It was late 1959. Gasoline cost .31¢ a gallon. Kitsap Mall was a peaceful pasture, and a small group of North Kitsap Junior High School PTA members planned their first art show. The original annual one-day program in February 1960 raised $237. The revenue earned from .50¢ adult and .25¢ child admission fees helped support the junior high PTA.

The event’s proceeds increased every year with the number of visitors. The 1967 show celebrated the 2000th guest, and in 1998, North Kitsap Arts & Crafts grew into a free three-day affair in July, relocating from Poulsbo to scenic Port Gamble.

This year’s the event, now known as the Kitsap Arts & Crafts Festival, takes place 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 25-26 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 27 in Port Gamble.

Families will be inspired and amazed by student art, juried art, guest artists and scholarship winners. View vintage cars, join in children’s activities, enjoy musical entertainment, peruse 100 craft booths, buy a raffle ticket and try tasty treats at the fun-filled festival. Northwest artists submit their finest work to be judged in several categories. Cash prizes are given to Kitsap Arts & Crafts Festival Best of Show winners.

Since 1975, the all-volunteer non-profit organization has awarded 167 college art scholarships to North Kitsap County high school seniors.

For more information, go to www.kitsapartsandcrafts.com.