Local festival returns, bringing the best of the old and new By Rachel Kelly |Photo Courtesy of Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce
Kick off the end of spring and the beginning of summer break right with a celebration of our beautiful city at this year's Maritime Gig Festival! Miriam Battson, the president and CEO of the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce, is excited to see the return of the Maritime Gig Fest in Gig Harbor on June 3 and 4. “There are so many fun changes planned for this year!” says Miriam. The Maritime Gig Festival has been a long-loved tradition. Delicious food, rich maritime history, and the connection of our community will ensure that this year's festival is better than ever. So that you don’t miss out on the fun (both new and old), here’s the scoop on what we can expect at this year's fest.
Saturday, June 3, the Maritime Gig Festival starts outside with a hearty pancake breakfast, located in Skansie Brothers Park just after the parade. This year's parade theme is “Rock the Boat” in honor of Gig Harbor’s fishing families (you know who you are!). The pancakes will serve as fuel for the Family Fun Run and 5k, as well as the Kids Dash, on Judson Street. There will be a Coast Guard search and rescue demonstration in the harbor sometime after that. Lining the streets there will be food trucks (pizza, Mexican, Cajun, shaved ice, frozen yogurt and ice cream, funnel cakes and donuts), vendors and crafts, and a couple of Virginia Mason kid zone activities. Kitsap Union is sponsoring the stage with bands Guilty Pleasure, Kelee Bradley Band, Adam Krum & Highway 65, Kim Archer and Band, and Kalimba.
Sunday, June 4, will see again the presence of all the best food trucks along with local makers and maritime-oriented organizations. Next up is the The Wheels on the Water car show. This year attendees will be given an opportunity to vote on their favorite vehicle. Ballots can be found in the information booth by the main stage, so swing by and make your voice heard!
According to local tradition, the blessing of the fleet will be held in the harbor by the St. Nicholas Catholic Church priest for a blessed fishing season. May the fishing be plentiful and everyone come home safe!
Bands will be performing throughout the day on the Kitsap Union stage including Caroline Goodman, Band LeLe, Dixie Dusters, Stacy Jones Band, and the Shy Boys. The end of the day concert and dancing is the best part!
The sun looks promising, and the water is sure to be gorgeous. We couldn’t be more excited to join in on the fun! So grab your running (or your dancing) shoes, bring the kids, come ready to eat, and celebrate the beautiful city that is Gig Harbor.