Washington Ferries Launch New Tourism Campaign

Riders on the 6:20 a.m. Bremerton-to-Seattle Ferry today were greeted by a series of new posters designed to drive tourism dollars into the Kitsap Peninsula's many quaint townships and burgs.

The series, which is the brainchild of Yelm-based marketing firm Qwik Grafiks, includes 6 posters -- one each for the towns of Port Orchard, Bremerton, Gorst, Silverdale, Indianola and Purdy -- each with a compelling photo and image of the very best each city has to offer.

"Port Orchard -- When nothing else is open.", "Silverdale -- Denny's and so much more", "Bremerton -- Where Sailors Meet Your Daughters", and "Indianola -- Please Wash  Hands Before Exiting" are just a few of the slogans adorning the ferry walls.

Matt Bundsman, head of marketing and tourism for the Western Washington Association of State Tourism Executives (WASTE), said the new campaign is designed to both drive tourism dollars to the "hidden gems" of the Kitsap Peninsula, but also to help BFFs feel better about their hometowns. "These cities have so much to offer, including basic medical and emergency services, but also parks, attractions and convenience stores," said Bundsman. "We want people to consider a 'stay-cation' this summer and ride the ferries to these gorgous Washington destinations."

Long-time BFF Ben Castleberry Jr. added, "Personally, I am so glad they're finally giving these gems of the peninsula some promotion," he said. "We had a family deal up in Port Orchard over Christmas at the Rotary, right by the waterfront, and it was first-class the whole way. The views of the Navy Yard across the way were inspiring, and we had the deli guy there at Freddie's do the catering. Had a tray of the little canned weiners with some Ranch dip on short notice and they came through real nice," he said. "We had family in from Idaho and they're coming back for a beach visit this summer."

Bundsman said the poster campaign will be augmented later this spring by on-board interpretive dance performed by veterans groups from each of the featuered cities, and in May the program will hit a crescendo of energy when Washington celebrity Grant Goodeve of the 70s TV show "Eight is Enough" will ride the ferry non-stop for a week, signing autographs and filming segments for upcoming episodes of "Northwest Magazine."