Poulsbo’s neighbors to the west are to be thanked profusely for stepping up to the fuse and igniting the fireworks show for the annual Third of July celebration. The donations from Port Madison Enterprises (owner of the Clearwater Casino) and the Suquamish Tribe provided the bulk of what it will take to launch the popular event.

And a very popular event at that, second only to Little Norway’s annual recognition of Syttende Mai during Viking Fest. Tens of thousands flock to the shores of Liberty Bay to watch Fireworks on the Fjord ring in the community’s unique pre-Independence Day blowout, hundreds more float through its waters to get an even better view.

The celebration was dealt a blow of a different manner when its title sponsor — i.e. the business the pays for the fireworks and, as a result, gets its name prominently featured throughout the community — pulled out late in the game.

Hearing this, Poulsbo’s official paper of record, the North Kitsap Herald, quickly issued an all points bulletin to assist the new event organizer, and PME and the Suquamish answered the call. But others also threw their hats in the ring as big donors including the Stone Chapel, Les Schwab and NK Auto Rebuild. This, too, is an excellent sign of support which bodes well for the future.

While this isn’t the beginning of a beautiful friendship, in that it’s the result of years of goodwill and bridge building between the two communities, it is a milestone in that it indicates that A) Poulsbo isn’t afraid to look outside its city limits for help and B) it’s neighbors aren’t reluctant to lend a hand.

It’s a grand gesture and hopefully one that will be returned two-fold. Either way its a great sign of things that are taking place in North Kitsap and an even better one of those yet to come.