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Wishing you and yours a safe and happy 4th of July!
The Greater Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center will be closed on Friday, July 4th, so be sure to pick up all the information you and your out-of-town visitors need now to enjoy all the amazing things the Kitsap Peninsula has to offer. From miles of coastline ideal for paddling to lush forests lined with waterfall trails, there's so much to explore in Greater Kitsap!
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New Washington Laws Taking Effect July 1
Increased taxes, licensing fees and more began Tuesday
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Published in the Washington State Standard, June 30, 2025
Photo: Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard
Fee hikes for hunting and fishing licenses, workplace protections for immigrants and increased requirements for gun dealers are among the Washington state laws going into effect July 1.
Drivers can also expect increased prices at the pump as a 6-cent hike in Washington’s gas tax goes into effect Tuesday, the start of the state’s 2026 fiscal year.
Dozens more laws will take effect July 27, which marks 90 days after the legislative session adjourned. Others passed in Olympia this year have longer lead times.
For now, these bills have a few weeks’ head start.
Read the full article here
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GKC Hosts: WA Saves Program Info Session
Tuesday, July 8, 2025, 3:30 pm
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Chamber: Off the Clock
Tuesday, July 15, 2025, 5:05 pm
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July Luncheon: Summer Member Picnic
Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
| | Summer is here and we're celebrating our members with our annual luncheon benefitting the Greater Kitsap Chamber Foundation and scholarship programs. More details are coming soon, but you won't want to miss this new twist on a fun social luncheon. | | |
GKCVC Presents: Silverdale @ Sunset
Summer concert series returns to Waterfront Park
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NEW DATE: Port to Port Pop-Up
August 30 & 31, 2025
| | Join us for a sail during Bremerton's Blackberry Festival! | | Highlight Your Business with Tabling Opportunity at Chamber Luncheon | | |
Make Preventive Care a Priority Now
Business Health Trust Has You Covered
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Did you know that preventive health screenings and primary care consultations significantly increase life expectancy, especially for those aged 30 to 49?
Making preventive care a priority now can help reduce future health complications, and with virtual care, it has never been easier to get the support you need. Telehealth can provide easy access to preventive care services, such as check-ups, screenings, and mental health support.
Learn more about why it matters in this article from our partner, Business Health Trust.
🔗 Article Link: https://businesshealthtrust.com/benefit/the-importance-of-preventive-care/
Not a BHT member? Are you ready to build a better benefits package? Visit bhtquote.com to learn more and get a free quote.
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Renew your membership today to ensure your benefits as a member of the Greater Kitsap Chamber! Questions about when to renew or how to upgrade your membership? Need a new membership window cling or digital badge? Contact David now!
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Missed a previous edition of the Chamber's Community Connections?
View all the past issues on our website HERE.
| | New Members - Welcome to the Chamber! | | |
New & Renewing Members for June
Thank you for your continued investment & support!
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Celebrate with St. Michael Medical
Family Birth Center 25th Anniversary
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Downtown Bremerton Seeks Survey Input
Group aims to reduce storefront vacancy in Downtown
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The Downtown Bremerton Association is working to reduce the 26% storefront vacancy in their Main Street corridor and they need input from local businesses.
If you own a business or property in Downtown, Charleston, Manette, or Lebo/Harrison Heights, please take our quick survey. Your feedback will help us understand local challenges and shape data-driven recommendations for the City and our partners.
Bremerton’s blend of creative, unique, and heritage-driven businesses is what makes our city special. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and help shape Bremerton’s economic future.
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Changing Faces, Changing Places
Share your business news today
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Has your team recently welcomed a new hire, celebrated a promotion, or marked a retirement? Kitsap Business magazine's Changing Faces, Changing Places section highlights the people powering our local business community. Chamber members are invited to share their staff updates for inclusion in an upcoming issue.
Send your announcements to news@kitsapbusiness.com and let us help you recognize the faces behind your success.
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For 80 years, Kitsap Regional Library has been a cornerstone of learning, connection, and community across Kitsap County. Founded in 1945, this beloved institution has grown alongside the community it serves, evolving far beyond books to become a vital hub for information, inspiration, and engagement for residents of all ages.
A proud member of the Chamber since 2001, Kitsap Regional Library’s commitment to Kitsap County is unwavering. From its humble beginnings, the Library has expanded to nine locations and a robust digital presence, ensuring that no matter where you are — from Bainbridge Island to Bremerton — you have free access to knowledge and community resources that enrich everyday life.
At the heart of the Library’s mission is a simple yet powerful belief: everyone deserves access to the tools they need to dream, learn, and grow. Whether it’s a child discovering the joy of reading, a job seeker learning new skills, or a lifelong learner exploring new ideas, Kitsap Regional Library provides programs, spaces, and resources that make it possible.
A Vital Community Partner
Kitsap Regional Library doesn’t just serve the community — it’s a vital part of it. By partnering with local schools, community organizations, and businesses, the Library supports literacy, lifelong learning, and local economic vitality. The Library’s free programs and welcoming spaces create a place where people connect, share ideas, and build a stronger, more resilient Kitsap County.
As the Library celebrates 80 years of service, its impact is visible in every branch and every person who walks through its doors or logs in online. From book clubs that spark new friendships to workshops that help people learn new skills, the Library’s influence ripples through generations.
Looking Ahead: A Community Choice This August
In August 2025, Kitsap County voters will have the opportunity to help shape the Library’s future by voting on a levy to maintain and expand essential services. This important measure will help ensure that Kitsap Regional Library can continue to grow with the community, invest in new programs and technology, and keep library spaces welcoming and accessible for decades to come.
Kitsap Regional Library’s story is one of connection, progress, and unwavering dedication to Kitsap County. As they celebrate 80 years of service, they invite the community to look forward together — continuing a legacy of learning, belonging, and discovery for generations to come.
To learn more about Kitsap Regional Library, its services, or the upcoming levy, visit www.krl.org or follow them on Facebook.
| | Business & Professional Development Committee | | Member Education & Training Resources | | |
SCORE: Marketing Plan 101
Create Your Roadmap to Success
Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 10:00 am
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Are you overwhelmed by all the choices for your marketing your business in the new year? Not sure where your time is best spent? Are you following what everyone else is doing and hope it works for you too?
A well-executed marketing plan will help you:
- Define your business with SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threat)
- Define your target audience with buyer personas
- Tools you will need to execute on your marketing plan
- Measuring and Optimizing your Marketing Efforts
- Define your brand with proper visuals and messaging
- Learn how to use AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools to build parts of your marketing plan
Registration Fee: FREE
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Starting a Business in Washington Webinar
Tuesday, July 8, 2025, 9:00 am
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Join this free, one-hour webinar to gain essential knowledge for starting a business in Washington. It covers planning, registration, and licensing requirements. You'll also connect with members of the Small Business Liaison Team, your go-to resource for navigating the complexities of regulatory requirements and enhancing your business practices.
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Accounting Basics & the Importance of Accounting to Your Business
Thursday, July 10, 2025, 1:00 pm
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Do you know the difference between bookkeeping and accounting? Are you having trouble understanding what financial statements are? Then you have come to the right place. Sign up for our Accounting Basics class and learn the important information that you need to know about your small business accounting.
The instructor, Ann Zimmerman, is a Washington SBDC Certified Business Advisor. She earned her BA in Accounting from Western Washington University and received her Master’s degree in Accounting and Tax from Washington State University. Ann has over thirty years of experience in business and has worked in various industries including retail, construction services, manufacturing, healthcare, and not-for-profit.
Registration Fee: FREE
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Summit Workshop: Transition Your Business
to Employee Ownership
Friday, July 18, 2025, 10:00 am
| | Business News & Resources | | |
SharedWork Program Helps Businesses
and Workers During Tough Times
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Courtesy of the Washington Employment Security Department
Right now, businesses across Washington are facing an uncertain economic reality. But you still need to keep your organization running and look after your workers.
The SharedWork program helps you do both. SharedWork can prevent layoffs by giving you the flexibility to retain employees at reduced hours during economic downturns. SharedWork lets you tighten your belt and keep your employees. We're proud to say the program turned 42 years old last month.
Learn more about SharedWork on the Employment Security website.
Get answers to your SharedWork questions in webinar series
On the first Wednesday of every month, Employment Security hosts a live SharedWork webinar. In these online Q&A sessions, you can learn how to apply and get your questions answered. These sessions are intended for employers who either:
- Have not applied yet.
- Have applied and have more questions.
Sessions run from 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. with 50 slots available — so be sure to register early if you can.
Register for SharedWork business webinars scheduled through December.
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Quick and interesting reads for employers, employees,
local leaders, and everyone in between!
| | The Greater Kitsap Chamber is proud to serve as a resource partner with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Stay tuned to this section quarterly for education, resources and more from L&I. | | More Washington Workers Get Equal Pay Protection Starting July 1 | | |
A change taking effect yesterday greatly expanded workplace protections involving equal pay and promotion discrimination to a much broader range of workers in Washington.
Previously limited to protecting against gender discrimination, legislation passed in 2024 expands the Equal Pay and Opportunities Act to also include:
- Sex, marital status, sexual orientation.
- Race, creed, color, age (40 and older).
- National origin, citizenship or immigration status.
- Honorably discharged veteran or military status.
- The presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.
“This legislation extends current equal pay and workplace opportunities protections to hundreds of thousands more Washington workers,” said L&I director Joel Sacks. “Our state has long strived to make sure workers are paid fairly regardless of who they are. This keeps us at the forefront of this important effort.”
The state's first equal pay law was passed back in 1943. Employers could not pay a female less than a male for doing similar work. These first protections were updated and expanded in 2018 with the passage of the Equal Pay and Opportunities Act. It addressed the lack of clear definitions and strengthened L&I's enforcement capabilities.
Still, it is clear there is work to be done. In terms of gender pay, Washington in 2023 had the sixth widest pay gap in the nation. The median earnings for a woman that year were $17,400 less than those of a man.
With the changes taking effect on Tuesday, a person's gender or membership in another protected class cannot be a reason for pay differences between employees with similar jobs or to determine if someone gets promoted. Determining if employees have similar jobs is based on skill, effort, and responsibility, not job titles. Only in certain limited circumstances is a difference in pay acceptable for similar jobs.
Other changes coming
Two additional changes to the law take effect July 27 based on legislative changes passed earlier this year.
One prohibits employers from requiring employees to have a driver’s license unless driving is an essential job function or part of a job’s legitimate business. They also can’t include such a requirement in job postings where the requirement is prohibited.
The other involves job posting requirements. Employers with 15 or more employees must include wage information, a general description of all benefits, and a general description of other compensation in their job postings. Under the upcoming change, after being notified a posting does not meet the law’s requirements, employers will have five business days to fix it and avoid penalties and damages. This opportunity to correct postings is in place until July 27, 2027. Employers will also be allowed to post a fixed wage amount rather than a wage range, if the employer is only offering a fixed amount. Otherwise, the salary range or wage scale must be provided in a job posting.
You can learn more about the law at L&I’s Equal Pay web page, which includes a question-and-answer page.
| | Nonprofit News & Resources | | |
KCNE Hosts: Promoting Planned Giving
to Your Donors and Volunteers
Monday, July 7, 2025, 10:30 am
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August is National Make-A-Will Month—a powerful opportunity to inspire long-term generosity in support of your mission. Join Kitsap Community Foundation’s CEO, Tina O’Brien, for a free, 90-minute webinar hosted by the Kitsap Center for Nonprofit Excellence (KCNE).
Whether you’re new to planned giving or looking to take your strategy further, this session will equip you with actionable insights, practical resources, and real-world techniques you can start using immediately.
Why attend?
- Gain best practices for promoting planned giving
- Learn how to leverage “Make-A-Will” Month in August
- Access a toolkit of templates, guides, and messaging tips
- Engage in a live Q&A with planned giving experts
This session is ideal for nonprofit leaders, board members, development staff, and anyone working with donors or volunteers. Don’t miss this chance to build long-term sustainability for your organization.
| | Transformational Fundraising: How Building Community Drives Long-Term Giving | | |
Published on NonprofitPRO.com, June 30, 2025
Photo: Pexels by Cup of Couple
In the nonprofit world, we often talk about “donor stewardship,” “major gifts” or “annual appeals” — language that, while important, sometimes reduces people to dollar signs. Too often, fundraising becomes a transaction: We ask. They give. We thank. Repeat.
But what if we imagined something more powerful?
What if fundraising wasn't just about raising money, but about building a movement? What if instead of cultivating donors, we cultivated community?
This shift — from transactional to transformational — changes everything.
Read the article here
| | Kitsap Commissioners Move 'Year of the Rural' Ahead Without Housing Rezones | | |
Published in the Kitsap Sun, June 25, 2025
After a lengthy public hearing with comments shared by dozens of community members, the Kitsap Board of County Commissioners voted to officially remove all rural residential rezone requests from further review this year.
In a 2-1 decision on [last] Monday, Commissioners Christine Rolfes and Katie Walters' votes denied all 14 applications asking for a rural residential reclassification, including the divisive request of Raydient, development group with timber giant Rayonier, to rezone a forested property along Bond Road outside Poulsbo.
Spanning over three hours and with about 100 people in attendance both in-person and virtually, more than 50 community members gave comments to the commissioners ahead of the vote. Opinions largely focused on Raydient's request, reflecting an almost even split in their support or opposition of the application associated with the North Kitsap United project to construct a YMCA recreation center, ballfields, trails and housing.
Read the article here
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Silverdale
Expect daytime and nighttime delays on Silverdale Way NW (from Bucklin Hill Rd to Waaga Way) and NW Bucklin Hill Rd (from Silverdale Way NW to Blaine Ave) due to a road and stormwater improvement project. Work will take place Monday through Friday and is expected to be completed by fall 2025. Visit the project website for details.
Expect delays on Provost Rd NW between NW Shelley Dr and NW Newberry Hill Rd for a Silverdale Water utility project.
Expect delays on NW Eldorado Blvd between Newberry Hill Rd and Eldorado Pl NW for construction work related to a private development. Traffic control in place during work hours.
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7:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Pancake Breakfast
hosted by the BHS Football Boosters
9:00 AM | BYS Fun Run
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Car Show
presented by Fieldstone Rolling Bay
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM | T&C Main Stage
9:00 AM | Ranger & the Re-arrangers
12:00 | PM Hometown Band
3:30 PM | Pie Eating Contest
3:00 - 5:00 PM | DJ Brandon Fleet
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Street Fair
presented by Puget Sound Energy & Lotta’s Laundry
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | PARADE
Vote for your favorite parade entry!
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Family Fun Zone
presented by the Troy & Baden Biddle Foundation
FREE Balloon Animals (10AM - Noon)
FunHQ Indoor Play Zone
Musical Instrument Petting Zoo
Scouts Rope Course
XL Lawn Games
Build-A-Boat
Mini Golf
Pickleball
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Beer Wine & Cider Garden
presented by Bainbridge Brewing, Eleven Winery, Sisters' Cider
* Now serving HOT DOGS by Bainbridge Island Rowing *
Road Closures & Parking
Winslow Way, Madison Ave, Bjune Dr, Brien Dr, and all the little side streets and secret parking places hidden in between will be closed to the general public.
- Walking and biking are excellent ways to get to the festivities.
- Parking away from the Winslow core is highly encouraged.
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A FREE shuttle service will be running between Ace Hardware and T&C. Park at Ace or Kitsap Bank to hop on.
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Kingston 4th of July
Activities for the entire family
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8-11 am Pancake Breakfast
Kingston Cove Yacht Club 25815 Washington Blvd NE
Breakfast will include pancakes, sausage, ham, orange juice and coffee. Open to the public. Sponsored by the Kingston Cove Yacht Club.
10 am-5 pm Tiny Town
Village Green Park 10810 NE W Kingston Rd
Inflatable bouncy house attractions along with other activities from Scouts and KR Library. Food and Non Food vendors. Tiny Town closes for one hour at noon for the parade.
Noon-1 pm Kingston 4th of July Parade
NE State Hwy 104, Linvog Rd NE to Washington Blvd NE
Viewing areas on N and S sides of NE State Hwy 104
1 pm Free Hot Dogs for Kids
Kingston Cove Yacht Club 25815 Washington Blvd NE
Free hot dogs for children 12 & under, nominal charge for adults, until supplies run out. Sponsored by the Kingston Cove Yacht Club.
Immediately following the Parade Ball Race
Central Ave, between Ohio Ave & Washington Blvd NE
Race starts immediately following the parade, as soon as parade traffic has cleared Central Ave. Sponsored by the Kingston Beautification Committee & Kingston North Kitsap Rotary Club.
1-9 pm Beer, Wine & Spirits Tent
Mike Wallace Park, Port of Kingston
Beer, wine & spirits will be available for guests 21 & over. Open to the public. Acoustic Music 2pm-3:30pm Bannister & Maine, 3:30pm-5pm James Murray solo. Sponsored by the Kingston Cove Yacht Club.
6-10 pm Music
Mike Wallace Park, Port of Kingston, Main Stage
Enjoy the sounds of Soul Siren & Planet Groove. Sponsored by the Kingston Ale House
11 am-10 pm Entertainment
Mike Wallace Park, Port of Kingston
Food Vendors located in the parking lot area.
10:15 pm Fireworks
Mike Wallace, Port of Kingston Harbor
Fireworks commence when it is dark. Sponsored by The Point Casino & Hotel.
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4th of July Car Show
July 4, 2025, 3:00 - 6:00 pm
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Community Fix-It Fair
Saturday, July 12, 2025, 10:30 am - 1:30 pm
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Kitsap County Solid Waste, in partnership with Kitsap Regional Library, is hosting a free Fix-it Fair on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Bremerton – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. branch, located at 612 5th Street in Bremerton.
This community event brings together skilled volunteers who will help repair household items, giving residents a chance to save money, reduce waste, and connect with neighbors. All Kitsap residents are welcome!
What to bring
Kitsap residents are welcome to bring up to two items to each Fix-it Fair. Popular items include lamps, small home appliances, vacuums, bicycles (minor repairs), small electronics, clothing, and textiles. Please note that all items must be carried in and out by the owner — oversized items are not allowed. Volunteer fixers will do their best to assess and attempt repairs, but there are no guarantees. Some items are more difficult to repair, can take longer than we have time for at the event, or even break more during a repair attempt.
What not to bring
- No large appliances
- No appliances with refrigerants
- No items that are leaking fluids
- No items having noxious or excessive odors
- No microwaves
- No items filled with oil or gas
- No grimy, dirty, or hazardous items
What to expect at a Fix-it Fair
Before visiting our Fix-it Fairs, please:
- Clean your items
- Bring any instructions or manuals that you might have
- Purchase and bring your repair part. We’ll have some small items available; however, if you require a special part, we’ll request you purchase it ahead of time.
- Check event specific information! Each event may have different fixing skills available. We’ll do our best to keep our events webpage updated with current information on skills available.
- Participants must arrive and check-in by 1:30 p.m.
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Kitsap Pride
Saturday, July 19, 2025, 3:00 pm
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Coffee Oasis Day at the Tacoma Rainiers
Sunday, July 27, 2025
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You're invited to a fun and meaningful afternoon at the ballpark! Come cheer on the Tacoma Rainiers while supporting youth experiencing homelessness in our community. This special afternoon is a great opportunity to enjoy a game, connect with others who care about the community, and support The Coffee Oasis.
Your $20 ticket will include:
+ Admission
+ Hot dog
+ Chips
+ Bottled Water
+ And you support youth programs and shelters at The Coffee Oasis
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Masks Still Available
Free at the Greater Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber still has some supplies available if your local business is in need of KN95 masks. Pick up your supply at both GKC locations today. Available while supplies last.
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Hampton Inn & Suites Bremerton
Steps from the waterfront with Puget Sound views
| | Discover the Hampton Inn & Suites on Bremerton’s scenic waterfront, just steps from the historic Naval Shipyard. We’re conveniently located beside the Kitsap Conference Center and the Seattle ferry terminal—your gateway to T-Mobile Park, Lumen Field, Pike Place Market, the iconic Space Needle, and cruise ship terminals. The Bremerton Ice Rink is just two miles away. Make the most of your stay with our fitness center, complimentary hot breakfast, and free WiFi. | | |
Clearwater Casino Presents:
Lucky Town - Bruce Springsteen Tribute
Friday, July 4, 2025, 8:30 pm
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Mainstreet - Bob Seger Tribute
Saturday, July 5, 2025, 8:30 pm
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Bremerton Night Market
@ the Bremerton Boardwalk
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Bremerton Air Show
July 12 & 13, 2025
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Quincy Square Grand Opening Festival
July 12 & 13, 2025
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Whaling Days
July 25, 26, 27, 2025
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Silverdale @ Sunset: Ranger & the Re-Arrangers
Wednesday, July 30, 2025, 6:30 pm
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Immersive Tour Offering Visits to
Historic & Cultural Suquamish Sites
June - Sept 2025
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Stay in the know with what's happening for events
in Central Kitsap by checking out and liking the
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Have something to share? CLICK HERE to submit stories and
events for our weekly Community Connections!
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Bremerton Office (360) 479-3579 | 705 Pacific Avenue in Downtown Bremerton
Silverdale Office (360) 692-6800 | Kitsap Mall
PO Box 1218 Silverdale WA 98383
If you need assistance, please contact us directly.
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