting begins at 11am. Awards will be given out by Master of Ceremonies Mayor Chuck Hunter around 1PM.

Saturday is the final day of the 2009 Gig Harbor Farmers Market, so lots ot celebrate and enjoy on a sunny fall weekend in Gig Harbor.

http://www.gigharborfarmersmarket.com/

BLAZING ONION IS BLAZING FUNION!

So happy to have another new restaurant in Gig Harbor - the Blazing Onion opened last week and my husband and I had a great dinner there yesterday.

So here is the scoop. Kinda like a Red Robin, kinda like The Tides, kinda like Billy McHales, but all that said - really not like any of those at all. It's a great concept that will certainly be a hit for restaurant starved Gig Harborites!

We walked in the door, where you actually place your order before you sit down...but don't be confused - its not a fast food joint. However, while we were waiting a really nice young lady asked us if we wanted to sit in the bar, where it was full service. Well that was a no-brainer, given it was just me and my husband. So if you want to sit in the regular restaurant you order when you come in, but in the bar you have a seat and get a server. Well that's definitely different but it worked for us.

We had a great table right next to the huge open window with the gorgeous Sunday sun streaming in. I counted a total of 12 big screen T.V.'s in the joint, all with the Seahawks on and lots of fun crowd interaction with the game. Noisy but in a fun way.

Our server, Crystal, was attentive and friendly and helped us navigate the giant menu which includes much more than burgers. Next time I visit I will try one of the seafood entrees or the steak salad, but for today it was all about the gourmet burger menu.

My husband I and both ordered burgers and we split them. We had the California Bacon Burger, which was great, with a nice thick slab of bacon and yummy guacamole too. But my favorite was the Wild Boar Burger. The meat was excellent and moist, but the over the top ingredient was the delicious coleslaw on the burger and the signature BOB sauce. Crystal explained the sauce has 27 ingredients, but can best be described as a cross between BBQ sauce, Ketchup and Mayonnaise. It was delicious.

Unlimited fries come with the burger, and lots of drink choices from beer to mixed drinks and of course non-alcoholic beverages too were available.

The decor is beautiful and our server told us it has been very crowded...but I totally recommend checking out Gig Harbor's newest addition - the Blazing Onion in Uptown Gig Harbor!! Welcome to owners Dave and Lori Jones and all the great staff. www.blazingonion.com

GET READY FOR THE CHUM!

Those of you who know me know that I cut my teeth as both an event planner and marketing director as the Executive Director of the Issaquah Salmon Days Festival back in the early '90's. That event still holds a special place in my heart, and in its 40th year it is one of the largest and best organized festivals in the state.

So, three years ago when local fisherman Paul Ancich proposed to me an event for Gig Harbor called Donkey Creek Chum Festival, I felt right in my comfort zone. And it made perfect sense for a community like Gig Harbor to acknowledge and celebrate our local chum that run up Donkey Creek, and the local fisherman's club that has kept that creek alive for returning salmon since 1972.

That first year I proposed to Paul that the fisherman work hand in hand with local environmental group - not always a partnership you expect. But I was convinced that the two groups have the same goal; healthy fish in a healthy Puget Sound. And thus was born a great event in our community that celebrates the fact that "It Takes a Fish to Raise a Village", the slogan for the Donkey Creek Chum Festival. Now about a dozen local groups and organizations work through out the year to make this event a success for all.

Don't miss this great, free event on Saturday October 10th from 10am-5pm. This year, located at the parking lot of the new Harbor History Museum, the event includes Kayak races, lots of interesting and educational booths, kids activities and Chum Burgers cooked by the Gig Harbor Commercial Fisherman's Club.

Learn and love your community at the Donkey Creek Chum Festival! http://www.gigharborguide.com/

Gig Harbor Welcomes New Boys and Girls Club

I've lived in Gig Harbor for more than 15 years, and I remember hearing rumors when we first came to this community that a Boys and Girls Club was on the horizon. At that time, rumors also included that a second Narrows Bridge would be built, that a hospital was proposed and a YMCA was coming.

Wow. I think we done good! On October 1st, the Jim and Carolyn Milgard Family HOPE Center and Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget will be dedicated at 8502 Skansie Avenue, Gig Harbor WA 98332. The facility will open to the public on October 5th.

The Boys and Girls Club has several partners in the facility including Lindquist Dental Clinic for Children, Peninsula Athletic Association, and an Active Adult Center (senior center).

The facility will offer progams for kids including sports, performing arts and arts and crafts as well as computer classes, environmental classes as well as gardening.

It's a state of the art facility, a beautifully constructed building that will further enhance the great community we live in. Find out more at http://www.bg-clubs.com/

TIDES TAVERN PAIRS WITH SEVEN SEAS FOR EVENT

Gig Harbor's favorite Tides Tavern is hosting a Beer and Dinner Pairing, featuring beer from Gig Harbor's new brewery, Seven Seas!

If you have yet to visit Seven Seas Brewery, right next door to the INN at Gig Harbor, here is your chance to sip a few with your old friends at the Tides.

Jooin the fun on Thursday September 24th at 5:30PM. For $50 you will get four yummy courses and four different beer pairings. Here's the menu;

5:30PM Stand Up Small Plates including Fondue, Baked Clams and Mussels, Smoked Salmon Canapes, Dungeness Crab Crostini - Paired with Seven Seas British Pale Ale

6:00PM Sit Down dinner of Spring greens. pear. parmesan and spiced pecan salad with champagne vinaigrette - paired with Seven Seas Cutt's Ale followed by Dijon mint cursted roasted leg of lamb with au-jus and cambazola butter, served with horseradish chive potato gaullet - Paired with Seven Seas Double IPA.

To finish enjoy choclate hazelnut torte with Belgian white and dark chocolate sauces and chambord raspberry glaze - Paired with Tides Porter.

What a perfect fall menu and a great way to learn about Gig Harbor's new brewery Seven Seas, in a familiar and fun place like The Tides Tavern.

Reservations are requested so call today (253) 858-3982

http://www.gigharborguide.com/

Celebrate and Thank All Who Keep Us Safe

The greater Gig Harbor community is protected every day, by a variety of jurisdictions that work together collectively. Gig Harbor Police, Gig Harbor/Pierce Fire, Pierce County Sherrif and the Washington State Patrol, as well as local EMT's are all part of the plan to keep our residents safe in the Gig Harbor area.

Now the Gig Harbor United Methodist Church has created an event to say thank you to all of these important players in our safety. The First Blessing and Celebration of Law Enforcement, Firefighters, EMT's and their families will take place on Sunday October 4th from 1-4PM at the United Methodist Church, 7400 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor.

This event is open to the public and will include opportunity to talk first hand to our first responders, enjoy up close look at emergency equipment and canine unit, as well as music, refreshement and games for the kids.

Take a few moments out of your weekend to say thank you to all of those who, most often, are behind the scenes making a safe community for all of us. They deserve it.

DOG DAYS IN GIG HARBOR

There are many, many dog walk events around the Puget Sound region these days, but one of the "originals" and one of the best takes place in scenic Gig Harbor every September. HARBOR HOUNDS, returns September 26th for one day of fido-friendly family fun.

Dogs and devotees come from far and near to participate in this annual event, a benefit for the Prison Pet Partnership, Coalition Humane (formerly Peninsula Spay and Neuter Project) and the Gig Harbor Mid-Day Rotary Club.

Action begins at 10am on September 26th as hounds and humans stroll the two miles of picturesque Gig Harbor waterfront between Donkey Creek Park and Skansie Brothers Park, stopping along the way for water, pats and chats. The frisky festivities continue until 3pm with a mix of entertainment, contests, demonstrations, information, vendors and food.

Pooch loving participants can pick one of three ways to register for Harbor Hounds. The $30 Top Dog fee, limited to the first 100 pre-registered dogs, includes a 2009 Harbor Hounds t-shirt, and limited edition poster. The $24 Standard rate ($26 on event day) comes with a t-shirt, bandanna and goodie bag. For the "recession" minded, $10 rate ($12 on event day) provides the bandanna and goodie bag.

Register now, and get excited for the Seventh Annual Harbor Hounds event in Gig Harbor http://www.harborhounds.com/

It's a great weekend event too, so book a room - The Wesley Inn has pet friendly rooms. http://www.wesleyinn.com/ and enjoy all Gig Harbor has to offer this fall.

Gig Harbor Chowder Cook Off is coming

One of my most favorite events of the year, the Gig Harbor Chowder Cook Off, is only a few short weeks away. Mark your calendar now for this fun, free, family event at the Gig Harbor Farmers Market on Saturday September 26th.

The Chowder Cook Off is always held on the final day of the Gig Harbor Farmers Market. Now in it's ninth year, the winner of this event annually gets bragging rights for a year...who will go away with the coveted title in 2009???

Join the fun, taste the chowder, and gather for the farewell to another awesome Farmers Market Season. The Farmers Market is open 8:30am-2pm and the Chowder Cook Off tasting begins at 11am, winners announced around 1pm. Master of Ceremonies for the Awards is Mayor Chuck Hunter.

http://www.gigharborfarmersmarket.com/

Quilt Walk Returns to Historic Waterfront

The finishing touches are now being put on the new and improved Gig Harbor Quilt Walk, an event that returns to Gig Harbor after a several year absense

September 16th - September 19th quilts will be on display at dozens of local Gig Harbor businesses and quilt lovers of all ages are invited to browse the harbor's historic downtown shops and enjoy the display of vintage and contemporary quilts. The Quilt Walk will be 10am-5pm each day.

Each business that is hosting a quilt will have the quilt walk map and passport, look for the Quilt Walk Poster displayed in the window.

This is a fun and colorful event for the whole family. Here is a list of the participating Gig Harbor merchants;

1. A Prima Salon


2. Ace Hardware


3. Anthony's Restaurant


4. Beach Basket


5. Birdnest Gallery


6. Brix 25 Restaurant


7. Ebb Tide Gallery


8. Flowers to Go


9. For Art Sake


10. Gig Harbor Beads


11. Gig Harbor Gift Mall


12. Green Cottage Pets


13. Harbor Gallery


14. Harbor Kitchen


15. Harbor History Museum


16. Harbor Quilt


17. Imagine Great Things


18. Kit Kuhn, A Jeweler Designed for You


19. Le Bistro


20. McBecklands


21. Mostly Books


22. Reverence


23. Rexal Drugs


24. Judson Street Cafe


25. SeaGlass Interiors


26. Sharon's Consignment Shop


27. Spiro's Restaurant


28. Sul Mare Salon & Spa


29. The Gig Harbor Visitor Information Center


30. The Harbor Peddler


31. The Yarn Garden


32. The Maritime Inn


33. The Queen's Cabinet


34. Tides Tavern


35. Vanilla Bean


36. Watersedge Gallery


37. Water to Wine


38. Wild Birds Unlimited

Triathlon Training Provides Reflection

Triathlon: an athletic competition in which the contestants compete in three different events.

I am training for a triathlon. I know, it's hard to believe. My name and "athlete" have never been used in the same sentence. But I have been focused on this for about six weeks now, and I have begun to realize I have always been in a kind of triathlon training.
Life is a triathlon. It honestly is. We spend our whole lives in three competing events - our careers, our families and ourselves.
While I train, I do a lot of thinking.
Perfecting my craw stroke and breathing, I think about my career, one for which I never set out to do. Along the way, through trial and error, consistency and practice, I've learned.
My stroke isn't perfect, or even pretty, but - slow and steady - it gets me where I need to go.
I have had moments of panic (will I drown?), moments of calm (underwater silence), moments of dread (how many more laps to go?), moments of joy (beat my record today), and, through it all I've improved, each and every day.
On my bike, I pump and pump in an effort to keep a consistent pace, and I think about my family. the hills and valleys are reminiscent of raising two boys and being married for 27 years.
Some hills are steeper than others. Sometimes you need to get off your bike and push. Sometimes you think you won't crest the top, but you do, and the wind always blows blissfully in your face as you smile and sail down the other side.
How easily we forget the pain of the climb, until the next one appears on the horizon.
Being a successful wife and mother is like riding a bike. Sometimes you fall off, but the best medicine is to get right back on.
And then I run. It's the most painful part of all.
As I run, I think about me. I am not an athlete, have never allowed myself to believe I could be. But my time on this earth is spent running - not always for the right reasons and rarely for me.
Running to be the best I can be in my career. Running to be the best wife, the best mom, the best friend, the best daughter. The best.
We all do a lot of running in our lives - sometimes in circles. My training is helping me be more attentive and focused on running for the right reasons.
I am a few short months shy of 50 years old. I am blessed that I am still employed when some of the finest people I know are looking for work. My family is healthy and happy.
What's left?
Training to be the best me I can be. Finding the balance that brings me success in career, family and self. Satisfaction only a well-trained athlete can bring to the challenge.
Wish me luck as I compete in the triathlon on September 20th.

THANKS FOR SAVING KOPACHUCK

I just learned today about this Thank YOu event being planned at Kopachuck State Park in a week. It should be a fun gathering to celebrate the achievement of the grass roots effort that came together to convince the legislature last year to save this gem of a park, as well as many other State Parks.
The event is free on Sunday September 13th from 10am-3pm and will include lots of fun activities as well as a HAND CRAFTED thank you tree - a way for everyone to put their hand print on a canvas tree that will be sent to the Governor.
However, we are not out of the woods yet! With unknown amount to be collected form the "opt out" program and the ever present pressure to offset the "opt out" revenues by reducing funds committed from the general fund, your support is as important today as it was last winter. Show your support by placing your hand on the Thank You Tree at the event on September 13th at Kopachuck State Park. Learn more at Preserve Our Parks, www.pop.kreha.org

GIG HARBOR LOGO WEAR IS HALF OFF NOW

The Gig Harbor Visitor Information Center has slashed prices on all of its logo wear including sweatshirts, hats, t-shrits, jackets, blankets, youth shirts, videos and prints.

All items are 50% off as staff clears out the old to make way for the new. Items are limited to stock on hand and there are NO RETURNS.

The sale will continue until all items are gone. The Gig Harbor Visitor Center is located at 3125 Judson Street in Gig Harbor and is open every day but Tuesday.

www.gigharborguide.com

EDDON BOAT TO WELCOME THE PUBLIC IN GIG HARBOR SEPTEMBER 30TH

http://www.gigharborguide.com/

Gig Harbor makes a giant leap forward in completing its vision to preserve its unique maritime heritage when the Eddon Boat Building opens to the public on Wednesday September 30th 2009. The public is invited to join the celebration with an open house beginning at 1:00 p.m., dedication and ribbon cutting at 4:00 p.m. and food and fun following.

The story of Eddon Boat is an exciting tale of how people with a passion can make things happen in any community. In 2004, a grassroots group, called Friends of Eddon Boat, spearheaded a campaign to save Eddon Boatyard - a historic boat building facility right on Gig Harbor Bay. As a result of this effort, sixty-two percent of Gig Harbor residents voted "yes" to pass a $3.2M bond that year, enabling the City of Gig Harbor to purchase the site and preserve both the building and its historic use as a community boatyard.

In 2005 core members of Friends of Eddon Boat formed a non-profit organization called Gig Harbor Boatshopo and began a partnership with the city to plan for the future use of the Eddon Boat site as a publicly accessible boat building programming facility. In 2006 the City of Gig Harbor was awarded a Washington State Heritage Gran for $1M to begin work on the site.

Now, late in 2009 the public is invited to have a look at all the work that has been done to the facility. The September 30th event will also serve as Gig Harbor BoatShop's introduction, now that they have entered into a 20 year lease with the city to use the location. The Gig Harbor BoatShop's mission "To preserve, interpret and perpetuate Gig Harbor's historic working waterfront, the traditional small boatyard and Northwest maritime heritage" shows their committment to providing interpretive and public education programs.

The September 30th event will provide the public information regarding the planned programming and use of the building and what the next steps are to pilot this new and exciting development in Gig Harbor's commitment to maritime heritage preservation in our community.