Summer to kick off with Party at the Pier in Old Town Silverdale

Published 4:55 pm Friday, June 17, 2011

Summer to kick off with Party at the Pier in Old Town Silverdale

In an effort to give junior high and high school students a place to hang out after the last day of school, Silverdale Waterfront Park is hosting the Party at the Pier from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, June 20. The event is free and will include food, music and giveaways.

Shane McGraw, one of the event organizers, said the spot was picked because of its history as a destination following the last dismissal bell before summer.

“The cops are always there the last day of school,” McGraw said.

Bands including Kitsap-based The Exchange and Friday at the Lake are scheduled to perform. Other musical acts that will perform include John Reuben, New Heights, Genuine Life and Willie Will.

There will also be a three-on-three basketball tournament. Sign up is on the day of the event. Aside from shooting hoops, there will also be breakdancing sessions. Representatives from the University of Washington, Washington State University and Olympic College will also be present to answer questions for prospective students.

Last year, the party attracted about 1,200 people and McGraw said organizers anticipate an even larger crowd this year. The Facebook event page for Party at the Pier has more than 1,500 teens confirming that they plan to attend. Newlife youth ministries in Kitsap first organized the event last year to have a safe place for students to gather on the last day of school and have been supported by many local organizations and individuals to have the party be free to students, said McGraw. Now, it is an annual event.

“It’s free, safe, and non-threatening,” McGraw said. “And, there will be security there.”