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

Have fun, and stay safe out there!

~ Evan

Or, hit reply to send me photos via email. 📧

Before the music begins, step into a celebration worthy of U.A. High. Test your knowledge with anime trivia from Comics Place, meet local cosplayers, discover Whatcomics with the Whatcom County Library, and browse themed vendors before and after the show.

Then experience the iconic soundtrack performed live by a 15 piece orchestra alongside unforgettable moments from the hit anime. Whether you're a lifelong fan or introducing someone to the series, this is one heroic night you won't want to miss!

Now in its 26th year, the Subdued Stringband Jamboree returns to the Deming Log Show Fairgrounds tomorrow, August 6, bringing together local, national, and international folk and roots musicians for three days of music, camping, workshops, and community.

What began in 2001 as a grassroots gathering has grown into a very Bellinghamesque festival, with multiple stages, late-night campfire jams, and a focus on environmental sustainability. You can expect a full slate of performances from artists including Nour Harkati, Dean Johnson, The Sons of Rainier, Forty Drop Few and so many more.

Music runs all day and into the night across the Flat Stage and the always-active Slanted Stage, with special appearances from the Bellingham Circus Guild and workshops for jamboree’rs of all ages.

Thursday kicks off with a square dance with caller Bex Bee & the Sweater Weather String Band. Friday and Saturday continue with highlights like Dirty Laundry, The Goldenrods, and a performance by Bird & The Jamboree Children's Chorus.

Camping is available on site, with both reservable and freestyle options, and free camping for those who arrive by bike. Children under 14 and adults over 80 get in free. Day passes are available at the gate, and food options include Juanita’s Mexican, Cicchitti’s Pizza, Happy Little Farm, Yacht Dogs, and Kurly's Kart. Check the website for all the details.

Loving these images shared on the Whatcom County Government Facebook page last week showing an early photo of the filling station at Hinote's Corner along with owners Ben and Myrtle.

The photo of the filling station, located on Hannegan Road west of Everson and south of Lynden, appears to be taken in the 20s or 30s? Possibly prior to Hannegan having been paved.

While the old pumps are gone, the location continues to offer petrol to passersby. 👇

LOCAL READS

Coastal Sojourn 2026
By Joe Meche · Whatcom Watch
Joe retraces a spring journey along Washington’s coast, from Westport and Tokeland to Neah Bay and Port Townsend, with stops for birding, beachcombing, and exploration. Along the way, Joe shares observations of brown pelicans, pelagic cormorants, and bald eagles. Read more →

· · · · · · · · · · · · ·

The Mysteries and Legacy of Fairhaven’s Dirty Dan Harris
By Matt Benoit · WhatcomTalk
Daniel “Dirty Dan” Harris helped establish Fairhaven through land speculation, business ventures, and the platting of the town in the 1880s, but much of his life remains difficult to verify because records are scarce and legends abound. Matt traces Harris’ controversial story, drawing on historical research that separates documented history from long repeated local folklore. Read more →

CIVIC CORNER

Thursday
Greenways Advisory Committee, 7:00 pm, Pacific Street Operations Center
WTA Board, 8:00 am, WTA office

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Wednesday
Stream Team: Help Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) maintain older sites that need love. Meet at NSEA’s campus by 8 am and your group leader will shuttle everyone to the site. You can expect to be back to NSEA at 12 pm. Register

Thursday
Clayton Beach: Help the Northwest Straits Foundation tackle invasive vegetation such as Himalayan blackberry, English ivy, and scotch broom to create space for future native vegetation. Register

Friday
North Fork Eagle: Join Whatcom Land Trust staff for a full day of stewardship at North Fork Eagle, located along the North Fork of the Nooksack River near Welcome. Register

Saturday
Halverson Park: Help Whatcom Million Trees Project tackle English ivy in the mature conifer forests at Halverson park. Register
Summer Stewards: Hop on the NSEA shuttle bus for a morning of stewardship. This day will be focused on invasive blackberry removal. Register

Public art starts with community, and Noisy Waters Mural Festival needs your help to bring it to life.

From August 14–16, nearly 20 muralists will transform Bellingham’s waterfront into a live outdoor gallery, and volunteers are the heartbeat behind the experience. Join the team, watch the creative process unfold and help welcome thousands of visitors to a weekend of art and music.

Volunteers receive a festival t-shirt, drink ticket, voting token to help choose Bellingham’s next public murals and free entry to 21+ evening events. Most importantly, you’ll play a part in creating a new Bellingham tradition.

New Prospect Theatre
Agnes of God (theatre) | Thurs

FireHouse Arts & Events Center
All The Marbles - Contemporary Dance (dance) | Fri-Sat

The Upfront Theatre
Various performances

Tango Practica - The Majestic - Wed 6:30 pm
Footwork & Choreo (fundraiser) - Lost Giants Cider Co. - 6–7:15pm
Revolution Fusion - Karate Church - Thurs 7 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

Big Timber performs live bluegrass at Locus tonight, August 5, from 4 to 6 pm. The no-cover set is part of Locus’ Before Downtown Sounds series, bringing two hours of acoustic string music ahead of the evening’s downtown concert.

Dirt Monkey brings his bass-heavy electronic music to the Wild Buffalo tomorrow, August 6, with Zubnotic and Saynada opening. The Denver producer, also known as Patrick Megeath, moves across dubstep, house, drum and bass, and other electronic styles.

Trackside Beer Garden hosts round two of Off the Rails tomorrow, August 6, from 6 to 8 pm. The free Battle of the Bands brings a lineup of Bellingham groups to the outdoor stage, where each will perform for a grand prize and audience votes.

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.

Out of Office: A Remote Workers’ Social Hour, Skylark’s Cafe – A free gathering from 6 to 8 pm offers remote workers a place to meet, share work-from-home tips, and connect over food and drinks.

Wednesday Music & Trivia →

Barkley Market, Barkley Village Green – A free lunchtime market from 11 am to 2 pm features more than 30 local vendors, five food trucks, fresh produce, library storytime at 11 am, and live music from noon to 2 pm.

Blues, Brews & BBQ: Baby Cakes, Hotel Bellwether – Baby Cakes performs soul, funk, and R&B from 6 to 9 pm on the Waterfront Terrace, with barbecue service from 5 to 7:30 pm plus craft beer and cocktails.

Stand Up Comedy, Beach Cat Brewing – A free comedy show begins at 8 pm with an open mic portion, and performer sign-ups start at 7:30 pm.

Thursday 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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