Two great ways to enjoy Central Kitsap

Thunderbird Rodeo coming soon

The Kitsap County Fair & Stampede is one of the most popular family events in our region and will be on Aug. 20-24 this year. Live music, the Fun Run, exhibitions, and of course, the Stampede & Extreme Bulls highlight the event. However, for those who can’t wait to attend a local rodeo any longer, help is on the way.

The Thunderbird Pro Rodeo is in its fourth year as a charitable event in Kitsap County and has grown every year. This event will be held at the Fairgrounds on the weekend of June 28 and 29. The rodeo brings some of the best livestock in the country to Kitsap County through the efforts of Kelly Bowcutt and the Gold Buckle Rodeo Company. The rodeo attracts many cowboys and cowgirls from the Puget Sound region. Last year, more than 40 locals from Kitsap participated in the event. The Thunderbird Rodeo serves as a stepping stone for local residents who are on their way to a full-time career in professional rodeo competition. This event was voted Northwest Professional Rodeo Association (NPRA) 2007 “Best Independent Rodeo of the Year.” This year also will feature music by Jonathan Harris performed live Friday and Saturday nights.

While attending the rodeo for family entertainment should be enough to get folks out to the Fairgrounds, the Thunderbird Rodeo also raises awareness for those in our community in need of support. As a 501.c.3 non-profit organization, the rodeo is committed to its motto “The Spirit of the West,” by raising money through sponsorships and ticket purchases for charitable causes. This past year, $8,000 was raised for Corey’s Day on the Farm for special needs kids and the Northwest Burn Foundation.

Family fun, exciting rodeo action, raising money for charities — the Thunderbird Rodeo is guaranteed to be a great event this year. I look forward to seeing you at the rodeo!

For more information, visit www.ThunderbirdRodeo.com.

Anderson Landing: A Central Kitsap hidden oasis

One of the things I have enjoyed most about serving as county commissioner is meeting people dedicated to volunteerism and improving our community. From the Illahee Preserve to the Clear Creek Trail in Silverdale, scores of citizens volunteer their time to enhance county parks and improve the quality of life for all citizens.

This past week I went on a hike of Anderson Landing Preserve with Bob McBride, a neighbor of the park and one of its stewardship committee leaders. If you aren’t familiar with Anderson Landing, the 80-acre county park can be found by taking Anderson Hill Road toward Seabeck, and turning right onto Warren Avenue. Simply proceed another 1/4 mile to the parking lot and trail head. 

Bob, several other volunteers and I hiked through the majestic trails of Anderson Landing. he park, located along Hood Canal, has awesome views of the Olympics. It’s very easy to loose a sense of time when you have a spectacular view of Hood Canal on a clear day. At one point, Bob pointed out a tree that has been home to an eagle’s nest. As Bob pointed to the nest, the mother eagle swooped in to all of our amazement. Bob commented that he had made a deal with the eagle to drop by just for the hike. I was just happy I wasn’t late for the tour!

As the weather begins to warm up (let’s hope!), I will highlight more great parks and trails for residents of the Central Kitsap to enjoy. With jobs, raising kids and all the things that make life busy, I know how hard it is to make time to enjoy our natural surroundings. Hopefully writing about these community assets will inspire you to experience some great parks that you may have not had the opportunity to visit.

Central Kitsap Commissioner Josh Brown appears the second Saturday of the month in the CK Reporter.

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