🐹 Baddie Swagger 🚶🚶

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

Have fun, and stay safe out there!

~ Evan

Nature, Community, Sasquatch, UAP

Photos From the Hoods

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Whatcom Weather

The Raindrop Report

Events, Updates & News Around Town

Get off the Hamster Wheel

Flood Recovery Volunteers Sought

The Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group is calling for volunteers to help with ongoing flood cleanup in Everson and Sumas this week through Sunday. Crews are working to assist families still recovering, and there’s an urgent need “for critical tasks such as muck out and tear out in flooded homes, yard cleanup, and general debris removal in affected areas of town.”

No experience is needed. Just show up ready to work and dress for messy conditions. Check-in runs 9 am–5 pm at Station 81 Fire Hall (101 E Main St, Everson) and Sumas Advent Christian Church (125 Front St, Sumas). “Every pair of hands counts right now.” They provide all needed tools and will be serving meals to “the community and volunteers each day from 2-5pm.”

Run, skip, swagger like a baddie. There are only 5 kilometers to cover at the Santa-themed 5K this Saturday at Cordata and Julianna Park. Hosted by Bellingham Parks and Recreation and Whatcom Educational Credit Union, they invite contestants to wear holiday costumes and promise a one-size-fits-most 'Santa hat.'

The race begins at 11 am, and does require preregistration which you can do here. Prizes will be given for the fastest times as well as other less speed-related categories.

Local Read: Late last week, the Salish Current published a feature, by Stephen Carr Hampton reporting on the record numbers of short-tailed shearwaters, a small, sleek seabird usually seen far out in the Pacific, flocking to the Salish Sea this fall. Once considered rare here, these long-distance travelers from Tasmania appeared by the thousands in places like Lummi Island, Point Roberts, and Deception Pass. It’s a fascinating look at shifting patterns from an author with 25 years of experience with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Holiday Markets & Bazaars

Fruitcake For Hamsters ✊

Holiday Makers Market, Bellingham Cruise Terminal (Sat, Sun 12-5)
A diverse array of creations from 50 talented local vendors.

Holiday Festival of the Arts, Sunset Square in the old Rite Aid space (Daily 10-6)
100 booths with local artisans and craftspeople presenting their holiday goodies.

Creative Corner Artisan Market, 201 E Chestnut St (Sat 10-2)
A creative corner artisan market featuring local Whatcom County artists.

Pacific Arts Market, Bellis Fair Mall (Fri-Sun 10-7)
Approximately 40 artists and creators on site, so while you're browsing, you can have a conversation with the makers themselves!

Whatcom Art Market, Fairhaven (Daily 11-6)
Amazing handmade gifts of various price ranges, including original masterpieces.

Farmers Market, Depot Square (Sat 10-2)
A one-stop shop for holiday gift giving and groceries!

Food & Drink

Hamsters Gotta Eat

Because it’s fun to be a lookie-loo

Crash an Open House

1464 Greenville Drive (Open Sun 12-2 pm)
White on white is all the rage these days. I’m not always a huge fan, but someone did a really nice job with this one. Check out the interior photos to see what I mean. Crisp and clean. The backyard has potential for some fun terraced gardens if a person gets creative. Listing.

4418 Sucia Drive, Ferndale (Open Sat 11-1 pm)
This one’s super cute. A cozy cabin overlooking Agate Lake at the neck of Sandy Point. Lots of yard! And empty lots next door add to the open feel. Listing.

Performance Arts This Week

Dance of The Hamsters

LIVE ARTS & FILM

iDiOM Theater
48 Hour Theater Festival | Fri, Sat

BAAY
Esme’s Adventures in Another World | Fri-Sun

Mount Baker Theatre
The Nutcracker (dance) | Sat, Sun

Blaine Performing Arts Center
A Winter's Tale (dance) | Sat, Sun

The Upfront Theatre
Various performances

PARTICIPATORY DANCE

Sunset Silent Disco - Zuanich - Sat 4:00 pm
Salsa Collective - The Majestic - Sun 5:30 pm

Events & Nightlife

Spinning Into The Night

FEATURED

Lil’ Twang brings an evening of country, swamp rock, and Americana to Stones Throw Brewery this Saturday, December 20, from 6 to 8 pm. An acoustic offshoot of Pacific Twang, the group blends rich harmonies with boot-stomping rhythms and laid-back grooves.

Three for Silver presents The Golden Hour X-Mas Spectacular at the Odd Fellows Temple Room at The Orion Bar tonight, December 19, from 7 to 11 pm. It’s an eclectic holiday variety show features live music, sideshow performances, burlesque, curious interviews, and the interactive “Root Around” prize box. Admission is by donation.

The Thomas Harris Christmas Jazz Trio performs at The Old Edison tonight, December 19, from 6:30 to 9:00 pm, bringing a festive blend of classic swing and holiday jazz. Led by Bellingham-born multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Thomas Harris, the trio promises smooth seasonal sounds in a cozy local setting.

FRIDAY

Schimmel Showcase: Gabriel & Rebecca Mañalac, Jansen Art Center – Pianists Gabriel and Rebecca Mañalac perform a festive four-hand piano program on the Schimmel grand in the Chamber Hall. The hour-long concert features classical favorites, holiday tunes, and original arrangements. Starts at 11:00 am. Admission is by donation, with coffee, tea, and pastries provided.

Friday Music & Trivia →

SATURDAY

Santa Skate, Bellingham Sportsplex – Lace up for a festive skate with Santa and Mrs. Claus, complete with hot cocoa and holiday cheer. Sessions run from 11:00 a.m.–1:30 pm and 2:30–5:00 pm, with admission set at $10 per skater, including skate rental. Habitat for Humanity will host a holiday cookie shop, with proceeds supporting affordable housing in Whatcom County.

Alger Christmas Parade 2025, Alger Bar & Grille – The community parade begins at 11:00 am, traveling from the Bar & Grille to the Alger Fire Hall, where Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet visitors and hand out gifts. Spectators can enjoy the procession from anywhere along the route and are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations for the Alger Food Bank.

Saturday Music & Trivia →

SUNDAY

DIY Gift Making, Bloedel Donovan Community Building – A hands-on holiday workshop where kids ages 7–12 can craft three unique handmade gifts to take home. Runs from 10:00 am. to 12:00 pm. Admission is $40. Registration

Winter Sing-Along, FireHouse Arts & Events Center – A morning of music and community featuring seasonal songs for families and children. The free event runs from 10:00 to 11:30 am, inviting participants to sing, move, and celebrate the season together.

Sunday Music & Trivia →

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