Croatia Day in Gig Harbor

“Sve Hrvatsko” (Everything Croatian) was the theme for the Grand Re-Opening of Skansie Brothers Netshed after a year-long closure for repairs.

The Vela Luka Croatian Dance Ensemble, Bonaca and Ruže Dalmatinke, the Seattle Junior Tamburitzans and Kišobran performed (pictures) to an enthusiastic crowd of heritage families, visitors and local residents. There were food booths, kids coloring & activities, free face-painting, net-mending demonstrations, Croatian pastries, crafts & gifts, books, and the historic Skansie Netshed. Commercial fishing vessels Veteran (a 1926 wood classic built for Peter Skansie) and the Invictus (a wide body Delta owned by Huston & Rachel Vaughan) at Jerisich Dock welcomed visitors with a tour by skipper Mike Skrivanich. Mayor Mary Barber welcomed the crowd and initiated an official opening of the doors by Skansie Netshed Foundation volunteers. Over 1500 guests toured the Netshed. (activities posters)

Even an occasional sprinkle of rain didn’t slow the flow of visitors who enjoyed the festivities throughout the afternoon.

Maria Kesovija leads the Vela Luka dancers…

The Seattle Junior Tamburitzans…

Croatia Day Images by Jan Hein

The colors, tastes, sounds, crafts, demonstrations, and activities of Sve Hrvatsko (Everything Croatian) at Skansie Brothers Park for Croatia Day.

Croatia Day celebrates town’s fishing heritage — and a restored netshed

The Skansie Netshed re-opens to the public on May 31 during a Croatia Day celebration.

Jeannette Shilley was too young to remember when she first saw the Skansie netshed. When she was born in 1971, her Croation-rooted family’s home perched on the hillside just a block or so northwest of the Skansie brothers’ waterfront property.

“I knew the Skansie brothers,” she told Gig Harbor Now during a recent interview at the historic shed. Her face reflected delight in her memories of Antone and Vince, sons of Andrew and Bertha Skansie. They were the last private owners to occupy the pioneer family’s home, garage, yard and, of course, the netshed. read more….

Gig Harbor Now | by Chapin Day