Inaugural centennial event set for Jan. 12

POULSBO — Wine only gets better with age, and perhaps Poulsbo has, too, as the Norwegian town prepares to celebrate its 100th civic birthday next year with an inaugural event to commemorate a century of history, establishment and change.

And unlike the average birthday, this is no simple pizza party affair.

The Centennial Planning Committee has created a foray into the new year involving displays of Little Norway’s past, commemorative mementos and even a blend of wine created just for the occasion.

“We are really excited to start promoting this because all the plans are underway,” said committee liaison to the city Carly Michelson. “Tickets are going to go fast. There’s already an informal waiting list.”

The event will be held at the Sons of Norway lodge Jan. 12, and tickets go on sale Nov. 15. Each will cost $35, and provide entry into a wine-tasting, hours d’oeuvres event as well as a collectable centennial wine glass and all proceeds will go to the Historical Poulsbo Society.

“We’re going to have historic displays up throughout the building,” Michelson said. “There’s going to be digital shows that are going to depict the civic history of Poulsbo... It’s really going to focus on how each department was created, why we decided to form a city government.”

A timeline and history of all mayors and council members will be a part of the display, which will also be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during a free open house.

An 11 a.m. ceremony is set to honor the city’s pioneer ancestors, and the Leikarringen children’s dance group and Clover Blossom Band will both perform.

At a 7:30 p.m. ceremony, electorates will be invited to speak and Poulsbo’s centennial wine and label will be unveiled.

“It’s going terrifically,” said councilwoman and committee chair Connie Lord of planning. “We’ve got tons of people that have stepped up to the plate already to volunteer and we’re looking for more.”

Lord said committee members are continuing to look for sponsors locally in an effort to promote area merchants in return for making the year-long party possible. The inaugural event has been a focus of the group as well, and she said she’s pleased with the results they’ve achieved.

“It’s just going to be a very memorable event,” he said. “We’re counting on lots of people turning out.”

Also planned for the centennial year is a summer street dance, rowing event, the Centennial Park grand opening and fall harvest event at Fish Park. Michelson said the committee would also like to see special curriculum incorporated into area schools. Celebrations will wrap up at a Julefest event in December. On sale all year will be lapel pins and T-shirts with the city’s centennial logo, and a pin designed to match special police badges that the force will be wearing all year will also be available.

Any businesses or individuals interested in participating in the year long celebration can call Michelson at (360) 779-1259 for more sponsorship information. Tickets for the centennial inaugural event will be

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.