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Local Events Happening 4th of July Weekend
While the majority of the big fireworks shows and traditional large gatherings have been canceled or changed, there are still a lot of festive ways to celebrate the 4th of July. Kingston is set to have their fireworks show – but plan to arrive early. They are the only big one we know of that’s happening this year. Since Independence Day is on a Sunday, that means a long weekend for most. Here’s a round-up of fun, local activities to enjoy.
Friday, July 2nd
Kick off your holiday weekend enjoying local art walks. These happen regularly, but since they’ll be at the start of a holiday weekend, they’re sure to be extra fun.
Bainbridge’s Art Walk
First Friday Art Walk in Downtown Winslow begins at 4:00 PM on Friday, July 2nd. Enjoy art, film, small bites, and music at numerous downtown locations. Stop by the Windermere Bainbridge office on your route to see featured artists Dinah Satterwhite Photography & Rob Satterwhite Metalworks, enjoy Pan d’Amore snacks, live jazz music, and chilled beverages.
Bremerton’s Art Walk & Naval Ship Tour
Photo by U.S. Naval Destroyer Museum.
Bremerton Arts District’s First Friday Art Walk runs from 5:00 to 8:00 PM and businesses in downtown Bremerton and Manette participate. Bremerton has one of the largest and most diverse official fine arts districts in the northwest. For a patriotic twist, start your time in Bremerton with a tour of the USS Turner Joy, (last ticket sale at 4:30 PM). It’s one of the many great military and veteran historical sites in our area.
Saturday, July 3rd
American Patriots Cruise
Poulsbo Car Cruises is hosting a 3rd of July event. Cars will be decked out in patriotic decor, and you’re welcome to participate. The drive will start at the Poulsbo Village Shopping Center and head downtown and around surrounding neighborhoods. Grab a seat at one of Historic Downtown Poulsbo’s outdoor dining locations for a front row seat! The cruise will start at 4:00 PM.
Saturday, July 3rd and Sunday, July 4th
Wings & Wheels
Photo by Wings & Wheels.
This year’s air show event will be at the Tacoma Narrows Airport, and it will be drive-in only. The event runs on Saturday and Sunday with two shows a day for multiple viewing options, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Tickets range from $100 – $180 per vehicle for a 20’x20’ space, with discounts offered for advance online purchase.
Sunday, July 4th
Bainbridge’s Grand Old 4th
This year, the beloved Grand Old 4th celebration comes with a twist. The fun stretches across the island instead of people congregating in one place all at once. A fun run, car cruise, and picnic baskets by local businesses are just some of the ways you can enjoy celebrating island-style this year.
Kingston 4th of July
Kingston’s parade is “the longest running 4th of July celebration West of the Mississippi”! With changing pandemic restrictions and last-minute planning, the Kingston 4th of July committee is pulling together quite a few activities. There will be a parade, music, and a fireworks show. The music festival happening at Mike Wallace Park in the Port of Kingston is sponsored by the Kingston Ale House and there will be a beer garden for those 21+. The Kingston 4th of July committee is working hard to create a wonderful, safe celebration. Email the committee for more information regarding volunteering, parade participation, and/or donating. Visit the event’s Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.
The Kingston Cove Yacht Club is hosting a pancake breakfast for the public. Online registration is available to KCYC members, and the public can buy tickets at the door. It’s $7 for adults and $5 for children.
Red, White & The Blues
A fundraising event at the Old Alcohol Plant Hotel in Port Hadlock features two blues bands, drinks, and light fare. The event runs from 4:00 to 8:00 PM with dinner available for an additional fee. The event benefactor is Bayside Housing & Services, which provides transitional housing services in Jefferson County. Tickets start at $100 and can be purchased online.
4th of July Public Steamer Train Run
Photo by Kitsap Live Steamers.
Kitsap Live Steamers will be offering free rides on July 4th. This miniature railroad is a great outdoor family activity located in the South Kitsap Regional Park in Port Orchard. Masks are required for anyone over the age of 2, and rides run from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Community Service Day with the Poulsbo Historical Society
Last Friday was our annual Community Service Day (CSD), and we love getting out and helping the wonderful community we serve. We were proud to get to work with the Poulsbo Historical Society. Read on to find out more about what we were able to accomplish and the incredible work that they do.
The History of Community Service Day
Community Service Day is a Windermere tradition that was started in 1984. One day a year, all Windermere offices across ten states close their doors and spend the day volunteering in the community. Together, we have collectively logged over 1,000,000 community service hours. From helping at our local food banks to cleaning up parks and trails, we love giving back.
The Poulsbo Historical Society’s Important Work
The Poulsbo Historical Society’s mission is “collecting, recording, preserving and exhibiting the history, heritage, and culture of Poulsbo and the surrounding communities.” The Society manages three museums (the Maritime Museum on Front Street, the Heritage Museum at City Hall, and Martinson Cabin on Viking Way). Also, they provide historical walking tours of downtown Poulsbo. All three museums are free of charge. Their efforts enrich our community in a variety of ways. “This unique organization curates and takes pride in preserving our Poulsbo heritage dating back several generations. We were delighted to work with them,” says Julie Bray-Larsen, Managing Broker.
CSD with the Poulsbo Historical Society
We spread out and helped Poulsbo Historical Society in a variety of ways. Some helped at the Archives, cleaning, organizing, and transporting a variety of historical artifacts. Others worked at the Heritage Museum on Front street, which the Society recently acquired. There, agents helped by painting stairways, weeding, pruning, excavating shrubs, and planting new perennials. A third group worked at the Martinson Cabin. “Built in the late 1800s by the Martinson family, the cabin was moved to its present location in 2006 to preserve this historical landmark, furnished with tools used in daily life by early Norwegian pioneers,” Julie explained. “Several members of the Martinson family still reside in Poulsbo! We worked outside, pruning, cleaning up the cabin’s surrounding area, and moving items to and from the Archives to the Martison Cabin.”
A Rewarding Day
Everyone loved getting to work together since they hadn’t been together in person due to the pandemic. Julie’s personal highlight involved the Society’s volunteers. “They were all so appreciative and enjoyed meeting our agents and working together. Showing them our appreciation for preserving our unique Poulsbo heritage in such a wonderful way was definitely a “feel good” day for us all!”
Watch our agents in action in our CSD video below!
Community Spotlight: Poulsbo Historical Society
The Poulsbo Historical Society is sheer proof of what a group of passionate volunteers can accomplish. What started as small “chat” sessions in 1991 has transformed into a full-time operation with three museums. For decades, the volunteers of the Poulsbo Historical Society have worked tirelessly to preserve the town’s rich history.
Poulsbo Historical Society’s Start
The seeds of what would become the Poulsbo Historical Society are rooted in small gatherings where residents shared and recorded family histories. Not long after, they started collecting artifacts and stored them in basements and barns. By the following year, the group moved into a storage room in City Hall that they used as an office.
By 1996, the society had a board of advisors and two storage units overflowing with artifacts. Then the organization hired its first part-time director to spearhead a collection inventory and further develop the organization.
Museums and Growth
In 2006, the city installed the Martinson Cabin in Nelson Park. PHS volunteered to help preserve and maintain the cabin’s exhibits. Two years later, the city asked PHS to help with Poulsbo’s centennial celebration. They provided historical skits, exhibits, and videos.
Their growth led to a second museum: the Poulsbo Heritage Museum, which opened in 2011 on the second floor of City Hall. Soon after, in 2015, the society’s third museum, the Maritime Museum, was established, complete with a visitor’s center and a gift shop.
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- Martinson Cabin
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- Heritage Museum
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- Maritime Museum
Photos by Leo Phillips.
In 2020, the society took the opportunity to consolidate both museums onto one property. It purchased the 133-year-old Nilsen-Sonju house, which is next door to the Maritime Museum. The newly renovated Heritage Museum opened on April 8th, 2021.
“I believe that the preservation and education of Poulsbo’s rich and diverse history have contributed to making Poulsbo such a special place now and will continue well into the future. I am excited to be a part of such a great organization that contributes so positively to our entire community,” says Lora Benson, Broker, and Poulsbo Historical Society Board Member.
Lora Benson in front of the new Poulsbo Historical Museum.
Community Support
“The community – individuals, organizations, foundations, government – have been AMAZING,” says PHS Acting Executive Director Mary Ann Acosta. Acosta loves “being part of the growth of the organization” and “making more connections with the larger community, finding ways to serve and celebrate one another.”
The Poulsbo Historical Society has enriched our community by establishing three free museums with two libraries, a boatyard, an active education/outreach program offering monthly speakers’ programs, research facilities in both the Maritime and Heritage museums, an informal genealogy group, and educational activities for children.
However, this monumental achievement would not have been possible without the help of the community. The power of local grants, community members, neighborhood organizations, and thousands of volunteer hours has cemented Poulsbo’s place in history.
“Poulsbo Historical Society is largely staffed by volunteers. We have a 1.25 full-time equivalent paid staff. The rest of us volunteer, contributing from our own professional backgrounds…teaching, non-profit management, city department chief, merchant, librarian, military officer, etc. There are a total of 71 volunteer slots actively filled at any given time,” says Acosta.
The Poulsbo Historical Society continues to expand, with hopes of opening up its venues for outside events sometime this year. In April, PHS participated in Kitsap Great Give, an annual fundraiser for local nonprofits, and they raised $11,180. But more financial support is needed to continue to develop their programs and to pay off the new Heritage Museum.
Excellent Offerings
In addition to their three free museums, PHS offers downtown walking tours for families, groups, and visitors on an appointment basis. They’re $10 per person or $30 per family or small group. Members enjoy a discounted rate. Group sizes are limited to 15 due to our narrow Front Street. Walking tours must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. During non-COVID times, PHS offers summer tours for cruise ships that come to Poulsbo. Additionally, at the Martinson Cabin, they can open for school and civic groups for History Mystery programs. Generally, it’s $25 per class or group. They can accommodate up to 20 people there by appointment. “Saturdays at the Maritime” is also a great program that provides historical activities for the whole family. Due to COVID-19, they’re currently offering take-and-go projects.
PHS also hopes to make its venues available soon for events such as birthday parties. This idea is still “in the works” but Acosta says they’d like to open up the spaces to groups, providing tours of the museum(s) and interesting craft-type projects would be included as the “entertainment”, geared to a particular age group.
Upcoming Events
One of the society’s most anticipated events, the second annual Liberty Bay Festival, will be held in person this year. The festival is an extension of the Poulsbo Boat Rendezvous. The “Poulsbo boat” is a uniquely styled boat that was built in Poulsbo (most famously by Ronald Young) in the 30s, 40s, and 50s. Boat owners hosted rendezvous for the town. The community revived the tradition in the last few years and continues to expand it.
This year’s rendezvous will be on Saturday, August 28, 2021. The festivities will extend from August 25 – 29. Volunteers are hosting numerous booths with family-friendly activities and a family movie night on the lawn. It’s an excellent opportunity for locals to celebrate their shared history.
Volunteers Needed
June 11, 2021 marks Windermere’s Annual Community Service Day and Windermere Poulsbo’s agents and staff will be volunteering to help the Poulsbo Historical Society.
PHS welcomes and depends on volunteers, year-round. An easy way to help is by volunteering at one of their museums. Simply choose which museum you’d like to volunteer your time in, and sign up. You don’t need any prior knowledge. It’s a wonderful way to connect to our community.
Community Spotlight: Fishline Food Bank
As one of the oldest food banks in the United States, Fishline has served North Kitsap County for 54 years. It distributes over one million pounds of food annually. Today, Fishline provides comprehensive services to assist our neighbors in need. Read on to find out more about this incredible organization.
Fishline’s History and Mission
The First Lutheran, St. Charles Episcopal, and St. Olaf’s Catholic Parish combined their efforts to establish Fishline in 1967. Fishline’s mission is to serve the North Kitsap community by providing resources to transform lives. Above all, Fishline envisions a community where a solid foundation exists for all people, including adequate food, shelter, healthcare, and employment.
Barbara Stuart, Fishline’s first Executive Director, worked tirelessly for 34 years to grow Fishline. Stuart’s leadership pioneered the organization’s innovative comprehensive services structure. “Their dedicated staff and volunteers work diligently to meet various needs,” says Realtor Randy Taplin, who volunteers at Fishline once a week.
Fishline Food Bank. Photo by Leo Phillips.
A Market and So Much More
Our Windermere agents are proud to volunteer and support Fishline’s services. “Fishline is a remarkable local organization that has evolved into something groundbreaking,” says Bridget Young, Broker. “The new facility serves community members experiencing food scarcity with its attractive and well-stocked market. In addition, they provide access to important services like dental care, mental health services, and resources for veterans.”
Fishline is most known for its food services through The Healthy Foods Market. The market is fully stocked with fresh produce, dry/canned goods, baby food, diapers, and various products. Additionally, registered clients can shop there up to two times per week and pay on a need-based “Fishbucks” system.
“I love that Fishline is a well-run organization with so many services to offer our local community members in need,” says Joni Kimmel, Broker. Fishline provides emergency and supportive services such as housing assistance, mental health services, and financial advice.
Mobile Showers Program
On October 5, 2020, Fishline launched its new Fresh Start Mobile Shower Program in collaboration with Kitsap County Rescue Mission, the City of Poulsbo, Clear Creek RV, and Integrity Roofing. The program hopes to expand Fishline’s safety net by providing physical, mental, and emotional benefits to community members during this unprecedented time. It operates Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. They provide clients with towels, toiletries, clothing, cold weather gear, and access to its other support services.
Programs to Address Housing and Food Insecurity
As part of its comprehensive structure, Fishline offers rent assistance, eviction prevention, and homeless support services under their housing services. Safe Park is a unique program that provides safe parking for up to five cars for single women, single men, and families who are temporarily living in their vehicles.
“Fishline’s Food for Thought program began in response to the need of low-income students to have enough food during school closures. It’s a fabulous program used by many students,” says Karen Keefe, Broker. Weekends, holidays, and summer can be stressful for food-insecure students who rely on free and reduced school meals. The Food for Thought program delivers meal kits to low-income students in Poulsbo and Suquamish every Friday. Also, this program provides meals during the summer.
Recognition
Impacting countless lives, Fishline’s programs and their innovative efforts have not gone unnoticed. In fact, two of its programs have received the Food Lifeline Excellence in Client Services Award. This industry award considers programs from food banks throughout Washington state.
Get Involved
Undoubtedly, the combined effort of volunteers and donors is what has powered Fishline’s mission throughout the years. In addition to volunteering and donating, you can host fundraisers or food drives to get involved. “Fishline is such an amazing, well-organized nonprofit in its mission to help our community of people in need. I love supporting it,” says Broker Mary Richards.
Hosting an annual food drive is a great way to connect with neighbors and impact your community. “Terry Burns and I host an annual food drive every November in Poulsbo’s Forest Rock Hills to benefit Fishline,” says Liz Bailey, Realtor. “All donated items go directly to Fishline. In 2020, the generous residents of Forest Rock Hills contributed 1,150 pounds of food along with cash donations totaling $1,500.”
Other Ways to Support Fishline
You can also support Fishline by shopping at or donating to Second Season Thrift Store. All sales directly support Fishline’s vision. Due to the pandemic, Second Season’s donations have decreased while the number of people in need of Fishline’s services has increased. To donate, go to the old Fishline building (19705 NW, Viking Ave NW in Poulsbo) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. For more information, visit their Donation Sites page.
Shop Local: Unique Holiday Gifts Found Across North Kitsap
What better way to support our wonderful local businesses than to “shop local” this holiday season? There are so many unique, thoughtful holiday gifts you can buy right here. While it’s challenging to put together a complete list of all of the wonderful options across North Kitsap, we’ve created a collection that provides a range of ideas, many of which were recommended by locals and even some of our agents and staff.
Artistic Gifts
Arists’ Edge in Poulsbo: For over 28 years, this local business has specialized in custom framing, art products, and supplies. They also offer gift cards, military, student, and business discounts, and they have products available through their online store.
Fern Street Pottery: Local artist Meredith Chernick thoughtfully crafts gorgeous yet functional items like handmade, customizable mugs, serving bowls, and hanging planter pots. You can order online and she’ll ship your gifts for you or you can choose free pickup at checkout.
Mak. W Designs: This artist collective in Kingston supports the work of 23 different artists and features stunning jewelry. Their online ordering makes it easy to buy for the holidays.
Verksted Gallery: Support local artists by visiting one of the oldest cooperative art galleries in Washington state. They have a range of treasures in Poulsbo and some artwork is available for purchase online.
Gifts to Make Them Grin
Clever Gift Shop: From funny socks to retro toys, this Kingston shop has a range of items that will brighten someone’s holiday season. Check out their online store for more info.
The Curious Child: This Poulsbo shop has all kinds of fun gifts: kids’ musical instruments and toys, puzzles for teens and adults, games and much more. You can order online and they offer free local delivery, curbside pickup, and free gift wrapping.
Liberty Bay Books: Who doesn’t love a good book? This beloved local bookstore offers all kinds of literary treasures for kids and adults: bestsellers, cookbooks, poetry, picture books, graphic novels, PNW guidebooks, and much, much more. You can order online and have your books shipped or you can choose curbside pickup at checkout.
Thistle Floral and Home: While this Kingston-based shop is known for its beautiful floral arrangements, it also has a range of gifts, often made by locals. Their gifts are sure to make the recipient smile, like this new year gift that comes with a “Kiss 2020 Goodbye” lip balm, a funny pin, and a smudge stick.
Help a friend celebrate the end of 2020 with this clever gift from Kingston’s Thistle Floral and Home.
Presents for Pampering
Away with Words: This sister-owned bath and bookshop in Poulsbo has a range of gifts. Many rave about their bath bombs and they also have creative self-care gift boxes, some of which include their popular bath bombs with fun book pairings while others feature loose leaf tea and/or locally made goat’s milk soap.
Northwest Sparks: These eco-friendly 100% soy candles are hand-poured in Washington by an environmental biologist and you can get little stocking stuffers , PNW-themed candles, and more.
Willow and Daisies Apothecary: From bath salts to shower steamers, these handcrafted bath products are sure to delight. This store is located in Suquamish and has an online Etsy shop.
The Gift of a Great Meal
Have a family member or friend with a favorite local restaurant? Consider treating them to a nice meal or giving them a gift card. Many restaurants have wonderful takeout menus with options for curbside pickup. Windermere Realtor Elaine Tanner highly recommends Kachai Thai Kitchen in Poulsbo. Tizley’s EuroPub is another local favorite. “The food on the menu is a delicious array of European traditional family dishes that enhance the experience of visiting Poulsbo!” says Penrith Home Loans’ Branch Manager, Cherie Kesti. Also in Poulsbo, Vietnamese restaurant Phó T & N has practically doubled in size. “It speaks to how popular it is,” says Realtor Bill Touchette, who highly recommends them. Punjab Indian Cuisine is another local favorite and recommended by Audrey Newell. “It’s owned by a local family and they make terrific South Indian food,” says Newell.
Other local favorites include the delightful Butcher & Baker Provisions in Port Gamble, which was voted Best Dessert in this year’s Best of North Kitsap contest. Kingston’s Mossback is another local gem. Our Director of Digital Marketing, Kara Wyman, says Mossback is “the ultimate farm-to-table experience.” They don’t offer takeout but they do offer gift cards.
We hope you have a healthy, joyful holiday season!
Visit Poulsbo for Culture and Charm
Smithsonian Magazine suggests, “instead of Norway, visit Poulsbo.” Culture runs deep in the town known as the “Little Norway on the Fjord.” Poulsbo blends Norwegian immigrant influence with indigenous Suquamish roots, making a beautifully unique Pacific Northwest community.
Charming Poulsbo © Leo Phillips
Enjoy Poulsbo’s Landscape
A treasure of Kitsap County, Poulsbo hosts a delightful downtown that charms locals and visitors alike. Many colorful shops offer unique finds and delicious treats. Additionally, beautiful Liberty Bay offers both serenity and adventure throughout the year. Windermere Broker, Elaine Tanner, shares that “life in Poulsbo is gentle. Residents give everyone the opportunity to be who they are without judgment. I love it!”
Similarly, Windermere Branch Manager, Julie Bray-Larsen, adds, “Poulsbo is a gem in my opinion! Its beauty combined with great shops, wonderful schools, and marina create a high quality of life.”
In addition to charm and beauty, Poulsbo offers strong public schools. Teachers in North Kitsap School District have an average experience of 14 years, with 70% holding master’s degrees. Suquamish Tribal Education Department includes the first tribal compact schools in Washington State. Its Chief Kitsap Academy ranks third in Poulsbo by GreatSchools.org.
Learn About Poulsbo’s Rich Heritage
The Suquamish People first referred to the surrounding area as Tcutcu Lats, meaning maple grove. Its European-given name was meant to be a tribute to the Norway area of Paulsbo. Legend tells us it was misspelled when establishing its first U.S. Post Office, and Poulsbo came to be! Poulsbo’s many museums share more depth of its stories and diverse heritage. Museum staff and councils work passionately to connect with the community, even amidst the distancing challenges of 2020.
For example, The Poulsbo Historical Society and Museums bring history to life in many ways. Its Maritime Museum, Heritage Museum, and Martinson Cabin each offer unique experiences. Be sure to check current hours before visiting. Its online program, PHS Aweigh!, encourages “exploring history from home” with activities for all ages.
Additionally, the nearby Suquamish Museum in Suquamish, illustrates the area’s rich, indigenous history and culture. It now hosts valuable workshops and readings online. Also, it recently opened an online version of its distinguished Leota Anthony Museum Store. The shop celebrates indigenous design with products from Native-owned companies and those who responsibly represent Native Artists.
Visit Poulsbo this Season
As we settle into autumn, local favorite sites include pumpkin patches throughout the county. Also, it’s the perfect time for treats like the Maple Doughboy from local sweet spot, Sluys Poulsbo Bakery. (Just think: a donut shaped like a gingerbread man, rich with maple goodness!) The Poulsbo Farmers Market supports local farms and crafts every Saturday through December, rain or shine. And, new this year: Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce’s first annual Halloween Hunt! This fun event is designed to offer safe, drive-through trick-or-treating, featuring local businesses. It all kicks off with a food drive to support the local food bank, North Kitsap Fishline.
We invite you to explore Poulsbo!
