T I S
T H E
SEASON
2016
It’s the most wonderful time of the year
Gary Bowlby/Contributed Photo
The Silverdale tree lighting brings smiles to the faces of young and old. Bay Vista Commons and the Harrison Hospital Children’s Wing.
Chris Tucker/ Staff Photo
Miss Silverdale waves to the crowd as Santa Claus introduces her at the Silverdale tree lighting last year. By LESLIE KELLY Kitsap News Group
G
et ready for some good times this holiday season in Central Kitsap and Bremerton.
SILVERDALE Once you’ve put away that turkey and wrapped up the leftovers, head out to Silverdale’s 62nd annual Christmas Tree Lighting event on the day after Thanksgiving. On Nov. 26, from 1 to 4 p.m. the Silverdale Library will host stories at the library, 3450 N.W. Carlton St., in Old Town Silverdale. There will be tractor hayrides through Old Town from 2 - 4 p.m., starting from the Oxford Suites, 9550 Silverdale Way N.W. And don’t forget to take some “selfies” with area mascots who will be in Old Town from 2 - 5 p.m.
From 4 - 6 p.m. in the parking lot outside Silverdale Antiques, there’ll be free cookies, hot cider and hot chocolate. There’ll be face-painting, clowns with balloons and toys for kids to build at Santa’s Workshop. Puppets shows are set and carolers will also be out and about. At 5:15 p.m., choirs from local elementary schools will sing. Then, at 5:50 p.m. Santa will arrive. At 6 p.m., the tree-lighting ceremony will begin with a welcome from the Silverdale Chamber. Santa will be around to talk with the kids and for photographs following that. Those who come out are asked to bring food items for the Central Kitsap Food Bank and toys for the Toys For Tots campaign. Items will be collected at the John L. Scott Silverdale office at 8382 Silverdale Way N.W.
Since 1954, a very tall Christmas tree has lit up the skies for the holidays in Silverdale thanks to a coordinated effort of dedicated community volunteers, Silverdale Rotary, Silverdale Dandy Lions, and Kiwanis. Brothers Rich and Roland Arper have continued the tradition of their father and legendary Silverdale Rotarian Bob Arper and are the major force behind the project. The tree is now 128 feet tall.
KITSAP MALL Also in Silverdale, the Kitsap Mall has many events planned for the holiday season. Through Dec. 18, the Giving Tree is located in Sears Court. Grab a tag, purchase that item and then bring it back and put it under the tree with the tag. Donations benefit the Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, Seniors at
Santa arrived at the mall Nov. 12 and he’ll be there through Dec. 24. Give your list to Santa or get your photo taken with him in Center Court. Hours are Monday through Saturdays, now to Dec. 10, noon to 8 p.m.; and Sundays noon to 6 p.m. From now to Dec. 23, mall hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays. Santa will be at the mall on Dec. 24 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m, before he takes off to deliver toys. Dec. 1 is the day to bring your pets for photos with Santa. The mall will open at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving and will be open until midnight. Black Friday hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Additionally, area school children will be at the mall singing holiday carols. Performances will be at the North Court. Go to www.shopkitsapmall.com for more.
BREMERTON/ MANETTE The Downtown Bremerton Association Winterfest is set for Dec. 2 and 3. On Dec. 2, from 5 to 8 p.m., the First Friday
art walk in downtown will take place. Check out all the art studios to see their holiday displays with art made by local artists. Shops will be open for business and there’ll be festive displays in all windows. In Manette, Santa will arrive at 5:15 p.m. and the community Christmas tree at 11th Street and Scott Avenue will be lighted. A scavenger hunt also is planned and there will be cookies for all. A magical evening with music and carolers, Violet the book mobile, cookies and refreshments. The streets in the business district will be closed to vehicle traffic. Then on Dec. 3, Bremerton Mayor Patty Lent will be on hand as the holiday tree is lit at 6 p.m. and Santa arrives. The tree is located by the Navy Museum at Harborside Park. Additionally, at the marina many boats will also be decorated for the holidays. Santa arrives at 5:30 p.m. There will be horse-drawn carriage rides and photos with Santa at the Kitsap Credit Union after the tree is lit. The Bremerton High School marching band will perform. Other choirs will perform too. SEE EVENTS, PAGE 4
A Spe c i a l S u ppl e m e n t t o t h e Br e m er t o n Pa t r io t & C e n t r a l K i t s a p R ep or t er