🐹 Hammerhead 🔨🔨

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

Have fun, and stay safe out there!

~ Evan

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The Northwest Washington Fair kicks off tomorrow, August 13, in Lynden for ten days of livestock barns, 4-H contests and FFA exhibits, carnival rides, mountains of curly fries, and the quirky mix of agriculture and entertainment that has made it a Whatcom County fixture each August since 1909.

This year’s grandstand schedule opens with two nights of the Demolition Derby, followed by Stone Temple Pilots on Saturday and reggae artist Maoli on Sunday. The second half of the fair brings the Lynden PRCA Rodeo, TobyMac, Ja Rule and Fat Joe, Brantley Gilbert, and a closing-night pairing of Hell’s Belles and a Bon Jovi tribute.

General admission is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, and $10 for kids ages 6 to 12, with children 5 and under admitted free. Gates are open daily from 11 am to 10 pm through Saturday, August 22. The fairgrounds are at 1775 Front Street, but if you drive into Lynden you’ll be guided by plenty of signs for parking and access. Wear your sunscreen kids! 😎

LOCAL READS

Diving Into FishBoy Gallery: The Contemporary Folk Art of R.R. Clark
By Anna Diehl · WhatcomTalk
Randy Clark’s FishBoy Gallery reflects more than two decades of art-making in Bellingham, including museum exhibitions, local commissions, and collaborations across the creative community. Anna details how Clark treats art as play, drawing inspiration from the neighborhood around him while continuing to paint daily in the studio behind the gallery. Read more →

· · · · · · · · · · · · ·

Why a record European green crab catch has scientists cheering
By Madelyn Jones · The Northern Light
More than 900 invasive European green crabs have been trapped in Blaine this year, surpassing last season’s total as crews improve where and how they trap. Madelyn reports that Birch Bay is showing the opposite trend, with increased trapping effort producing fewer crabs and offering a clearer sign that control measures are working. Read more →

CIVIC CORNER

Wednesday
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, 7:30 am, Pacific Street Operations Center

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Friday
Olsen Creek: Help Washington Trails Association implement a multi-use recreation opportunity just outside of Bellingham. Register

Saturday
Summer Stewards - Litter Pickup: Hop on the NSEA shuttle bus for a morning of stewardship. This day will be focused on litter pickup. Register
Olsen Creek: Help Washington Trails Association implement a multi-use recreation opportunity just outside of Bellingham. Register

FireHouse Arts & Events Center
Steven Farmer (comedy) | Thurs-Fri

BAAY
Head Over Heels (theatre) | Fri-Sun

Bellingham Circus Guild
Vaudevillingham | Sat

FireHouse Arts & Events Center
Bellingham TheatreWorks Gala Benefit | Sat

The Upfront Theatre
Various performances

Tango Practica - The Majestic - Wed 6:30 pm
Revolution Fusion - Karate Church - Thurs 7 pm
Sunset Silent Disco - Zuanich - Sat 7:30 pm
Beginner Ballet - Karate Church - Sat 10 am
Beginner Contemporary - Karate Church - Sat 11:30 am
Salsa Collective - The Majestic - Sun 5:30 pm
Open Floor Conscious Dance - Bellingham Fitness - Sun 10:30 am

Ron Hardt and Ron Hetteen perform at Stones Throw Brewery on Wednesday, August 12, from 6 to 8 pm. Hardt brings decades of guitar and vocal experience, with a repertoire shaped by artists including The Beatles, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Elton John, and Billy Joel. Hetteen adds a background spanning folk, rock, blues, jazz, and big band music.

Bad Posture Club and Dandelioness perform at Honey Moon Mead tomorrow, August 13, from 8 to 10 pm. Bad Posture Club is a Bellingham Favorite, while Dandelioness brings a southwest-gothic folk-pop sound to the mix.

Saltwater Cowboys perform at Kulshan Brewing’s Sunnyland Taproom tomorrow, August 13, from 6 to 8 pm as part of their weekly August residency. Michael Handron and Thomas Sandblom form the core of the local group, sometimes joined by additional musicians, with a repertoire that mixes original songs and covers.

Flower Market, Ohio Street Work Studios – A weekly market from 9 am to noon offers locally grown seasonal cut flowers from North Sound Flower Cooperative farms to floral professionals and the public.

Sustainability Social Hour, Structures Brewing Old Town – A free drop-in gathering from 5:30 to 7:30 pm brings together sustainability professionals, students, and community members for conversation, networking, and idea sharing.

Yoga on the Green, Fairhaven Village Green – An all-levels outdoor yoga class runs from 6 to 7:30 pm, with proceeds from the $30 admission benefiting Lydia Place. Bring your own mat.

Wednesday Music & Trivia →

Barkley Market, Barkley Village Green – The market is open from 11 am to 2 pm featuring local vendors, food trucks, Bellingham Public Library storytime at 11 am, and live music beginning at noon.

J.P. Falcon Band, Elizabeth Park – It’s a free concert from 6 to 8 pm featuring acoustic covers and original songs as part of the Elizabeth Park Summer Concert Series.

Happy Hour Jazz with Cheryl Hodge, Hotel Leo – Cheryl Hodge performs a free jazz set from 4 to 6 pm during the hotel’s weekly happy hour.

Thursday Music & Trivia →

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