Galloping Gertie pg. 56, Grit City To Go

RUN THE BRIDGE

GALLOPING GERTIE OFFERS THREE DISTANCES

By Colin Anderson

Runners of all skill levels can once again enjoy one of the area’s favorite and most scenic runs. Registration for the annual Galloping Gertie is currently open, and organizers are hoping for another great turnout after missing out on the run in 2020. The race, whose namesake comes from the dubious nickname of the previous Tacoma Narrows Bridge that collapsed back in November of 1940, will traverse across the newest section of bridge, the eastbound, which opened back in 2007. No matter if you choose the half marathon, 10k, or 5k, each run will send you across the iconic bridge that holds spectacular views of the Puget Sound, Olympics and Mount Rainier.

The starting line for all three distances is the Tacoma Narrows Airport. The 5k course will depart from the airport, catch Stone Drive and then move onto the bridge. Runners will go about halfway across then turn around and go back the same route. The 10k is a similar route, however, runners will go all the way across the bridge before their turnaround. The half marathon adds several additional miles, including a pass through some beautiful old-growth forest. The course is now flatter than in previous years, so faster times can be expected.

The event takes place on Saturday, August 7, which is also when you’ll receive your race packet. Be sure to pick up your bib and packet no later than 7:45am, as the first run goes off at 8am. There are aid stations and porta-potties located along each course, and each participant will receive a tech race shirt, complimentary downloadable race photos, a finisher’s medal and entrance to the after-party.

You can register in advance at Galloping-Gertie.com. Volunteers are also needed for the event, and you can sign-up at the race homepage as well. The event is sponsored by the Gig Harbor Rotary, and proceeds from the Galloping Gertie will help fund many community-centric projects like Food Backpacks 4 Kids, Children’s Home Society and Communities in Schools Peninsula.

ENTERTAINMENT

/ August

FOR EVENTS, VISIT 253LIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM.

6, 13 & 20

Join Metro Parks Tacoma Friday evenings in August at the SERA Complex (South End Recreation & Adventure), located at 6002 South Adams Street in Tacoma, for their Movies Under the Stars. This free summer movies series invites the community, family and friends to gather under the stars for these family friendly movies that start at dusk. Be sure to bring a blanket or chair so you can sit back and relax, along with some movie snacks. August 6 features Black Panther (rated PG-13); August 13 Coco (rated PG); with the last movie showing Raya and the Last Dragon (rated PG) on August 20. For additional information, and for other events happening courtesy of Metro Parks Tacoma, visit MetroParksTacoma.org.

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GRIT CITY TO GO! THE TABLE

Support local farms and businesses! Tacoma Farmers Market invites the community to participate in their second annual Grit City to Go!, a unique dining experience utilizing all things local from the food to the chefs—and the experience! Each standard meal serves four people and comes with a complimentary bouquet of market flowers. Gather around “The Table” to support the Tacoma Farmers Market. Experience the flavors of creative, fresh, handcrafted Pacific Northwest cuisine. The premier option adds dessert and a signature cocktail to complement the dishes you will dream about long after the last morsel. The Standard Package is priced $200, while the Premier Package is $250. Purchase your meal online today at TacomaFarmersMarket.com/grit-city-to-go. The next Grit City to Go! on October 3 will feature Tacoma Pie.

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24TH ANNUAL POLYNESIAN LUAU

Join Asia Pacific Cultural Center on Saturday, August 28, for the 24th Annual Polynesian Luau. The fun begins at 3pm for this in-person and virtual fundraiser—APCC’s only fundraising event of the year! Guests will hear about the organization and what makes it so special and worth supporting “with your hearts and with your donations.” Stream the lively fun and excitement virtually via Facebook Live (Facebook.com/ AsiaPacificCulturalCenter) and YouTube (Bit.ly/apcc96youtube). Guests will experience in-person live performances, delicious island foods, local vendors, and a beautiful gathering of family and friends. Please note: APCC will strictly adhere to the current COVID-19 restrictions of Pierce County and Washington state. Based on the success of last year’s virtual program, they will continue to have this event live on their Facebook and YouTube pages for guests who cannot attend the in-person event. Tickets are priced $50 each; $12.50 for children 4 to 11.

* Please note, as of press time, these events were still scheduled to take place as planned. Due to the continuing pandemic, there is the possibility that event schedules may change or events canceled completely. Be sure to visit event websites to stay up to date with current information.

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS ONLINE!

JALAPEÑO POPPERS

WITH BACON

Recipe Courtesy of Tina VanDenHeuvel You can follow Tina @madebetterforyou on Instagram

INGREDIENTS:

12 jalapeños 1 8-oz. package bacon, each piece cut into thirds 2 8-oz. blocks of cream cheese, softened 6 oz. Mexican-blend cheese, shredded 2 jalapeños, seeded and diced 1 tbsp. cumin 2 tsp. garlic powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. pepper

METHOD:

• Preheat your oven to 400˚F. Spray a broiler pan, or cover a sheet pan with aluminum foil, and place a wire rack on top with non-stick cooking spray. Set it aside for later.

• Start by prepping the jalapeños using a chef’s knife to cut off the stems, and cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise. Then, use a spoon to scrape out all the seeds and the white membrane inside the pepper. You can discard the seeds once you’re done or keep a few to add to the cream cheese mixture if you like it extra hot.

• In a medium-size mixing bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cheese, jalapeños and seasonings. Fill each jalapeño with the mix.

• Cut bacon strips into thirds and lay a piece on top of the cream cheese mix.

Once you have filled and topped all the jalapeños with bacon, place them in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until bacon is done.

• Let cool before serving. Enjoy!

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ENJOY A VIBRANT DOWNTOWN, RIVERWALK AND WORLD-CLASS BEACHES

CHARMING WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA

BY MARGUERITE CLEVELAND

Wilmington, North Carolina, is less known as a destination than its more famous Southern neighbors Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia, and that is its charm. You won’t find the hordes of tourists; only those in the know about this vibrant city on the banks of the Cape Fear River. Just a short drive from downtown Wilmington you will find some great beaches, each with its own unique vibe.

WHERE TO STAY

Downtown has a variety of places to stay, but you can’t beat the Front Street Inn for its location. It is just a short walk to the shops, restaurants and lively nightlife that abounds downtown. This cute Inn has onsite parking—a plus when downtown. There are a variety of rooms, and some are on the smaller size, but there are public spaces you can utilize. This is an historic hotel, so you won’t have all the amenities of a large chain hotel, but its charm and location more than make up for it. Breakfast is included in the morning.

Another option is the Hampton Inn Wilmington-University Area/Smith Creek Station, which has a great location that is close to both downtown and the beaches. Rates include breakfast.

WHERE TO EAT

253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE 61 Travel Wilmington has an eclectic dining scene, with a bounty of local seafood and area farms providing fresh produce to the city’s restaurants. There is also the Gullah Geechee influence from the Africans who were enslaved in the area. If you are new to Southern dining, make sure to try Pimento Cheese. This yummy spread is now featured on many menus as a starter and is served with crisp lavash crackers. The local oysters are so good they even have their own trail. Shrimp and Grits are a staple of low-country cuisine, and just about every restaurant you go to has its own recipe.