PORT GAMBLE — This past weekend, Port Gamble showed off brightly lit rides, food, music and huge booms from the colorful fireworks show. It was as though the sleepy town was made up for a night out, strolling hand in hand with Port Gamble Bay, enjoying the slightly chilly, clear evening.

Friday night, fireworks began to crackle and boom at odd intervals, grabbing everyone’s attention for moments before they went back to their cotton candy and music. With dusk at hand, the show officially hit the air and onlookers made a beeline for the bluff to watch.

The first Old Mill Days ignited explosive results in the air but made an even bigger impact with residents.

“I’m impressed,” said Port Gamble resident Sheila Walters. “As one who lives here, I’m very impressed. They’ve done a good job setting up, but being respectful of those of us who live here. They’ve been excellent about shutting off the rides at night at a reasonable time so I can sleep.”

The two-night extravaganza over Port Gamble Bay was orchestrated by John Miller, the owner of Boomtown Fireworks. Miller, who’s also the man behind, Silverdale’s Whaling Days, said he has been trying to get a similar event launched in the North End.

He may have succeeded with this festival as crowds from all over the Northwest attended.

“We have a few things to tweak for next year, but for the first year, this was a definite hit,” Miller said.

He estimated that about 10,000 to 15,000 people showed up during the weekend to revel in Old Mill Days. For Miller, the event was enormously successful, and he’s hoping it will stay that way for years.

“The carnival said they’d be back next year,” Miller said. “And the vendors, too. They all said they’re looking forward to next year’s event.”

Miller noted that hordes of teenagers and children showed up to partake in the festival. His personal favorites were the fireworks and the music, but the teens at the event seemed drawn mainly to the rides.

“I really like the Zipper,” said Shala Norman, 13, from Chimicum. Her friend, Cassie Withrow, 12, agreed. They said they would definitely be back next year if they can find transportation.

“Our kids love it,” said Suquamish resident Bill Morris. He came with his wife, Terry, and their young children to the celebration. “Watching the kids is the best part for us. So far, they seem to like the carousel the best. We’re going to try the slide next.”

Along with the rides were a beer garden, live performances by local bands, fireworks Friday and Saturday nights and an antique market on Sunday.

Rita Petterson, a vendor who came out just for Sunday’s crowds, said the event was a hit, and she hoped it would return next year.

“This is something they need for the kids to come to,” she said. “It’s exciting to see all of them with their families, having a good time. I’m looking forward to next year.”

Priscilla Schrier, from Purdy, said she found Port Gamble when she got lost trying to get to Bainbridge Island a few years ago. Since then, when she’s heard there’s something going on in the sleepy town, she’s there.

“This is so much fun,” Schrier said. “Port Gamble is such a neat town. I’m so glad I found it by accident.”