The Kitsap Peninsula National Water Trails 2016 Festival is upon us and good times are coming to Silverdale, Brownsville, Keyport, and Poulsbo from June 18-19, 2016. The event is organized by the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce and is aimed at getting people outside and on the water.
Saturday is loaded at the Silverdale Waterfront Park from 1000 hours to 1900 hours. Entertainment includes cultural song and dance, fireside storytelling, basket weaving, a marine touch tank, food, and much more. A visiting 65’ Coast Guard cutter will be available for tours, and of course, kayak and paddle demos will be in abundance. Participants in the five-mile Ride the Tide Raffle Paddle will be shuttled from the Silverdale Waterfront Park to Evergreen Park at 0800 hours. The paddlers will then make their way back down to Silverdale and should return to the party around noon. Registration is required online and includes a $5 donation to the Water Trail.
Paddling-crazy Sunday focuses on the Keys to Keyport fun paddle, which is lead by Charlotte Morrison, an Olympic Kayak Club leader. This four-mile paddle starts at 1030 hours in Poulsbo and takes the fleet to Keyport and back again. Prizes from local businesses will be included in a raffle drawing for the paddlers. The paddle is for boaters of all experience levels, but one must provide their own gear for the trip, including kayak, paddle, and lifejacket.
If getting out and seeing what the beautiful Kitsap Peninsula has to offer, consider the National Water Trailers Festival. If the Ride the Tide and Keys to Keyport paddles sound like fun, be sure to register. Check online for details and registration (watertrailsfestival.com).
