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Thank you so very, very much!!
What a wonderful time we had at Christmas in the Country 2008! Please visit the Highlights Page to view a slideshow of memories from the event. Thank you so much for making Christmas in the Country so successful in many ways: artists sharing their unique and beautiful handmade products, musicians filling the air with song, ponies lovingly carrying children on their backs, Santa hearing children's treasured wishes, shoppers finding the perfect gift, yummy foods filling the tummy, and especially the hosts opening and sharing their amazing homes and historic structures. Please anticipate another amazing event this December 4, 5 & 6, 2009. See you then!
You may add your name to our email contacts on the Comments/Email list page.
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Christmas in the Country 2008
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December 5, 6 & 7
Friday & Saturday 10am~5pm
Sunday 11am~5pm
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| Berry Merry Christmas, original art by Christy Camerer |
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| View of Bainbridge Island and Eagle Harbor ferry dock in Winslow backdropped by the Olympic Mountains |
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Embark upon a creative journey! Board a Washington State ferry from the Coleman Dock in downtown Seattle cruising westward on the waters of Puget Sound. Backdropped by the Olympic Mountains, Bainbridge Island is a thirty-two square mile sylvan tapestry of pastoral fields and wooded hills lapped by the waters of Puget Sound. Bainbridge has a rich history that includes two sawmills and berry farming, a thriving arts culture, notable gardens, farms, parks,and winery, Islandwood environmenta education center, and a small historic business district in downtown Winslow supported by outlying neighborhood service centers and industrial parks. Predominantly a bedroom community, Bainbridge has a high preponderance of cottage industries tucked within the rural setting of the Island. The island is connected on the north end to the Kitsap Penninsula via the Agate Pass Bridge.
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About Christmas in the Country
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It's Festive!
It's Funtabulous!
It's Fantastical!
It's Free!
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| Christmas in the Country, held annually the first Friday, Saturday & Sunday of December is the premier winter holiday event on Bainbridge Island that launches the celebration of the Christmas season. It began in 1993 as a community event that supports home-based business entreprenuers, nonprofit organizations, artists, authors, and musicians. Following a map, visitors drive the rural roads and stop at quaint historic cottages, farms, fascinating homes built by the owners, or nonprofit venues. One can experience first hand a historical perspective of some of the early 1900 Bainbridge Island homes or meet native born Islanders, descendants of indivdiuals significant to Island history. There are venues tucked deep within tall stands of Douglas fir and cedar trees and others in various neighborhood hills and dales. Some of the homes and buildings were built between 1910-1930 in conjunction with two large sawmills that operated on both ends of the Island. Adventure to take the Christmas in the Country tour exploring backwoods Bainbridge. Enter cozy, private homes and buildings to discover the creations of local and regional artists, authors, and musicians, as well as, unique gift items, epicurean delights, and free entertainment.
The free, driving tour is suitable for all ages. Besides holiday shopping that is unique and personal, there are activities for children including free pony rides and Santa visits. Christmas in the Country is festive & fun!! Seven fascinating venues welcome you to stop in and experience history, meet fascinating artists and their handmade arts & crafts, savor epicurean delights, and enjoy festive music, activities and décor. Enchanting decorative themes at some of the venues will captivate your imagination. Share in a family’s traditional Norwegian Christmas celebration or the magic of a snowy scene depicting winter's propensity to "Let it snow, let it snow!" Bathe in the fascinating charm and hominess within the classy and historic homes. Encounter Santa and his elves in the rustic coziness of a family built barn. Enjoy the mirth of children riding a pony in a bucolic equestrian stable.
Due to tight quarters and varying levels, most of the home venues are not wheelchair accessible inside. Some have outdoor artists and food vendors, however. The following venues can accommodate wheelchairs: Countryman Stables, Hazel Creek Farm, Lynwood Commons, and the Creativity Center.
Please consider carpooling as parking is limited. For safety and to avoid traffic congestion when parking on our narrow country roads, please pull completely off the road onto the shoulder. Note: Bathroom facilities and charge card services are limited.
Visit The Tour page for Venues and Artist/Activities list.
Visit The Map page for help in locating each stop.
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Lynwood Commons
Just north of historic Lynwood Center, Lynwood Commons opened in 2002 developed as a mixed use complex of apartments, offices, and restaurants by Morrie and Kathy Blossom. Sarah Blossom, manager, hosts artists in Suite G. Learn more about the Blossom family history on the Fascinating Facts page.
Countryman Stables
Rick & Kathy Countryman generously offer free pony rides for children 12 & under in a covered arena, Saturday and Sunday, 12-2pm. The Countryman’s Bainbridge Island roots run deep into the rich soil of Island ancestry. See the contribution to Island history that Kathy's great grandfather made on the Fascinating Facts page.
Blackberry Hill Farm
Blackberry Hill Farm and Bicycle Inn B&B, home of Bart & Dana Berg, sits in the middle of twelve sun-filled, quiet acres of field and forest with a spring fed pond and 200 foot fir trees. Experience A Norwegian Christmas as the Berg’s honor Bart’s Norwegian heritage and share customary traditions of cardamom coffee, krumkakke, and bunads. If you don’t know what those are, come and find out or see the Fascinating Facts page.
Bainbridge Island Creativity Center
The Creativity Center, home to the nonprofit Return to Creativity established by Pam Christiansen and associates, provides a space for community sharing. It assists individuals of all levels to open, expand, and be more confident in their creative expression. Experience a crystalline, snowy cold ambience as the Creativity Center depicts the theme, "Let it snow, Let it snow". Learn more about the philosophy and programs at the Creativity Center on the Fascinating Facts page.
Sweetlife Farm
Nestled deep in the woods, bees hum busily visiting herbal flowers and pollinating berry blossoms that become the ingredients used in the natural farm raised products created by Bob & Nancy Fortner at Sweetlife Farm. A visit to their lodge-style home is a visual gratification and their cottage industry a testimony to expressed creativity and dedication to hard work. Read more about Sweetlife Farm on the Fascinating Facts page.
The Little Yellow Farmhouse (1916)
Just above Manitou Beach sits The Little Yellow Farmhouse, yellow for sure and cute as can be replete with aged apple trees, white picket fence and 1948 Farmall tractor. Warm, welcoming hospitality exudes from owner Lucia Olson so come, be a guest! Visit Fascinating Facts for additional information.
Hazel Creek Farm (1921)
This rustic and bucolic five acre family compound was hand-built by owners Ollie and Janice Pedersen and is also home to the Hazel Creek Montessori School. During Christmas in the Country, the barn is bursting with activity, music and the happy sounds of Christmas wishes shared with Santa and his elves in Santaland. See photos and expanded story on Fascinating Facts.
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Visitor Information ~ Lodging & Resources
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Details of the free, self-guided driving tour are found on The Tour page. Download the venue/artist list with map (download available in November) or visit The Map page.
Pick up a brochure with map and tour details at the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce in November (206.842-3700) on the corner of Highway 305 and Winslow Way, 590 Winslow Way E, www.bainbridgechamber.com.
Ferry schedule information, 206-464-6400, 888-808-7977 or www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/
For lodging on Bainbridge Island and nearby: www.bainbridgelodging.com .
For help in finding business or other services while visiting Bainbridge Island go to www.visitkitsap.com or www.FinditKitsap.com, a fast, easy way to find anyone from Gig Harbor to Port Ludlow...and every place in between.
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Quick index to activities found on The Tour page
Pony Rides - Countryman Stables: Sat & Sun, 12-2pm
Santa Photos - Hazel Creek Farm: Newly added hours; Fri. 11am-5pm, Sat 10am-noon, 1-5pm & Sun 11am-4pm
Musical Entertainment - Hazel Creek Farm, Creativity Center (see Tour page for times)
Lunch - Treehouse Cafe, Walt's Market, Salmon Canyon Cafe
Hot food & drinks - Edna's Beach Cafe, Hazel Creek Farm, The Little Yellow Farmhouse
Shuttle Bus Service - Details: Last Minute Updates
Tiny Tim collection - All venues
Christmas in the Country cares about individuals crippled by financial or other circumstances. We collect funds at each venue in our Tiny Tim Adopt-a-Family Fund to distribute to local families. Thank you for your generous donations.
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This event is a cooperative effort by valued individuals and groups. Some contribute financially to the success of Christmas in the Country but all invest their time, talents, and energy to make your visit to Bainbridge Island and each venue a special and memorable time.
Hosts:
First and foremost the venue owners deserve kudos for opening their hearts and homes and studios to the community and guest artists, authors and musicians: Sarah Blossom, Rick & Kathy Countryman, Bart & Dana Berg, Pam Christiansen, Bob & Nancy Fortner, Lucia Olson, and Ollie & Janice Pedersen.
Entertainment:
Music - Norm Johnson, Music Community Resources, www.musiccommunityresources.com
Production:
Graphic design - Rachel Bauch and Jeanette Alexander (map)
Printing, posters- Steve Soames, Olympic Reprographics www.olyrepro.com
Poster art - Christy Camerer
Website - Sharon Soames
Marketing & Promotion:
The Bainbridge Review - www.bainbridgereview.com
The Bainbridge Islander - www.bainbridgeislander.com
The Kitsap Sun - www.kitsapsun.com
BIAHC, Currents - www.artshum.org
The Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce - www.bainbridgechamber.com
www.visitkitsap.com
www.finditkitsap.com
www.bainbridgeneighbors.com
Signs & Banners:
Sound Reprographics
Courtier Signs
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Feature Sponsors:
Stephen Romein and Ty Cramer, Lynwood Center owners
Promoting Sponsors:
Lynwood Commons (Morrie, Kathy & Sarah Blossom) - lynwood_commons@hotmail.com
Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce - www.bainbridgechamber.com
Supporting Sponsors:
Buckley & Buckley Real Estate - www.BuckleyRealEstate.com
Coldwell Banker McKenzie Associates/Georg Syvertson - www.cbmckenzie.com
Town & Country Market -(Rick Peterson, BI Manager) www.tcmarkets.com
Our nonprofit affiliates:
Bainbridge Island Creativity Center & Revelada
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| A winter day at historic Lynwood Center, photo courtesy of Bainbridge Historical Society |
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Greetings from our Director
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| Sharon Soames, Director |
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We at Christmas in the Country encourage you to take this creative journey and enjoy a very fun-filled and unique weekend on Bainbridge Island full of merry memories.
May you have a very Merry Christmas in the Country!
Sharon Soames, Founder and Director
Christmas in the Country LLC
(206) 842-6883
chrisincountry@aol.com
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