Arts & Entertainment Community

Harbor Happenings | Race for a Soldier supports veterans, first responders

Posted on September 3rd, 2024 By: Charlee Glock-Jackson

The annual Race for a Soldier takes place Sunday, September 8.

Since 2011, the race has raised funds for the Permission to Start Dreaming Foundation. The foundation supports military veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD and traumatic brain injuries suffered in the line of duty. The race is always held on the weekend nearest Sept. 11.

This year’s race includes 12k, 5k and virtual runs. The race begins and ends at the Tom Taylor Family YMCA on Harbor Hill Drive. The running starts around 8 a.m., with participants racing on Harbor Hill, Burnham Drive and Borgen Boulevard, among other roads.

Some streets will be closed during the race. For information, including maps of the race courses and information on street closures, go here.

The Race for a Soldier is one of the Permission to Start Dreaming Foundation’s biggest annual fundraisers.

Harbor Hounds

Now in its 20th year, Harbor Hounds celebrates all things canine with trophies for pups that exhibit the best tail wags, best smiles, smoochiest kisses and other doggie talents.

Dogs of all breeds, shape and sizes are welcome. There are also games, raffles, live music and food vendors for their humans.

Harbor Hounds takes place Saturday, Sept. 7 at Skansie Park. On-site registration for pups opens at 9:30 a.m.; the festivities begin at 10 a.m. The Midday Rotary club sponsors the event and proceeds benefit local charities. Learn more at www.harborhounds.com.

Harbor Hounds 2022

Eagles Club luau

The Gig Harbor Eagles Club will host an open-to-the-public luau starting at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7. The event includes roast pig, country baked beans, potato salad, cornbread, craft beers and other beverages, live music and fun for the whole family. Food is available from 4 to 7 p.m. and music continues until 11 p.m. The Eagles Hall is located at 4425 Burnham Drive.

At the library

The start of the new school year means the start of kid-oriented activities at the Gig Harbor Library at 4424 Point Fosdick Drive. The Chess Club, geared to grades 4 through 8, meets at 5:45 p.m. every Thursday with 20 minutes of instruction followed by 60 minutes of play. All levels of experience are welcome.

Teen Tuesdays happen every week at 4:30 p.m. with games, arts and crafts activities and snacks for 12 to 18 year olds. Library activities are always free.

Live music

The Dusty Luck band plays country and rock at Kimball Coffeehouse Friday, Sept. 6. Doors open at 6 p.m.; music starts at 7. Free and family friendly.

Chicago blues man Christopher Klein brings his sax and guitar to the Olalla Winery at 6:30 p.m. Friday. Buy tickets here.

At the movies

The Flashback Cinema movie at Galaxy Theatres Uptown on Wednesday, Sept. 4, is “The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring – Extended edition.” Showtimes are 1 and 6 p.m. The Flashback movie on Sunday, Sept. 8, is the second Lord of the Rings movie, “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers,” showing at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Flashback movies are just $5.

SummerFest movies continue for a few more weeks, with “Sing” playing at 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Sept. 4 and 5. The SummerFest movie starting Friday, Sept. 6, is “Hotel Transylvania.” Showtimes are 10:45 a.m. on Sept. 6; 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sept. 7 and 8; 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Sept 9, 10 and 11. SummerFest movies are just $2.

Civic engagement

The Gig Harbor Planning Commission continues its review of the city’s comprehensive plan at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, with a discussion of the Capital Facilities, Essential Facilities and Utilities chapters. Prior to the meeting, the public is encouraged to complete an online survey, found on the Comp Plan Update page starting Sept. 3.