🐹 Mitten Crab 🦀🦀

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

Several readers reached out this week suggesting a list of favorite streets for Christmas light viewing, and I’m all for it. 🎄 Drop me a note with your favorite holiday light hangouts.

Have fun, and stay safe out there!

~ Evan

Nature, Community, Sasquatch, UAP

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Whatcom Weather

The Raindrop Report

Events, Updates & News Around Town

Get off the Hamster Wheel

Chinese Mitten Crab

Washington’s Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the Washington Invasive Species Council are urging Washingtonians to be on the lookout for Chinese Mitten Crab (Eriocheir sinensis) after one was captured near Portland’s Sellwood Bridge in the Willamette River. It’s the second mitten crab found in Oregon this year, raising concern that the species could be spreading in the Columbia River system or other coastal waterways.

These medium-sized crabs, about three inches wide, spend most of their lives in freshwater but migrate to brackish water to breed. They are recognizable by their furry, mitten-like claws and light brown to green carapace with four spines beside each eye. Known to burrow into dikes, levees, and streambanks, these invasive crabs cause erosion and damage to flood control systems.

Interestingly, there are only a six types of aquatic critters that are individually banned from importation to the United States, and Mitten Crab are number two on that list after walking catfish.

On the off chance you spot one scuttling around, submit a report to the Washington Invasive Species Council.

I’m including a note about this event for two reasons. First, the host is Emmaquatics, a darling new pet shop that just opened on Cornwall Ave, where they put a fun twist on fish shopping by offering a cozy tea lounge (and event space) alongside the normal aquarium supplies. Rad! Love it. 😁 

Second, they are hosting an event called Bike-Roscope — I have no idea what it means, but it sounds cool — that promises an opportunity to view and learn about microscopic flora and fauna from our local waters with someone named Garrett… 🤷‍♂️ Double rad. It looks like a great opportunity to ogle some microbes while showing support for a brand new Bellingham business. Tonight, December 17, from 7-9 pm.

Also, Emmaquatics has carved out a neat niche by offering aquarium maintenance and setup, pet sitting, and dog walking. Check out their services page if you’re looking for help with your scaly or furry friends.

CIVIC CORNER

Wednesday
Birch Bay Incorporation Study Info Session, 6:00 pm, Register for virtual event

Thursday
Planning Commission, 6:00 pm, City Council Chambers, watch online

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.

Local Business Updates

Haggling With Local Folk

A Holiday Oasis on Cornwall

I thought this looked like something fun, and a little silly, to do on a cold wet evening as we enter the later half of December. Down at Hotel Leo, you’ll find a holiday pop-up bar filled with over-the-top kitschy, festive décor and a themed cocktail menu. They’re calling it the Miracle on Cornwall.

Not all kitschy is good kitschy… well, most of it is 😆, but this looks fun and zany (and probably tasty to boot). The image above is the Miracle Mouse cocktail, along with its buddies Cheery Cherry Chocosaurus, and a Christmapolitan. Or maybe you lean more towards the classics with a Snowball Old-Fashioned. 👇️ That’s what I’d be sipping on. 😋 

Reservations are not required to set up camp at the bar, but it might be worth making a reservation if you’d like to be seated in the dining room.

Food & Drink

Hamsters Gotta Eat

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

Tango Practica - The Majestic - Wed 6:30 pm
Flow Fusion - Karate Church - Thurs 7 pm
Sunset Silent Disco - Zuanich - Sat 4:00 pm
Salsa Collective - The Majestic - Sun 5:30 pm
Open Floor Movement - Presence Studio - Sun 10:30 am

Events & Nightlife

Spinning Into The Night

FEATURED

The Soweto Gospel Choir brings its acclaimed concert Peace to Mount Baker Theatre tonight, December 17, at 7:30 pm. The multi-Grammy and Emmy Award-winning ensemble celebrates African gospel traditions with vibrant rhythms, layered harmonies, and exuberant performances. Their program blends South African freedom songs, traditional spirituals, and soulful renditions of classics by artists such as Aretha Franklin, Peter Gabriel, and Leonard Cohen. Tickets through Mount Baker Theatre.

Join cello/fiddle duo Fritillary and whistle/bazouki duo Bauman & Vogt tomorrow, December 18, for a festive night of tunes at Honey Moon Mead & Cider! You’ll hear toe-tapping arrangements of traditional Celtic, old-time and bluegrass tunes, with some fun originals mixed in.

The Jazz Center of Bellingham presents the Eugenie Jones Quintet at the FireHouse Arts & Events Center tonight, December 17, at 6:30 pm. Seattle-based vocalist and composer Eugenie Jones, praised for her dynamic phrasing and radiant stage presence, brings an evening of inspired jazz alongside her acclaimed ensemble. Tickets are $20, or $10 for students, available in advance.

The Living Arrows and Bad Posture Club share the stage at New Prospect Theatre tonight, December 17, from 7 to 9 pm. Known for their enchanting harmonies and toe tapping rhythms, The Living Arrows blend cello, saxophone, and acoustic guitar into a warm, inviting folk sound. Joining them is Bad Posture Club, the Anacortes-based duo celebrated for their introspective lyricism. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door.

WEDNESDAY

Adult’s Only Skate, Lynden Skateway – A two-hour evening skate session for adults, set to a lively Skate Jam Mix. From 8:30 to 10:30 pm.

Holiday History Hi-Jinks (Party Edition), The Ranch Room at Horseshoe Cafe – The Good Time Girls return with their annual holiday-themed dive into Bellingham’s colorful past. This year’s indoor celebration features trivia, caroling, treats, and festive libations in the cozy Ranch Room. Doors open at 6 pm, with seating first-come, first-served.

Wednesday Music & Trivia →

THURSDAY

Book Launch: Riding Full Circle, Backcountry Essentials - Join local author Heather Lea for the launch of her book Riding Full Circle: What the World Taught Me About Motorcycles, Risk, and Someone I Barely Knew, about a two-year motorcycle journey through 40 countries and over 58,000 miles. 7 to 8:30 pm. Books available at heatherleawriter.com.

Stand-Up Comedy Night, The Upfront Theatre – A lively late-night showcase of local comedians delivering sharp observations, quick wit, and plenty of laughs. Starts at 9:30 pm.

Holiday Movie Trivia, Lost Giants Cider Company – Test your festive film knowledge at this spirited trivia night featuring questions from classic holiday favorites. Teams of up to six can compete for prizes, with a $2 buy-in per person and raffle giveaways throughout the evening. Starts at 6:00 p.m.

Thursday Music & Trivia →

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Hakuna matata

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