Islanders4Arts launches Bainbridge Arts and Culture Fair at Chilly Hilly finish line

Live music, food, wine and beer await at the Arts and Culture Fair at the finish line of the Chilly Hilly bike ride from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at Bainbridge Commons, 402 Brien Dr. The Arts and Culture Fair, an independent event organized by Islanders4Arts, a new arts organization on Bainbridge, will feature some of the island’s cultural highlights: Local favorites, Ranger and the ReArrangers, will perform live Gypsy jazz music; Bainbridge Island authors Susan Wiggs (“Lakeshore Christmas”), Carol Castella (“Oxygen”), Jennie Shortridge (“When She Flew”) and Mary Guterson (“Gone to the Dogs”) will be on hand with Rebecca Judd from Bainbridge Public Library, and other authors who will sign books.

Local businesses will showcase the island’s culinary agri-tourism by featuring menu items with at least 30 percent local and regional ingredients. Participating businesses include 122 Winslow Way, Blackbird Bakery, Bainbridge Island farms, Churchmouse Yarns and Tea, Eagle Harbor Book Company, Ethel Molina, Pane d’Amore Bakery, Safeway, Seven Seas Brewing Company, Eleven Winery, and GEM LLC.

“Our community is really supportive of the “Buy Local” sustainable movement, and did not need much encouragement to make the leap,” said Elizabeth Gadbois, founder of Islanders4Arts.

The fair will also give organizations an opportunity to reinforce Bainbridge as a year-round destination. The Bainbridge Community Piano Association, IslandWood and the Bainbridge in Bloom Garden Tour, Kitsap Regional Library and KiDiMu will have information booths.

Islanders4Arts will promote its upcoming Tour of Architects. Seattle Homes and Lifestyles, title sponsor of the event, will be distributing copies of the March issue featuring several pages about the Tour of Architects.

For more information, call (206) 819-3618 or visit www.islanders4arts.com.