Arts & Entertainment Community

Harbor in Bloom Festival sprouts up at the Civic Center

Imagine a whimsical garden, filled with enormous flowers, bugs and fun.

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That’s the idea for the first Harbor in Bloom Spring Faire from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 16 at the Civic Center green, 3510 Grandview St. The fair will feature 70 vendors, three musical acts, food and the chance to buy from local and regional artisans and makers.

“We’re making the field blue, with a wonderland and whimsical garden,” said Jennifer Day, owner of Stellar Soirees Event Creation, who is planning the event.

Festival goers can expect a wide selection of handmade goods, including crochet, lavender, pottery, ceramics, candles, bath and body products, jewelry, a mobile bookshop, and mobile greenhouse.

Jennifer Day will host Harbor In Bloom Spring Faire on May 16 at the Civic Center green with 70 vendors, including food, handmade goods, and interactive stations where attendees can create their own treasures to take home. Day has coordinated large events for 10 years, including Pride Gig Harbor for the past three years. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Day

Music and makers

Live musical performances by Tekla Waterfield, The Thrill and Linda Nicole Blair will be happening throughout the event. Spring-themed vignettes will be available for photos.

Interactive offerings like the Bloom Bash Tea Towel creation station, Bloom Crown Bar, pollinator seed ball making, henna, face painting, and hair tinsel will provide an experience reminiscent of a community fair. Day said the festival is for all ages, not just children and families.

“There’s something for everyone,” she said. “We will have a station to make a nature crown, and that is for all ages, not just the children. I want all ages to come, have fun, and enjoy carefree hands-on crafting.”

A dedicated children’s area hosted by Snapology Gig Harbor will provide activities for kids, such as giant outdoor LEGO builds, catapult challenges, rock painting and engineering activities to spark imagination and play.

Tacoma band The Thrill will perform at the Harbor in Bloom Spring Faire on May 16.

Day has coordinated large events for more than 10 years, including a reggae event in Tacoma, the Santa Parade, and the Tacoma Halloween Parade. She also has hosted Pride in the Park and the Wild Feminine Faire at Crescent Creek for three years.

She will bring some of the wellness-focused vendors to the Harbor In Bloom Faire. Those will include massage, cupping, an ayurvedic treatment vendor, and coaching. 

Harbor in Bloom Spring Faire

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 16

Where: Gig Harbor Civic Center, 3510 Grandview St.

Parking: Do not park at the Civic Center. Parking is available at Kimball Park and Ride, 6808 Kimball Drive, and at the Gig Harbor United Methodist Church, 7400 Pioneer Way. Only ADA parking will be allowed at the civic center.