Bookstores are thriving in the Kitsap/Seattle region, and at no time is this more visible than on Independent Bookstore Day.

Saturday, April 29 will see the region’s third consecutive year of parties, exclusive merchandise, author appearances, giveaways and the rigorous Indie Bookstore Challenge, as customers celebrate the role of indie bookstores in the community.

In Kitsap County, Eagle Harbor Book Company and The Traveler, both on Winslow Way, and Liberty Bay Books’ stores in Poulsbo and Bremerton, will host special events throughout the day.

Eagle Harbor Books will have hourly (on the half hour) Literary Cupcake Walks in the store, and will host some of the authors of the “Nasty Women Project” from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

There will be special merchandise available, sales announced throughout the day and portrait picture taking for teams doing the Indie Bookstore Challenge.

What is the Indie Bookstore Challenge?

For the truly dedicated only, visit 19 participating local stores on April 29, get your passport stamped at each store, and receive 25 percent off at all participating stores for a year. In 2015, 42 valiant souls made the trek, and last year that number grew to 120 bookstore champions, EHBC spokeswoman Victoria Irwin said.

Booksellers are expecting the total to increase again this year as word spreads.

Those looking for an easier challenge can get their passports stamped at three or more stores and be entered to win bookstore gift cards.

Independent Bookstore Day started in California in 2014 and was inspired by the success of Record Store Day.

In 2016, 430 stores across the country participated, with sales up an average 200 percent that day. This year, more than 490 stores are participating.

Visit www.indiebookstoreday.com to learn more.