All the dreams, the talk and the media and politicians’ predictions about Bremerton’s revitalization are about to kick start what many see as a new, long-overdue era for Kitsap’s largest city. With the grand opening of the downtown Kitsap Conference Center, one of many landmarks yet to come, the city formerly known as the sleeping, boring giant will have much more to show for itself than dusty and noisy construction sites that created as much traffic nuisance as buzz about great things to come.

And so it is only fitting that such an anticipated day is marked by the fanfare and the celebration planned for the two grand opening dates — complete with invitations to dignitaries such as Gov. Gary Locke and VIPs from corporations like Microsoft, Starbucks and Washington Mutual. After all, part of the idea for revitalization is attracting companies such as those to see Bremerton for what it plans to become, “an emerging city for young professionals” and “an opportunity for smart investment,” in the words of Mayor Cary Bozeman.

“Bremerton has turned a corner, 20 years of economic depression are finally over,” Bozeman said. “This will set the standard for development to come downtown. This is the project we were hoping would turn the city around.”

Not that Bremerton wasn’t noticed before. It has been often ranked in the top places in the country to live, raise children and for safety. But when it came to partaking in the economic boom of the last two decades, Bremerton instead saw a consistent “brain drain,” as its young talent left for other communities.

“People lost confidence in the city but this will increase our self-esteem,” Bozeman said.

The Kitsap Conference Center, with its unique waterfront setting and sweeping views of Sinclair Inlet, is already being booked for 2005 and 2006, said Manager Eric Ruud. Bookings in fact started coming almost a year ago, while the construction cranes were still hovering in the air.

“We are well ahead of what we thought the booking would be,” Ruud said. “We will exceed, or at the very least meet, the budgeted numbers for the year.” From July 31 to the end of December, 59 events were in various stages of reservations, he said. Some are from Kitsap residents and groups, but others are coming from across the water, and range from weddings and retirement parties to three-day conferences.

The 10,000-square-foot center, which is part of the Bremerton Harborside project, can accommodate 10 to 750 people for reception-style events and 360-550 for a sit-down gathering. It will feature four ballrooms, underground parking and state-of-the-art equipment. About 25 employees will staff it, including part-time and on-call, but Ruud said more would be hired as demand grows.

Kitsap Bank President Jim Carmichael receives a tour of the Conference Center from Mayor Cary Bozeman. Kitsap Bank is the Platinum Sponsor for the private opening, and a sponsor for the community grand opening. Community Grand Opening The public is invited to a celebration, on Sunday, Aug. 1, from noon to 7:30 p.m. A dedication ceremony at 1:30 p.m. on the Harborside Steps will include visits by several dignitaries, food, tours, music and activities for kids. Details were still being finalized at presstime. For more details see www.ci.bremerton.wa.us. A July invitation-only private grand opening will feature speakers Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, Congressman Norm Dicks and other distinguished guests.

Ruud said that with the recent downturn in the economy, many event planners book three to six months out instead of one to two years ahead, and the fact that Kitsap Conference Center already has demand for 2006 is an encouraging sign.

Kitsap is not only affordable but has lots to offer, from pristine beauty and recreational activities to a relaxing ferry ride, and when you top that with a center billed as a “first-class facility” in a previously unfilled niche, it almost seems the center could market itself. But attracting users still takes work — as does building a new image for the city.

“We are working hard at it, working hard to market it,” Bozeman said.

If the pouring of millions of dollars in private investments and grants is a measure of that hard work, then the city is succeeding. Bremerton Harborside will include a waterfront hotel, a top-notch office complex, a restaurant, a marina, shopping and condominiums and a regional government center, which are all at different stages of development.

The city called 2003 “the year of the crane and the return of revitalization and economic growth” in an annual report. Perhaps 2004 will be declared as the year when Bremerton rose from its slumber to become one of Puget Sound’s urban gems — and next time the city ranks high on a national poll, it would not be mostly due to its proximity to Seattle and thanks to much more than good schools and views.

Even Money Magazine called Bremerton in June a future hot spot among cities with population less than 250,000, and The Economist saw it as one of top 10 fastest-growing creative centers. Is the Kitsap Conference Center grand opening the historic moment that will mark the beginning of the city’s economic turnaround? It may take another decade to say for certain, but from where Bremerton’s sitting, there is plenty to celebrate indeed.