🐹 Kangaroo On The Loose 🦘🦘

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

It looks like we’ll have a sunny weekend. I hope you have an opportunity to get out and enjoy this rare respite from the winter doldrums. We’re going to bundle up and soak in whatever rays come our way. ☀️ 

Have fun, stay safe, and we’ll see you out there!

🍰 Birthday Callout 🍰 

Happy birthday Karen Elmhirst 🎉 

~ Val & Evan

In today’s Hamster Wheel:

• Kangaroo on Galbraith

• FIFA World Cup

• Food & Drink

• Music & Nightlife

Nature, Community, Sasquatch, UAP

Photos From the Hoods

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

Weather Forecast

Friday: 43°F 🌡️ 30°F | ☀️ Sunny | 🌧️ 0% | 💨 NE 1 to 9 mph

Saturday: 41°F 🌡️ 29°F | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 🌧️ 0% | 💨 NNE 6 mph

Sunday: 43°F 🌡️ 27°F | ☀️ Sunny | 🌧️ 0% | 💨 NE 6 mph

Bellingham Bay Tides

Moon Phases

Weather & Tides from NOAA. Moon data astronomyapi.

Events, Updates & News Around Town

Get off the Hamster Wheel

Kangaroo Loose on Galbraith

Bellingham’s social media ecosystem was positively crackling with curiosity over the last couple of days after a post (which has since been taken down), implored hamster to be on the lookout for a pet Kangaroo roaming the Galbraith hillsides. The Kangaroo is named Sugar, and is described as: small, adept at using dog doors, and willing to eat bread from your hand. See Sugar below: 👇️ She’s pretty darn cute. 🥰 

I’m not going to link to any of the screenshots of this post that have popped up online as they contain personal contact information for the owner. If you find Sugar, a simple Google search will surface this information.

We hope this missing marsupial was found safe and is now back home with her adopted family. 🙏 Keep your eyes peeled until we know for sure.

Bham an Official Fan Zone for FIFA World Cup 2026

Mayor Kim Lund announced this week that Bellingham has been selected as one of nine official fan zone cities in Washington State for FIFA World Cup in 2026. Our city will serve as a hub for watch parties, fan activations, and cultural activities highlighting the best of the Pacific Northwest.

I'm embarrassed to admit I didn't know the FIFA World Cup was being held in Seattle. That's how poorly I follow sports. 🤦 

As a fan zone, Bellingham will broadcast the six World Cup matches played in Seattle at local venues, including a special game featuring Team USA on June 19. The initiative comes with state and federal funding support for enhanced security and small business readiness, ensuring local vendors and community partners benefit from the influx of fans.

Moving forward, Bellingham is assembling a team of local experts and forging partnerships with organizations like the Port of Bellingham and Visit Bellingham to plan for transportation, business support, and event logistics. The work being done now is intended to create an exceptional fan experience in 2026 and leave a lasting legacy that boosts economic opportunities and positions Bellingham as a perennial destination for visitors.

In other news…

🌲 The City of Bellingham and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA), are holding their annual volunteer work party in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service this Saturday (Jan 18).

The day will begin with a commemorative community event in honor of Dr. King from 10 AM to 12 PM at Bellingham High School. Listen to panel discussions and enjoy a free community breakfast. Then head over to Squalicum Creek Park where native trees and shrubs will be planted to improve water quality and restore downstream salmon habitat near Willow Spring. The work party will run from 12:30-3:30 PM. Details & Registration.

✈️ Did you hear unusually loud jet engine sounds from the Bellingham Airport yesterday? It was most likely from a group of EA-18G Growlers from the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island that spent the prior night on our tarmac due to foggy conditions. 👇️ 

Local Business Updates

Haggling With Local Folk

Beach Cat Brewing Coming to Bellingham

Beach Cat, the Birch Bay based brewery, has been hinting at a new location in downtown Bellingham for several weeks. A recent Instagram post taken from the site of their installation makes clear the new location will be in the industrial waterfront buildings across the waterway from Waypoint Park.

I for one think this is great!! While the new condominiums and apartment blocks being built around town are fine, I’m pleased anytime I see new-Bellingham businesses using old-Bellingham industrial infrastructure. It helps to preserve a little of the old character of Bellingham. It honors our rich history of commercial fishing, timber falling, maritime industry, and the blue collar families that have called Bellingham home for generations.

Bayou on Bay Final Hurrah

Bayou on Bay, which has been serving delicious Cajun/Creole and Southern cuisine on the corner of Holly and Bay Street for 18 years, announced this week that they will close in early March.

“Deciding to close hasn’t been easy” says founder Steve Crosier. “This place has given me purpose and filled my life with so many unforgettable moments. But as my daughters have lovingly reminded me, change is part of life’s journey.”

Steve describes how the next couple of months will include a celebration of their incredible journey through revisiting throwback dishes and sharing memories. Then, a final Marti Gras celebration to close out a nearly two-decade run in the heart of Bellingham.

Bellingham Dockside Market

Seafood From The Salish Sea

The Bellingham Dockside Market is open tomorrow (Jan 18), from 10 AM to 2PM at the Fishermen's Pavilion in Squalicum Harbor.

Sleipnir Fish/Blue Harvest
💙(Fresh) Whole fresh WA black cod, 💙(Fresh) Whole fresh WA rockfish

DJ Fish Co
Frozen WA king salmon fillets, Smoked king salmon

Icy Fresh Seafood
IQF side stripe shrimp whole and tails, IQF coonstripe shrimp tails, IQF spot shrimp tails

Crab Bellingham
💙(Fresh) Live Dungeness crab, Frozen-at-sea whole albacore tuna (F/V Connie H), 💙(Fresh) Taylor Shellfish clams, mussels & oysters, Lummi Island Sea Greens dried sugar kelp, San Juan Island Sea Salt

Slack Tide Fisheries
Frozen local king salmon fillets and portions, Frozen Alaskan sockeye salmon fillets and portions, Canned coho salmon, 💙(Fresh) Live Dungeness crab

Sea to Shore Seafood Co.
Salmon (various portions), Frozen boneless skinless halibut, Smoked frozen salmon, Shelf-stable smoked salmon, Alaska Weathervane scallops

Lummi Seafood Market
💙(Fresh) Live red and green sea urchin, Refreshed whole and filleted local coho salmon, Refreshed local king salmon fillets and whole, Frozen local spot prawns, Canned local king salmon, Smoked king salmon, 💙(Fresh) Live Dungeness crab

Jean C. Family Fisheries
Frozen black cod sides and portions, Smoked black cod, Frozen rockfish portions, Frozen ling cod portions, Frozen albacore tuna

Lummi Island-based Legoe Bay Reefnetter Food Truck will be onsite this Saturday to serve reefnet-caught pink salmon and chips, reefnet-caught pink salmon tacos, and smoked salmon chowder.

When they’re not at Dockside, Legoe Bay Reefnetter can be found at 2106 S Nugent Rd, Lummi Island, from 11-7 Tues-Wed, and 11-6 Fri-Sun serving “the freshest and most delicious seafood the Salish Sea has to offer.” Field trip!! ⛴️ 

Bellingham’s own It's the Sweet Things will serve Salmon & crab pastries along with Freshly baked desserts.

When they’re not at Dockside, It's the Sweet Things serves “delectable artisan cupcakes, handcrafted desserts, and freshly baked pastries“ from their downtown bakery at 1206 Cornwall Ave.

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
Calcutta by Simmering Tava @ K2
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
Calcutta by Simmering Tava @ K2
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
Calcutta by Simmering Tava @ K2
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

627 Linden Road (Open Sun 12-3 PM)
I didn’t know houses like this existed in Bellingham! It’s enormous, beautiful, and swanky. 😁 And yes, that’s an outdoor heated pool 👆️ 🏊️. Plus, you’ll find a sauna, hot tub, and a yoga studio! This one would absolutely be fun to walk through. Listing.

445 Highland Dr. (Open Sat 12-2 PM)
When I was a middle school hamster growing up on the southside, I would ride my bike through the University and then across South Hill by way off Highland Drive. I found the homes on the west side of the road fascinating. They reminded me of tree houses towering above Fairhaven. This was one of those homes. 👆️ Listing.

Performance Arts This Week

Dance of The Hamsters

Hot Box:
iDiOM Theater | Thurs, Fri, Sat 7:30 PM

STOMP:
Mt Baker Theatre | Mon 7 PM

Into the Woods:
New Prospect Theatre | Sat, Sun 7 PM; Sun 2 PM; understudies Sun 7 PM

Vaudevillingham:
Bellingham Circus Guild | Wed 7 PM

Bachata : WWU Salsa and Bachata Club @ Viking Union MPR | Mon 7 PM
 Swing : B’ham Hop @ Hotel Leo Crystal Ballroom | Tues 7 PM
Cuban Salsa : Beginning Cuban Salsa @ Rumba Northwest | Tues 6 PM
Cuban Salsa : Intermediate Cuban Salsa @ Rumba Northwest | Tues 7:15 PM
Scottish Country : Scottish Dancing Workshops @ Fairhaven Library | Wed 7 PM
 Tango : Tango Practica @ The Majestic Ballroom | Wed 6:30 PM.
Bachata : Bham Bachata @ ‘ONO Kitchen & Bar | Thurs 7:30 PM
Pop/EMD : Sorry For Party Rocking @ Wild Buffalo | Sat 9 PM
Techno/EMD : Digital Kiss Rave @ The Blue Room | Sat 9 PM
 Salsa : The Salsa Collective @ The Majestic Ballroom | Sun 5:30 PM

Music & Nightlife

Spinning Into The Night

Friday Music
Aslan Depot | Low Lonesome Sound  Rock | 8 PM
Big Stick BBQ | Carr Parker Duo  Rock   Country | 5:30 PM
Firehouse A&E Center | Bellinghome Winter Recital Recital | 5 PM
Make.Shift | The Floral Shirts, Malaise, Bastard Tag  Rock | 8 PM
Mount Baker Theatre | The Rumba Kings  Jazz   Pop | 7:30 PM
Odd Fellows at the Orion | Pine and Shake  Jazz   Blues | 8 PM
Ramble Tamble | Sweetheart of the Rodeo Country   Rock | 8 PM
Shakedown | Disaster Queen, The Disorderlies (SEA), Proud Failures  Punk | 8 PM
Stones Throw | Neighborhood Songwriters Showcase  Singer-Songwriter  | 6 PM
Sugar & Co. | BJ Block Duo  Jazz  | 7 PM
The Beach at Birch Bay | 3 Radicals  Rock | TBD
The Vault | Tea Seas Trio  Jazz  | 7 PM
Wild Buffalo | Zubnotic, Keags b2b LargR, Siren b2b Cosar Electronic | 8:30 PM

Friday Games & Trivia
None Scheduled

Saturday Music
Firehouse A&E Center | Bellinghome Winter Recital Recital | 11 AM
Firehouse A&E Center | Bellingham Community Chamber Orchestra  Classical  | 7 PM
Greens Corner | Arcade Cowboys  Rock | 5 PM
Honey Moon | Steeplechase  Celtic  | 8 PM
Jansen Art Center | Between Two Worlds  Classical   Jazz  | 7 PM
Karate Church | Shedd, Bastard Tag, Loonie Boys Death Metal | 7:30 PM
Larrabee Lager Co | Blue Collar Grass Band  Folk  | 5 PM
Make.Shift | Mom Sport, Sere, Slowfall  Rock | 8 PM
Odd Fellows at the Orion | Julian MacDonough’s Message Received  Jazz  | 8 PM
Ramble Tamble | Toadmortons, Vibacious  Rock | 8 PM
Shakedown | ideism, Slap Serif, Ca$h McClane  Hip-hop | 8 PM
Silver Reef Casino | 24k Magic Pop  Funk   R&B | 8 PM
Skylark’s | The Penny Stinkers  Rock | 8 PM
Stones Throw | Racyne Parker  Singer-Songwriter  | 6 PM
Sugar & Co. | Wild Applause A Cappella Quartet | 7 PM
The Beach at Birch Bay | Wicked Timing  Rock | TBD

Saturday Games & Trivia
None Scheduled

Sunday Music
Boundary Bay Brewery | Jazz Jam w. Scot Ranney and Friends  Jazz  | 6 PM
Firehouse A&E Center | Bellingham Community Chamber Orchestra  Classical  | 3 PM
Old Edison | The Bow Diddlers  Rock | 5:30 PM
Ramble Tamble | Open Mic | 7 PM
The Admiralty Lounge | Sarah Goodin  Singer-Songwriter  | 6 PM
The Shakedown | Orator, Progenitor, With Abandon Death Metal | 8 PM

Sunday Games & Trivia
Bingo @ Paws For A Beer | 3 PM
Trivia Night @ Stemma Brewing Co. | 5:30 PM

Hakuna matata

To All Our Readers

Thanks for reading today’s edition. If you found something helpful, please forward it to a friend 🙏, and tell them to follow this 👉️ link to sign up.

You can reply to this email if you have something we should know about or want to send us a love note.

Have a great Weekend!!