YMCA reaches out to KP

Marsha Hart, KP News Key Peninsula residents are invited to check out the YMCA during the “Over the Bridge Fest,” Aug. 22 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last year it was members only, this year the entire Gig Harbor, Key Peninsula and Kitsap County communities are invited. Photo courtesy of Scott Turner Plenty of performance artists reside on the Key Peninsula, and the YMCA’s “Over the Bridge Fest” could be a chance for them to shine. The YMCA is celebrating its second year, and plans a full day of activities Aug. 22 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the entire Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula communities during the “Over the Bridge Fest” celebration. Deadline for entertainment and vendor applications is Aug. 15. YMCA is using the event to reach out to the Key Peninsula, and memberships that day will be 50 percent off. “Currently we have a program called Teen Gum that’s out there on the Key Peninsula,” said Kirstin Hawkins, strategic marketing and communications coordinator for the Gig Harbor YMCA. “That’s our current outreach to the Key Pen. It’s a youth program that meets at Evergreen Elementary, for the kids out on the Key Pen.” The YMCA brings the program out to the school because some of the children are not able to come to the Gig Harbor branch, she said. “It’s an opportunity for them and a fun thing for them. There’s no cost. It’s been out there for a couple of years,” Hawkins said. “The event itself, Over the Bridge Fest, is another way to reach out to that community.” The celebration is a free event, and non-members are encouraged to attend.

What: YMCA “Over the Bridge Fest” When: Aug. 22, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: Gig Harbor YMCA 10550 Harbor Hill Drive, Gig Harbor Cost: Free Parking: Free For more information: tacomaymca.org Or call 253- 853-YMCA (9622)

“It’ll be a way for them to experience the Y and what it can be in their community because it is their community. That’s another reason why we’re using the name we are for the event; drawing the community together,” she said. The idea for the event came from Alby Allen, maintenance tech at the facility, and Steven Cangelosi, senior youth director. “As the community hub, we thought that we might want to bring the community in for the celebration instead of just our members,” Allen said. For more information about entertainment and vendor applications, contact Jill Morgan at jmorgan@ymcatacoma.org.