Longbranch celebrates 50 years afloat

Hugh McMillan

Special to the Gateway

Longbranch will not soon forget the beautiful warm, sunny day which graced its celebration of “50 Years Afloat” for the Longbranch Marina’s dock.

It started with a full-course breakfast enjoyed by about 200 people who came from as near as the Key Peninsula and as far away as California. Several came on private boats to spend the night.

Among the notables who attended the dock dedication were state Sen. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, and Pierce County Council member Terry Lee, R-Gig Harbor.

About noon, Marina dockmaster Mark Jones told the audience the history that went into the making of the marina.

An antique car show at the Longbranch Improvement Club followed, and other events included bingo, an egg toss, watermelon speed eating, a crab race, a life ring toss competition and dinghy races.

The day ended with a well-attended dinner, auction and dance, with music by The Daily Flash.

Dave Wickland, who helped organize the event, said it was “a delight, fun, and even more successful than we could imagine.”