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🐹 As a Sea Lion Thinketh 🦁🦁
Good morning, Bellingham. This is your Friday update from The Hamster Wheel.
This weekend is the weekend of lights, featuring illuminated boat and auto parades, tree lighting ceremonies, and a brilliantly lit Pioneer Park. The holiday festivities are in full swing, and we’ve curated the very best events to share with you today.
Watch out for mistletoe this weekend, have fun, and be safe out there!
~ Val & Evan
In today’s Hamster Wheel:
California Sea Lions
Olde Fashioned Christmas
Food & Drink
Music & Nightlife
Nature, Community, Sasquatch, UAP
Photos From the Hoods
Foggy Sunrise Ferndale - 📷 by Barb Gibson.
Lights at Barkley Village - 📷 by Susan Hoffmann.
Tag @bellinghamsterwheel on Instagram or reply to this email to get your photos in The Hamster Wheel.
Weather Forecast
Friday: 55°F 🌡️ 47°F | 🌧️ Light Rain | 🌧️ 100% | 💨 ESE 2 to 10 mph
Saturday: 53°F 🌡️ 42°F | 🌧️ Rain | 🌧️ 100% | 💨 S 9 to 13 mph
Sunday: 49°F 🌡️ 40°F | 🌧️ Chance Light Rain | 🌧️ 50% | 💨 S 2 to 8 mph
Bellingham Bay Tides
Day | Time | H/L | FT |
---|---|---|---|
Fri | 1:53 AM | L | -1.31 |
Fri | 9:59 AM | H | 9.20 |
Sat | 2:42 AM | L | -0.60 |
Sat | 10:35 AM | H | 9.16 |
Sat | 6:31 PM | L | 5.45 |
Sat | 8:01 PM | H | 5.80 |
Sun | 3:33 AM | L | 0.40 |
Sun | 11:07 AM | H | 9.15 |
Sun | 6:28 PM | L | 4.23 |
Sun | 10:02 PM | H | 5.20 |
Moon Phases
Weather & Tides from NOAA. Moon data astronomyapi.
Events, Updates & News Around Town
Get off the Hamster Wheel
California Sea Lions Visiting Squalicum Harbor
Last week, we heard that a group of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) had made an appearance in the harbor. Despite our best efforts, we couldn't track them down for a photo, so we asked you for help. The Hamster Fam delivered!! Thank you to everyone who sent photos and videos 🙏.
Hamster Wheel reader and photo contributor Chuck Hardin sent this amazing shot titled “The Thinker.” Love that 😆.
The photo gives us a great look at the dark coloration distinguishing the California sea lion from its close relative, the Stellar sea lion. The tan spot on the top of its head could easily be mistaken for a tuft of hair, but in fact, it’s a bony protrusion called a sagittal crest, which lets us know this is a handsome gentleman sea lion. ♂️
Unlike Harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), which are found in Bellingham Bay year-round, the California sea lions are occasional visitors brought to our waters by the prospect of plentiful salmon snacks passing through the bay on their way to Whatcom Creek and the Nooksack.
Hamsters have been posting about sightings in the Whatcom Creek estuary at Maritime Heritage Park, and on the docks in Squalicum Harbor. These locations are good places to start if you want to see these lovely visitors in person. Send photos if you do!! 🙂
Olde Fashioned Christmas
Each visit to Pioneer Park reminds me how lucky we are to have a richly preserved record of early settler life in Whatcom County. The park consists of 16 original settler homes transported and reassembled southwest of Ferndale. Here's a great map showing each home’s origin and age.
This weekend, the Ferndale Heritage Society is transforming the park into a festive holiday village for Olde Fashioned Christmas, featuring over 90,000 lights and Christmas decorations.
The log cabins will glisten like fresh snowflakes, with costumed volunteers opening their doors to greet visitors and spread holiday cheer.
Stroll along illuminated sidewalks while enjoying Christmas music. Families can meet Santa inside the pavilion, engage in crafts for children, and enjoy refreshments. It’s a magical experience for all ages, so add it to your schedule for tonight (Dec 6) or tomorrow 4-9 PM.
Other festive options…
🎄 Downtown Bellingham Tree Lighting: Embrace the magic of the holiday season by joining the community tradition of lighting Downtown's tree at 1100 Railroad! Starting at 5:30 PM on Saturday, enjoy free cocoa and cookies. Experience the excitement as everyone counts down to 6 PM, when the tree illuminates in a spectacular burst of lights.
🚢 Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade: Beginning on Saturday at 5:30 PM, the parade route can best be seen from the Cruise Terminal and from the Taylor St. boardwalk to Boulevard Park.
You'll see decorated boats from BYC, non-member boats, commercial boats, and USCG boats.
🎄 Ferndale Holiday Tree Lighting: The Ferndale Downtown Association, with special assistance from the local fire department, is kicking off the holiday season with their Annual Tree Lighting event at the Riverwalk starting at 6 PM on Saturday. This year features a brand-new, 30-foot lighted tree, and festive updates to light poles and holiday decorations throughout downtown Ferndale.
✨ Lynden’s Lighted Christmas Parade: Starting at 6 PM on Saturday, spend time with loved ones as a lighted menagerie of cars, trucks, floats, wagons, farm equipment & more drive down Front Street!
The parade starts at the Fairway Shopping Center at Front Street & 17th, then heads east on Front St. to 3rd & Front in downtown.
In other news…
🚜 On Tuesday, the Whatcom County Council approved multiple contracts with the Whatcom Opportunity Council to provide housing and homelessness services in the county. The contracts total approximately 4 million dollars and include funding for the 22 North facility.
🐟️ Senator Maria Cantwell announced yesterday that the Lummi Indian Business Council has been awarded nearly $5.4 million in federal funding to support vital conservation and habitat restoration initiatives.
A grant of $4,999,300 will enable the council to “implement four high-priority projects in the South Fork Nooksack Watershed to benefit the native early Chinook population essential to the recovery of at-risk Puget Sound Chinook” and to preserve the cultural and economic well-being of the Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe.
The council received $382,000 to enhance traditional fish, wildlife, and plant habitats through bird and ungulate monitoring monitoring in the North Fork Nooksack River watershed.
Holiday Markets & Bizarre
Fruitcake For Hamsters ✊
Allied Arts Holiday Festival of the Arts (Daily 10-6)
A Whatcom County holiday tradition for 45 years! The Holiday Festival of the Arts is an indoor and online, five-week-long festival featuring over 100 artisans from our region. Aside from vendors selling their wares, the festival boasts live music, workshops for children, and artists demonstrating their craft. Details.
Elizabeth Station Holiday Market (Sun 12-4)
A cozy winter holiday market featuring local artisans from our community, including Funky's Hot Sauce, Buu Chan, We Can Whimsy Earrings, Trove Earrings, Precious Periwinkle, NW Corner Goods, Auntie M's Flowers.
Lake Whatcom Arts & Craft Fair (Sat 10 AM)
A wide array of crafters and artists at the Lake Whatcom Arts & Craft Fair at Bloedel Donovan Park! BEEHAM Pollinator and Marie's Bees will be here!
Lummi Holiday Bazaar (Sun 9-6 PM)
A festive community event at the Ferndale Events Center showcasing the creativity, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit of local artisans, crafters, and vendors from the Lummi Nation and beyond.
Arts & Ales at Aslan Depot (Sat 6-close)
An annual holiday market featuring amazing local craftspeople. Vending is from 3-8 PM with Cafe Blue serving up warm N/A bevvies. Catch a DJ set from DJ Kitchen Sink from 3-6 PM and live music from The Mortadells 7-9 PM. The Depot will be ALL AGES from open to 6 PM on this day only, so the kiddos can enjoy the holiday spirit.
Lost Giants Cider Company Holiday Makers Market (Sat 2-7 PM)
Attendees 21 and over can browse local vendors and artisans, savoring cider, beer, and wine, and indulge in delicious offerings from Tam Tam Mobile Pizzeria, all while supporting Lydia Place. Admission is free.
Pacific Arts Market (Fri, Sat, Sun 10-6)
40 talented local artists and creatives on site. You'll be meeting them each time you come in! Located at Bellis Fair Mall next to Buffalo Wild Wings.
Youth Winter Craft Fair (Sun 2-4)
All items and baked goods will be handmade by youth ages 15 and under. Bring small bills – all sales are cash only. All items will be priced at $5 or less. Organized by the Bellingham Children's Library and held at Bellis Fair Mall.
Holiday Market on the Farm (Sat 10-2 PM)
Fair Cow's Path Farm in Blaine is hosting a festive holiday market inside their old barn, showcasing beef cuts, tallow body care products, and a wide variety of locally grown and crafted items including goat milk soaps, honey, ornaments, dog treats, handmade crafts, and more. Details.
Bizarre Bazaar: Art Gallery & Holiday Market (Sat, Sun 10-2 PM)
Explore unique handcrafted items such as holiday cards, ornaments, ceramics, jewelry, and plushies while supporting young artists and The Arts Connector’s mission to make art education accessible to all. All proceeds benefit Gabriel's Art Kids programs and their teaching artists. Details.
Skyline Kids Winter Market (Friday 7-8 PM)
Join Skyline Elementary School PTO for the first-ever Skyline Kids Winter Market on Friday in the Skyline Gym. This student-led craft fair features homemade crafts, baked goods, and gently used toys, games, books, and clothes—all priced under $5.
Wander & Yonder Holiday Market (Friday 3-7 PM)
Join Wander Brewing and Yonder Cider for an Indoor/Outdoor Holiday Market at ROAM Coffee + Beer. Shop local with a dozen talented vendors, yummy food from Paellaworks, cider and beer specials, mulled cider wine, Irish Coffees, hot chocolate, and free non-alcoholic warm cider.
Make.Sale Holiday Market (Fri 6-10 PM, Sat 12-5 PM)
This local art market has been running every winter for over a dozen years. Its one of oldest events! Two floors of space featuring nearly two dozen artist take over Make.Shift for a night and a day!
Holiday Shopping at Semiahmoo Marina (Fri 8-4 PM)
Check out local artists and crafters displays at Semiahmoo Marina Gift Shop. Enjoy a Spiced Pumpkin Latte or cup of hot chowder while you wander the aisles of unique and amazing work.
Vital Climbing Gym Winter Market (Sun 3-7 PM)
14 vendors at the gym! The perfect opportunity to shop local this season.
Food & Drinks
Hamsters Gotta Eat
Friday Food Trucks
A Que Tacos @ Goods Local Brews
Back East BBQ @ Wander Brewing
Big Stick Barbecue @ Stemma Brewery
Burnt Side Down @ Stemma Brewery
Dumpling Girls @ Goods Local Brews
El Pollo Feo @ Kulshan Brewery (Roosevelt K2)
El Tapatio @ 4124 Strider Loop Rd
Galley 2 Go @ Stones Throw Brewery
Greektown @ Kulshan Brewery (James St. K1)
Luchadora @ Wander Brewing
Mobile Mouth Hole @ Lowes Parking Lot
Nana J’s @ Kulshan Brewery (James St. K1)
New Public Vegan @ Evil Bikes (700 Harris Ave)
Outpost Eats @ Transition Outpost (5090 Samish Way)
Tacos El Tule @ West Marine (Meridian St)
Tam Tam Pizza @ Lost Giants Cider Co.
The Galley @ Ponderosa Beer + Books
Saturday Food Trucks
A Que Tacos @ Goods Local Brews
Back East BBQ @ Wander Brewing
Big Stick Barbecue @ Stemma Brewery
Burnt Side Down @ Stemma Brewery
Dumpling Girls @ Goods Local Brews
El Pollo Feo @ Kulshan Brewery (Roosevelt K2)
El Tapatio @ 4124 Strider Loop Rd
Galley 2 Go @ Stones Throw Brewery
Greektown @ Kulshan Brewery (James St. K1)
Lil’ Mamas @ Menace Brewing
Luchadora @ Wander Brewing
Nana J’s @ Kulshan Brewery (James St. K1)
New Public Vegan @ Evil Bikes (700 Harris Ave)
Outpost Eats @ Transition Outpost (5090 Samish Way)
Sammies Vegan @ Bellingham Farmers Mkt.
Tam Tam Pizza @ Bellingham Farmers Mkt.
Tam Tam Pizza @ Dockside Mkt.
Tam Tam Pizza @ Lost Giants Cider Co.
The Galley @ Ponderosa Beer + Books
Sunday Food Trucks
Back East BBQ @ Wander Brewing
Big Stick Barbecue @ Stemma Brewery
Burnt Side Down @ Stemma Brewery
Dumpling Girls @ Goods Local Brews
El Pollo Feo @ Kulshan Brewery (Roosevelt K2)
Greektown @ Kulshan Brewery (James St. K1)
Lil’ Mamas @ Menace Brewing
Luchadora @ Wander Brewing
Nana J’s @ Kulshan Brewery (James St. K1)
New Public Vegan @ Evil Bikes (700 Harris Ave)
Outpost Eats @ Transition Outpost (5090 Samish Way)
Stella Sopra @ Stones Throw Brewery
Tam Tam Pizza @ Lost Giants Cider Co.
Because it’s fun to be a lookie-loo
Crash an Open House
609 Marine Drive (Open Sunday 1-3 PM)
This home looks adorable on the inside and out. The yard is big, sunny, and has a private park-like look. The interior looks cozy with fun details like corrugated metal wall coverings. Listing.
1254 Paradise Road (Open Sat 11 AM - 12:30 PM)
Someone did a fantastic job renovating this late-70s home with a rich mix of wood surfaces. Tight knot cedar wall and ceilings, clear fir structural elements, and a mix of maple and birch cabinets. It would be fun to swing by this one and sense the vibe. Listing.
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Music & Nightlife
Spinning Into The Night
Friday Music
Aslan Depot | BJ Block Trio Jazz | 8 PM
Bar Two Eleven | Seven Second Window Rock | 9 PM
Bistro at Shuksan | Thomas Harris Quartet Jazz | 5 PM
Dancing Fish Vineyards | The Unknowns Blues Jazz | 5:30 PM
First Congregational Church | Vox Pacifica Choral | 7 PM
Greene’s Corner | North Country Highway Folk Rock | 6 PM
Honey Moon | Petrichor Folk | 8 PM
Hotel Bellwether | Marvin Johnson Jazz | 6 PM
Odd Fellows at the Orion | Crimson Follies Cabaret | 8 PM
Old Edison | The Enthusiasts/Grizzly Troubadour/Kaizen Folk Rock | 7 PM
Ramble Tamble | Frog Rocket, Orange Orange Rock | 8 PM
The Blue Room | Spanky & The Bears, Lemon Bear, Bear Weight Rock | 7 PM
Stones Throw | Bluegrass First Friday Folk | 6 PM
Sugar & Co. | Margaret Wilder Rock R&B | 7 PM
The Admiralty Lounge | The Moving Hats Celtic | 7 PM
The Shakedown | Karl Blau, St. Yuma, Bird Harlow Funk Folk Punk | 9 PM
The Vault | Brian Cunningham and Jan Peters Jazz | 7 PM
Friday Games & Trivia
None Scheduled
Saturday Music
Bar Two Eleven | Zepparella Rock | 9 PM
First Congregational Church | Vox Pacifica Choral | 3 PM
Graham’s | Just Like Jericho Rock | 8 PM
Honey Moon | The Problem Jazz | 8 PM
Hotel Bellwether | Bill MacDonough Jazz | 6 PM
Odd Fellows at the Orion | Stratus Quartet Jazz | 8 PM
Ramble Tamble | Hopnotic Trio Funk | 7 PM
Skylark’s | FireCreek Rock | 8 PM
Stones Throw | Tyler Clarke Blues Jazz Folk | 5 PM
Sugar & Co. | Downtown Chaos | 7 PM
The Blue Room | XMAS RAVE - DJ Lay, Smokee, Yamads, DJ Chemist, Greg the Man Electronic | 7 PM
The Shakedown | Whores, Stainless, Tacos! Rock | 8:30 PM
Wild Buffalo | Champagne Drip Electronic | 9 PM
Saturday Games & Trivia
None Scheduled
Sunday Music
Kulshan | Broken Bow Stringband Folk | 5 PM
Old Edison | Freddy & The Longshots Country | 5:30 PM
Ramble Tamble | Open Mic | 7 PM
Sunday Games & Trivia
Trivia Night @ Stemma Brewing Co. | 5:30 PM
Hakuna matata
To All Our Readers
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Have a great Friday!!