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

There has certainly been a lot more threat of rain than actual rain. Let's see what the weekend brings. ☔️ 

Have fun, and stay safe out there!

Nature, Community, Sasquatch, UAP

Photos From the Hoods

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Chuckanut Writers Conference

Starts Next Week... Register Today!!

June 26th-28th

The Chuckanut Writers Conference is more than just a weekend of workshops. It’s an opportunity to engage your passion for writing, connect with fellow storytellers, and nurture your craft in the inspiring Pacific Northwest environment.

Whether you’re just starting your writing journey or you’re an experienced author, the Chuckanut Writers Conference offers a welcoming space for every voice.

We’re excited to come together in person once again to study the craft and business of writing and publishing, but most importantly… let’s network and encourage one another on the journey. Join us for a weekend of learning, laughter, and creativity that will leave you feeling motivated and ready to bring your words to life.

Weather Forecast

Friday: 60°F 🌡️ 52°F | 🌧️ Rain Showers Likely | 🌧️ 88% | 💨 S 9 mph

Saturday: 65°F 🌡️ 53°F | 🌧️ Rain Showers Likely | 🌧️ 73% | 💨 S 5 to 10 mph

Sunday: 69°F 🌡️ 56°F | ⛅ Partly Sunny | 🌧️ 14% | 💨 S 2 to 6 mph

Moon Phases

Events, Updates & News Around Town

Get off the Hamster Wheel

Join the Green Crab Prevention Effort

This Saturday from 10 am to noon, WA Sea Grant and WSU Extension is holding a Free Molt Search Training at Semiahmoo Park. During this "on-the-beach" training & practice session you'll learn “about the invasive European green crab and what's being done about it, how to identify the molts (the shed shells) of the invasive European green crab, Dungeness crabs, and our common native crabs. and how to do a Molt Search and submit your findings through the free MyCoast app.” 

Molt Search aims to support community participation in detecting green crabs along inland Washington's shorelines by teaching volunteers simple, standardized steps for searching and reporting on the presence (and absence!) of European green crab molts. Molts can serve as an early indicator of the presence of European green crabs in a new area.

This great video 👆️ follows several University of Washington researchers as they search for green crabs and discuss the importance of community awareness about the spread of green crabs along the coastlines of the Salish Sea. Register for free to attend.

In other news…

🏃‍♀️ The Gale Pfueller Track Classic kicks off this Saturday at Civic Stadium. Gale was a founding member of the Greater Bellingham Running Club and an instrumental volunteer with the club from its inception in 1976 until his passing at the age of 79 on March 25, 2022. Here’s a lovely article about Gale written by his daughter Genevie.

The Track Classic offers opportunities for Hamsters of all ages to take to the track, including family-friendly relays, kids' events, sprints, and the inaugural Gale Pfueller Mile. Register to race, or take a seat in the stands to cheer.

⛏️ Volunteer Opportunities This Weekend: There are a few outdoor work parties this weekend.

• Catalyst Reserve: Catalyst Reserve lies between the Landingstrip Creek and the South Fork of the Nooksack River—home to salmon, elk, birds, and more. Join Whatcom Land Trust and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association to help protect this vital habitat by removing invasive blackberry, which is overtaking native trees and shrubs. Saturday starting at 9 am. Details & Registration.

• Squalicum Beach: To combat plastic pollution in the Salish Sea, RE Sources host beach cleanups — as well as cleanups along rivers and lakes — throughout Whatcom and Skagit counties. Saturday starting at 9 am. Details & registration.

• Roosevelt Nature Area: Join the City of Bellingham to help protect the wildlife habitat and wetlands in this peaceful nature area. All ages and abilities are welcome. Saturday starting at 9 am. Details & Registration.

Local Business Updates

Haggling With Local Folk

Spots Opening at Brambly Hedge

Hamster Wheel reader and owner of Brambly Hedge school, Sarah Cortes, reached out this week, letting us know she had three spots opening in August at her play-based, nature-inspired preschool for children aged 2-5.

Sarah describes how “Brambly Hedge is named after my favorite childhood books, telling seasonal stories of a community of mice who support, grow and celebrate together in a beautiful woodland!” The program is based in the Sehome Hill neighborhood near the Arboretum where the kids spend time playing, making art, and exploring the neighborhood and woodland trails.

With only six students at Brambly Hedge, Sarah can focus on specific interests as they emerge. Her approach is inspired by Waldorf (where she attended), Reggio Emilia, and Montessori. Reach out to Sarah for a visit or chat if this Monday through Friday (9 am-1 pm) school resonates with your needs and necessities. [email protected]

Garage & Estate Sales

Your Source For Vintage Can Openers

3802 James St #82 (Sat, Sun 10 am)
This looks like a sweet little sale in the James St Estates. Just from the photos, I’m noticing a few lovely quilts and various wood furniture. map

Sunnyland Neighborhood (Sat, 9 am)
This weekend is the annual Sunnyland neighborhood-wide garage sale. This is a fun one folks. SO MANY SALES!! Find the map here.

Whatcom Art Center Sale (Fri, Sat, 10 am)
Look for hangable art, sales of beads, easels, and many other artists supplies. map

• 4014 Ava Lane, Sat, Sun, 10 am, map

• 2527 Iron Street, Sat, 9 am, map

• 3000 Northwest Ave, Fri, 10 am, map

• 2589 Sievers Way, Ferndale, Fri, Sat, 9 am, map

• Timmerman Lane, Ferndale, Fri, Sat, 9 am, map

• 6350 Portal Way unit 34, Sat, 9 am, map

• 1046 Blaine Ave, Blaine, Sat, Sun, 8 am, map

• 7958 W. Golf Course Drive, Blaine, Sat, 9 am, map

• 2600 H Street, Sat, 10 am, map

• 507 Lyla Lane, 9 am, map

Food & Drink

Hamsters Gotta Eat

Because it’s fun to be a lookie-loo

Crash an Open House

2234 Main Street, Ferndale (Open Sat 12-2 pm)
Wow! Take a look at this impressive Ferndale craftsman that fronts Main Street. It appears from the photos that the interior has been extensively renovated, providing a nice mix of modern convenience alongside the classic exterior. This would be a fun one to walk through. Listing.

500 Wilson Avenue (Open Sat, Sun 12-2 pm)
Here's a sweet little Pocket Neighborhood home on a quarter-acre lot. If you're familiar with this highly sought-after community, you'll remember how tightly packed most of the homes are. Somehow, this one sits in its own little park. 🌲 Listing.

Performance Arts This Week

Dance of The Hamsters

LIVE ARTS & FILM

iDiOM Theater
Your Grace | Fri-Sat 7 pm

Corner Taphouse
Southside Comedy Hour | Fri 8:00 pm

Mount Baker Theater
Down the Rabbit Hole | Fri, Sat 6:30 pm, Sun 2 pm

Bellingham Theatre Guild:
A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder | Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2 pm

New Prospect Theatre:
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical | Fri 7:30 pm

The Upfront Theatre
Various performances.

PARTICIPATORY DANCE

 Salsa & Bachata 
Salsa Collective - The Majestic - Sun 5:30 pm

 Other  
Sunset Silent Disco - Zuanich - Sat 800 pm
Open Floor Movement - Presence Studio - Sun 10:30 am
Family Dance Party - Boom! - Sun 10 am

Events & Nightlife

Spinning Into The Night

Feature an Event. Reach out. 
Tell us about an event. Use this link.

FEATURED

Whatcom This Whey, All over Whatcom County - Make your whey over to learn where your food comes from and how it’s made. Hop on a wagon tour at one of our family farms, where farmers will discuss farm practices such as soil management, wildlife habitat restoration and preservation, water protection and recycling, and manure management. Find the tour map here.

Community Grief Lodge is a land-based, community-fed relational and musical healing space. In this sacred container we welcome in the multi-faceted expressions of grief, joy, anger, desire, fear, longing (etc.) — emotions that are so often suppressed and stuck in our bodies — to be honored, expressed and, ultimately, transformed in the sacred witness of others. Register to participate.

FRIDAY

Downtime Summer Kickoff, Downtime Taps - kick off summer with the Ferndale Arts Commission at the Downtime Summer Kickoff! Come for music, food, beverages, kids activities, corn hole, and more! Admission is FREE!

Čha•k’os Fire Pit by Lummi Seafood Market, Gooseberry Point, near Lummi Island Ferry - Set-up for Stommish Weekend, from 11 am-6 pm daily. Lhaq'temish Lummi-Style Fish-On-A-Stick BBQ Salmon, BBQ Halibut, Geoduck Chowder, Geoduck Ceviche, and other delicious Salish Seafood!

Friday Music & Trivia →

SATURDAY

Kids Kite Festival, Birch Bay State Park - A weekend full of high-flying fun at the 2025 Birch Bay Kids Kite Festival! Bring the whole family and enjoy a vibrant celebration featuring kites soaring over the bay, crafts and a variety of family-friendly entertainment. Check the activity schedule.

Molt Search “On-the-Beach” Training, Semiahmoo Pkwy - Learn how to keep an eye out for invasive European green crabs and collect valuable data on Dungeness crabs by participating in this free community science program called Molt Search. Grab a free ticket.

Saturday Music & Trivia →

SUNDAY

BAAY Summer Bash Fundraiser, Boundary Bay Brewery - Kick off the summer with BAAY! The Summer Bash is an all-ages fundraiser for Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth's student scholarship fund. Come together to raise “10K for BAAY” and support vital arts education for local kids. Donate and attend.

Northwest Nonstop, Waypoint Park - Leave it all behind and ride your bike from Bellingham to Davis California, for those who want to take the back roads across the Pacific Northwest at a brisk pace. Learn more.

Sunday Music & Trivia →

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Hakuna matata

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Have a great weekend!!