For many, a visit to Port Gamble is meant for leisure—relaxing and looking at views, eating and drinking, shopping in unique stores without crowds.
But for others, especially in summer, it means adventure. Two of those events are coming up in June — the Lumberjack Endurance Run and the Evergreen Mountain Bike Festival.
Poulsbo Running and Roots Rock Run are bringing the Lumberjack Endurance Run to Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park June 17. Run over to www.poulsborunning.com to register.
And the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance is bringing back its annual adventure-filled event WestFest June 10-11. Get your tickets and find out about all of the happenings at www.evergreenmtbfestival.com. There is so much to check out and fun for the whole family.
If you’re looking for unforgettable outdoor experiences and memories, then you should paddle over to www.olympicoutdoorcenter.com and visit the ADVENTURES page.
You will discover some pretty amazing events like the Bioluminescent Kayak Tours on Gamble Bay that run through September.
Also coming up is the Ride the Tide: Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails Paddle Rendezvous ‑ June 17.
Join the rendezvous to celebrate the Kitsap Peninsula National Water Trails. You may join the guided ride using your own gear or sign-up to rent gear from Olympic Outdoor Center.
You can also find information about wildlife kayak tours and mountain bike rentals. Find your next adventure at www.olympicoutdoorcenter.com.
Other summer events
The Port Gamble Theater brings the amazing classic Romeo & Juliet to town July 14-30. Two star-crossed young people separated by an ancient family hatred must navigate the obstacles against them for true love. Shows are at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Special Saturday matinee is at 2 p.m. July 22. Tickets at www.portgambletheater.com.
The 6th Annual Port Gamble Summer Faire will be Aug. 13 from noon to 5 p.m. We will have live music and great vendors. The West Sound Wildlife Shelter will be hosting the Raptor Rhapsody where visitors can get up close and personal with Birds of Prey. Raptor Rhapsody will be open from noon to 4 p.m.
Port Gamble Paranormal has announced new summertime Ghost Walk Tours on Fridays June 23, July 7 and Aug. 11. Get tickets at www.portgambleparanormal.com.
Stay tuned to the Port Gamble Facebook page or www.portgamble.com/summerfaire for event updates and details.
Port Gamble is planning for so many great events this year like Muddy Paws July 14-16, the Maritime Music Festival Aug. 12, the 14th Annual Port Gamble Ghost Conference Nov. 10-12, the Port Gamble General Store & Café Holiday Open House Nov. 11-12, and Country Christmas Dec. 9-10.
Business news
Tango Zulu is now carrying vinyl stickers. Decorate your water bottle, phone, car and more with these USA-made graphics. At $3 each they’re affordable and collectible. Of course, you can still find handmade baskets, soap and clothing at Tango Zulu, along with many new products. Go to their website, www.tangozuluimports.com for more.
Port Gamble Weddings and Events hosted a successful 2nd Annual Grand Wedding Showcase and Tasting in April; 33 vendors and 160 guests attended. The Kitsap Wedding Tour, hosted by CME Experience, blew through the Hood Canal Vista Pavilion in early May. Port Gamble will be a whirl with over 100 weddings and events this year. Give us a call at 360-297-8074 or email us at portgambleweddings@raydient.com.
Be sure to stop by Steel Bridge Coffee, House 11 Taproom & Bottle Shop and Butcher & Baker Provisions. Port Gamble is looking for a new restaurant to occupy the old Scratch Kitchen space with hopes to reopen the spot in July. Call 360-297-7251 if interested.
Peter Orbea writes a monthly column on Port Gamble for this newspaper.
