It Was a Dark and Stormy Night in the Harbor

And all through the Harbor the people were stirring with indoor events and activities to keep them warm and entertained on the shorter days and darker, stormy nights. Yes it is true, during the month of October we can have a stormy night now and then. But isn’t it fun to bundle up and watch a good movie. And boy do we have a selection to offer you. The Gig Harbor Film Fest falls during a perfect time of year, the 6th annual event comes back to Galaxy Theatre on October 18-20th. This is a real gem for our community, bringing together independent film makers and fans from all over. If you have never visited the festival, now is the time. Also in October, Worldvision will host the premier of Girl Rising, a documentary film featuring narration by close to a dozen celebrities. It is a compelling film and the exclusive screening will be at Galaxy Theatre on the 28th of October. More information on both of these events can be found at www.gigharborguide.com.

On a slightly more creepy note, Paradise Theatre premiered Brahms Stockers “Drakula” September 20th and it will run through October 6th. There is still time to catch a showing in their comfortable indoor theater located on Burnham Drive. But don’t fear, the annual Paradise Theatre Haunted House will return in late October, and it is guaranteed to send shivers down your spine.

Believe it or not - October can be a beautiful time of the year outdoors as well. A sunny, crisp fall day in the harbor is my favorite! Luckily outdoor activities loaded with family fun and games abound. The Patterson Pumpkin Patch rolls into town on October 1st and this year will feature twelve varieties of pumpkins including a pink pumpkin with proceeds benefitting cancer research. On the other side of town, join Rosedale Gardens as they host "The Great Pumpkin Hunt", a mystery word scavenger hunt in which you are asked to find pumpkins hidden throughout the nursery, solve the puzzle and win prizes! It is free to participate and better yet, fun for the whole family.

For a spooktacular good time come visit Harbor WildWatch naturalists and “Pier Into the Night.” They will investigate the marine life in Puget Sound from a night-time perspective, placing underwater lights into the darkness drawing marine species into view that are seldom seen during the day. You can catch Harbor Wildwatch at Jerisich Dock on October 19th and also October 31st.

My favorite event of fall is the Giant Pumpkin Carving at Uptown. The wonderful smell of autumn fills the entire area and the humongous sized pumpkins come to life right before your eyes. Last year the artist carved a 1,250 lb pumpkin! Don’t miss it this year – and see what develops. The carving takes place October 28th.

The sweetest of them all - the trick or treating events - will take place on Halloween at both Uptown and Downtown locations. Uptown Shopping Center Trick or Treating will run from 4-6 pm, pop in and visit with the local merchants. Trick or Treat on Harborview runs from 3-6 pm through historic downtown Gig Harbor. Rotary Club of Gig Harbor North will be offering photos at the Pavilion again this year - $5 donation for Food Backpacks for Kids and Gig Harbor Fire & Medic will have a fire truck and aide car on Harborview for kids to see. I’m also told there will be a "spooktacular" surprise in front of Skansie Park at 5:00pm.

So don’t fear, even though the days are shorter and the nights longer, there is plenty to do and see inside and outside and all around town. For the most up to the minute info, find us on Facebook and Twitter, and for details on all the above events and more visit us 24/7 at www.gigharborguide.com