Arts & Entertainment Community News
Croatia Day treats attendees to music, dance, and a newly opened netshed
While to this reporter’s knowledge the prime minister of Croatia did not appear, the annual Croatia Day festival wasn’t lacking for attendees.
Several hundred people filtered through the small festival at Skansie Brothers Park saw over the course of the six-hour celebration. Rain deterred no one, and many attendees sported the Croatian flag on their face or clothing. Downtown was equally decorated to celebrate the day, with Croatian flags big and small adorning many businesses along Harborview Drive.
Maria Ancich, right, paints Levi DiBeneditto’s forehead with the Croatian flag, during Croatia Day in Gig Harbor on May 31, 2025. Photo by Carolyn Bick. © Carolyn Bick
In addition to several Croatian dance and musical groups, attendees could explore the newly renovated Skansie Brothers Netshed.
The netshed was closed for about a year for the repair and renovation, and Croatia Day was its first day open again. Inside the netshed, attendees could read about the city’s fishing history, and see up close some of the equipment the city’s old fishing families used.
Read more about the netshed’s renovation and history, including a visit from the prime minister of Croatia, here!
Maria Ancich, center, paints a young person’s arm. Photo by Carolyn Bick. © Carolyn Bick
Netting needles sit on a table towards the open back of the netshed. Photo by Carolyn Bick. © Carolyn Bick
A festival attendee stands framed in the doorway of the netshed. Photo by Carolyn Bick. © Carolyn Bick
A purple net hangs towards the outside back of the netshed. Photo by Carolyn Bick. © Carolyn Bick
A T-shirts-for-sale sign explains that “Živjeli” means, “To Life”.” Photo by Carolyn Bick. © Carolyn Bick
Surrounded by historical artifacts, a netshed attendant checks a card. Photo by Carolyn Bick. © Carolyn Bick
Labelled historical artifacts line one of the tables in the netshed. Photo by Carolyn Bick. © Carolyn Bick
An old photograph of the crew of the Avalon hangs on the wall. Photo by Carolyn Bick. © Carolyn Bick
People explore the netshed. Photo by Carolyn Bick. © Carolyn Bick
An old apron commemorating an annual chowdown hangs on the wall amidst other artifacts. Photo by Carolyn Bick. © Carolyn Bick
A netshed attendant watches festival attendees explore the netshed. Photo by Carolyn Bick. © Carolyn Bick
An old and worn fishing cap sports a fisherman’s patch. Photo by Carolyn Bick. © Carolyn Bick
A netshed attendant stands at the far end of a table of historical artifacts. Photo by Carolyn Bick. © Carolyn Bick
Festival attendees explore the newly opened netshed, which houses hundreds of historical artifacts. Photo by Carolyn Bick. © Carolyn Bick
The Seattle Junior Tamburitzans perform traditional Croatian dances. Photo by Carolyn Bick. © Carolyn Bick
People watch the Seattle Junior Tamburitzans perform. Photo by Carolyn Bick. © Carolyn Bick
The Seattle Junior Tamburitzans perform traditional Croatian dances. Photo by Carolyn Bick. © Carolyn Bick
The Seattle Junior Tamburitzans, a traditional Croatian dance group, prepare to perform. Photo by Carolyn Bick. © Carolyn Bick
People stand by a boat with the Croatian name for Croatia on it, “Hrvatska,” meaning “land of the Croats.” Photo by Carolyn Bick. © Carolyn Bick