🐹 Roxy's Tutu 🩰🩰

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

Other than New Year’s events, things are a little quiet this week. Which is lovely!

I want to take a moment to thank you all for tuning in over the last year. I look forward to seeing all of you out and about in 2026.

Have fun, and stay safe out there!

~ Evan

Nature, Community, Sasquatch, UAP

Photos From the Hoods

The Old and the New at Stimson Reserve - 📷 by Maureen McCarthy

Surprise! Northern Harrier and Bald Eagle - 📷 by Eduard Schwan @schwansongs

Galbraith Mountain Snow is Back - 📷 by Robert Dyer

Tag @bellinghamsterwheel on Instagram, or reply to this email to get your photos in The Hamster Wheel.

Whatcom Weather

The Raindrop Report

Events, Updates & News Around Town

Get off the Hamster Wheel

As far as I’m concerned, the very best thing on the internet this week is this cute schnoz shot. 👇️ Meet Roxy, a 4-year-old husky currently at the Whatcom Humane Society.

And yes, I think that’s a puppy tutu. 😆 Not sure, but it’s pretty darn cute. Apparently Roxy was brought to WHS by the animal control & rescue department as part of an animal cruelty case last fall. Now she’s cleaned up, healthy, and looking for a permanent home. Check the WHS website, or visit the shelter on Division to learn more about Roxy.

Local Read: In WhatcomTalk this week, writer Matt Benoit shared a fabulous profile of Everson’s Probably Shouldn’t Distillery. Owners Mariah and Shawn Butenschoen turned their Breckenridge Blueberries farm into one of just three craft distilleries in Whatcom County, producing blueberry brandy, gin, bourbon, and American single malt whiskey. Having built a few hobby stills myself, I love that Shawn handcrafted their initial 80-gallon still on evenings and weekends then built a second much larger version as their need for production capacity grew. The best business stories are about grit and bootstrapping. This one hits the mark. 😁🍸️ 

Support The Wheel 

The Hamster Wheel is 100% free to read, independently owned, and locally operated (heck, it’s just me). Your contributions help keep The Wheel rolling! ~ Evan 

Food & Drink

Hamsters Gotta Eat

Performance Arts This Week

Dance of The Hamsters

B’ham Hop at the Crystal Ballroom

LIVE ARTS & FILM

FireHouse Arts & Events Center
Train Trip Dances (dance) | Fri

The Upfront Theatre
Various performances

PARTICIPATORY DANCE

Tango Practica - The Majestic - Wed 6:30 pm
New Year’s Eve Contra Ball - Christ the King Church - Wed 8 pm
Flow Fusion - Karate Church - Thurs 7 pm
Sunset Silent Disco - Zuanich - Sat 4:00 pm
Salsa Collective - The Majestic - Sun 5:30 pm

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Events & Nightlife

Spinning Into The Night

The Naughty Blokes are kicking off New Year’s Eve at the Corner Taphouse in Fairhaven with a set from 6 to 8 pm. The early evening show pairs upbeat rock with an easygoing atmosphere, free admission, and a full menu of local drinks and pub bites.

Ring in 2026 with the New Year’s Eve Contra Ball at Christ the King Church, featuring the acclaimed Olympia duo Countercurrent and caller Jesse Partridge. The celebration begins with a beginner lesson at 7:30 pm, followed by live contra dancing from 8 pm to 12:30 am. Expect a night of lively fiddle, guitar, and harmony vocals, plus a finger food potluck, snacks, and a sparkling cider toast at midnight.

Hotel Leo hosts Robert Sarazin Blake and the High, Wide & Handsome Band for a New Year’s Eve celebration starting at 9 pm. in its festive pop-up lounge, Miracle on Cornwall. The evening features a full bar, dinner menu, and a champagne toast at midnight, all surrounded by vintage charm and holiday décor. Tickets.

WEDNESDAY

There are gobs of happenings tonight! Check Monday’s edition for the list.

THURSDAY

Polar Bear Dip, Birch Bay - Make history on January 1st, 2026! Join thousands in Birch Bay, WA as we attempt the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for Largest Polar Bear Dip! Details.

Polar Bear Dip, Lake Padden - Celebrate the New Year with a healthy walk or run around Lake Padden followed by a quick refreshing dip in the lake. Details.

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Hakuna matata

To All Our Readers

Thanks for reading today’s edition. If you found something helpful, please share it with a friend and encourage them to click here to subscribe. 🙏

Reply to this email if you have news to share, an event you’d like me to know about, or to send me a love note. 💘 

Have a great Wednesday!!