Thompson Pile Driving news


3rd of July Barge

Poulsbo man wouldn't let fireworks displays go up in smoke

Kitsap Sun - July 4, 2012

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND — Robert Nitz spent Wednesday checking and rechecking the jungle of wires and explosives crowding a big black barge floating in the middle of Eagle Harbor.

"I want this to go well. I want it to go without a hitch," he said.

It's been a trying week for the part-time pyrotechnician. His trouble started when his entire Fourth of July arsenal — more than 2,000 shells for both the Bainbridge and Poulsbo Fourth of Julyshows — unexpectedly went up in flames late last month. He has spent nearly every waking minute since June 25 scrambling to find replacements, and much of the cost has come out of his pocket.

Read more: here

Cayou tug race.

Stories, laughs, and tug boats

The News Tribune - Sept. 5, 2011

The sound of tug boat horns blended with the melodies of bagpipes Sunday afternoon as 15 tugs departed Percival Landing to race the waters of Budd Inlet. The races capped the 38th annual Harbor Days festivities, where captains shared stories and laughs with each other and the landlubbers who were interested in the history and design of the boats.

More tugs raced Sunday than last year, which organizers say is a direct result of having Percival Landing open.

“We just didn’t have room for the bigger tugs last year,” said festival organizer Nancy Sigafoos.

She said attendance for the three-day festival is the largest it’s been in years.

Read more: The News Tribune misplaced this article. View photo.

Gig Harbor Marine Railways

Construction of Marine Railways Begins at Gig Harbor BoatShop

Kitsap Sun - March 14, 2011

GIG HARBOR — The Gig Harbor BoatShop recently took another giant step toward reestablishing itself as a fully functioning boat building facility.

On March 1, construction of the BoatShop’s two marine railways began, with the installation of the first of 68 piles by Thompson Pile Driving.

According to Guy Hoppen, BoatShop president, there are three components to a boatyard: an actual boat-building shop, a dock and railways — the means by which boats are moved back and forth between the shop and the water.

Restoration of the building was completed in 2009 and the BoatShop — known officially as Eddon Boatyard — opened in November of that year.

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Cayou painting.

Cayou in the arts

Carol Thompson

"This 45' working tug, 'Cayou', from Port Orchard, Washington, is showing her fine form at the Olympia Harbor Days tugboat races, Labor Day weekend."

Artist comment: "'Cayou' is another in the ' tugboat' series from the Harbor Days Tugboat Races in the south Puget sound in Olympia, Washington. This annual event draws tugboat owners from up and down the coastal and inland waters of the area to compete. as they head out to the starting line, people gather around to watch and photograph the colorful sight. On toned Canson Mi-Tientes paper, I have depicted the 'Cayou' in a warm atmosphere, with colorful trees, and glowing clouds in the background, as she heads into position at the starting line."

This image is available as a limited edition giclée print on paper and canvas from an original painting by Carol Thompson. Edition length is 3600 authorized, signed, limited edition prints (3500 numbered and 100 artist proofs). This image is also available as an ACEO and a magnet. Please visit my website for prices and availability of the original painting.

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Cayou fireworks.

Fireworks Show Was Almost a Dud

Kitsap Sun - July 6, 2005

Port Orchard The big Fathoms O' Fun fireworks display in Port Orchard came close to having nowhere from which to fire the shells Monday and having to be canceled, organizers say.

Hopes of saving the $3,000 to $4,000 price of a barge by borrowing one from the Navy fell through just a week before the show, said Al Mahaney and Phil Paquette with Fathoms O' Fun.

Mahaney said he called every barge owner he could think of and couldn't find any not committed for the weekend.

Paul Fritts, owner of Thompson's Pile Driving on Highway 166, was one of them. He said he was committed to provide platforms for four fireworks shows this weekend, using up his fleet of barges, when Port Orchard came calling.

Read more: here