The Hamster Wheel
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🐹 Dangling In The Ham 🎪🎪

🐹 Dangling In The Ham 🎪🎪

November 22, 2024

Good morning, Bellingham. This is your Friday update from The Hamster Wheel.

Friends, another round of strong winds is forecasted for this weekend. Be extra careful when driving or walking in areas with overhanging limbs. Sudden Valley had a lot of treefalls earlier this week, which may have thinned the weaker trees, but please be careful nonetheless.

Have a rockin’ weekend! 🤘

~ Val & Evan

In today’s Hamster Wheel:

Festival of the Arts
Avian Influenza
Food & Drink
Music & Nightlife

Nature, Community, Sasquatch, UAP

Photos From the Hoods

Old City Hall - 📷 by Evan.

Full Moon - 📷️ by Richard Marcus

Tag @bellinghamsterwheel on Instagram or reply to this email to get your photos in The Hamster Wheel.

Weather Forecast

Friday: 56°F 🌡️ 44°F | 🌧️ Rain Showers | 🌧️ 100% | 💨 ESE 14 to 23 mph

Saturday: 52°F 🌡️ 41°F | 🌧️ Rain Showers | 🌧️ 80% | 💨 SE 12 mph

Sunday: 49°F 🌡️ 37°F | 🌧️ Rain Likely | 🌧️ 70% | 💨 E 12 mph

Bellingham Bay Tides

Day	Time	H/L	FT
Fri	3:16 AM	L	0.17
Fri	11:30 AM	H	8.97
Fri	7:05 PM	L	5.11
Fri	8:44 PM	H	5.54
Sat	4:13 AM	L	1.19
Sat	12:10 PM	H	8.78
Sat	7:42 PM	L	4.20
Sat	10:34 PM	H	4.99
Sun	5:12 AM	L	2.21
Sun	12:41 PM	H	8.60
Sun	8:10 PM	L	3.26

Moon Phases

Weather & Tides from NOAA. Moon data astronomyapi.

Events, Updates & News Around Town

Get off the Hamster Wheel

Festival of the Arts Kicks Off Today!

The Allied Arts 45th Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts is a staple of Bham holiday shopping. I remember my mom “dragging” me through when I was eight or nine (probably rocking a rad dolphin tee) wondering how anyone could spend that much time feeling fabrics and smelling soaps. Now I get it… cus it’s awesome! 😉

There will be over 100 booths filled with one-of-a-kind gifts, specialty foods, stunning jewelry, and beautiful paintings, all from local artisans and craftspeople.

The festival includes live local music, artist demonstrations, and engaging workshops throughout the weekends. Families are welcome, with free admission for kids who can participate in creative art projects. The festival webpage has a schedule of music and children’s art activities.

Support local artists and enjoy a vibrant holiday shopping experience all in one place. This year's market is at 1331 Commercial St. in the old bank building diagonally across from Crown Plaza.

BCG Aerial Showcase 2024 – Tickets Now Available!

Grab tickets now for the Bellingham Circus Guild’s Aerial Showcase, which runs between the 5th and 8th of December.

BCG promises “something truly magical - incredible performers flying, spinning, and dancing through the air! Watch in wonder as our talented aerialists soar overhead on colorful silks, twirl on sparkling hoops, and perform jaw-dropping feats on the trapeze.” All-ages shows, and 21+ Cabaret performances are scheduled, and opening night includes a pre-show happy hour featuring signature cocktails and drink specials. Details & Tickets.

In other news…

🚗 This week, the city council approved a contract to replace the traffic light-controlled intersection at James St and Bakerview with a roundabout. The work will include new sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, street lighting, and stormwater facilities.

The staff report provided by the city notes that “This project seeks to correct [..] service issues for all modes [of transportation] that will continue to worsen as development of the King Mountain neighborhood increases.” This project will begin in the spring of 2025.

🎨 I’ve yet to drive over the Thornton overpass in Ferndale as it’s off the beaten track for our family, but we’re going to make a special trip next week to check out these 18-foot-tall fiddlehead fern sprig sculptures!! Love it so much 😝😁!!

These fabulous creations, by sculpture artist Don Anderson, were installed last Friday on either side of the overpass, so I anticipate we’ll be able to drive right between them. Here’s the announcement from the Ferndale Arts Commission.

🐔 A backyard flock in Whatcom County has tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), the county announced this week. To prevent the spread of the disease, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is depopulating the flock, which contains a mix of turkey, chicken, and ducks.

If you have a backyard coop and are wondering what symptoms to watch for, we found a good reference from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website. We also found an interesting infographic from the CDC that explains the timeline from the emergence of the virus until the present.

Hopefully, this infection will be an isolated occurrence. 🤞

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.

Sudden Valley Holiday Market (Sat 10-3)
Experience the annual Sudden Valley Holiday Market, featuring an outdoor section on the green beside the barn. Enjoy a festive atmosphere with various unique vendors, perfect for finding the ideal holiday gifts and celebrating the season. Details.

Mercato delle Bontà Holiday Market (Sat 11-3)
I can’t find much detail about this one, but the photos on Instagram look really cute, and it’s an excuse to go check out the shops in the Granary Building. 🙂 Sounds like the vendors change every week. Details.

Rome Grange Holiday Bazaar (Sat 9-4)
Find a variety of homemade arts, crafts and delicious foods. Capture fun moments at the photo backdrop and entertain the kids at the craft station. Details.

Deming Logging Show Holiday Bazaar (Sat 10-4)
Food and crafts from neighbors in the Deming neighborhood. Details.

Wiser Lake Craft Bazaar (Fri 12-6, Sat 9-4)
Discover a variety of local vendors at the Holiday Market, featuring everything from baked goods to home decor—perfect for finding Christmas gifts! Enjoy complimentary coffee and cider while you shop, and support the 4-H kids fundraising downstairs. Details.

Christianson's Nursery Holiday Market (Sun 10-4)
Explore the Skagit Valley Holiday Market for unique treasures from local artists, festive finds, artisanal treats, and a joyful atmosphere to kick off the holiday season! Don’t miss this delightful shopping experience filled with holiday cheer. Details.

Semiahmoo Marina Christmas Holiday Crafters Market (Fri 8-4)
An enchanting Crafters Market, showcasing stunning creations from our talented local artists and crafters. Discover unique handmade gifts and breathtaking artwork while enjoying a cozy spiced pumpkin latte or a delicious cup of hot chowder. Details.

Oak Harbor Holiday Market (Daily 11-4)
A fantastic lineup of local vendors offering unique, island-made products you won’t find anywhere else Details.

Jingle "Belles" - La Conner Ladies Night (Fri 4-8)
Enjoy sipping champagne, taking festive photos by the Christmas tree, and receiving a swag bag from the La Conner Chamber office. Celebrate the season with a delightful evening of community spirit, stylish finds, and holiday cheer. Details.

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

3982 Saltspring Drive (Open Sun 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM)
This is the ultimate location on Sandy Point Shores. A beachfront property facing south with Mt Baker and San Juan Island views. Imagine drinking coffee and watching storms roll through this winter. ⛱️ Listing.

1419 10th Street, Anacortes (Open Fri 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM)
I got a little obsessed with commercial/residential conversions this week and wanted to find one for the newsletter. I came up blank in Bham but found the beauty in Anacortes. This place looks gorgeous and cozy. Lunch at the Rockfish and stopping by this open would be a fun outing today 👍️ . Listing.

Help Spread The Word

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Music & Nightlife

Spinning Into The Night

Friday Games & Trivia
None Scheduled

Saturday Games & Trivia
None Scheduled

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!!