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

Congratulations to the Bellingham Bells for winning the West Coast League title, and the Whatcom Prep Baseball team for an incredible season that took them to the Babe Ruth World Series in Arkansas! Way to show the world what Hamsters are made of. 😀 

Have fun, and stay safe out there!

Nature, Community, Sasquatch, UAP

Photos From the Hoods

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Salish Current

Powerful Ideas From Local Voices

Sept. 9, 11, 15, 17 & 18 at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, Dome Room

Join Salish Current for a compelling series of five discussions: exploring local journalism, learning traditional Indigenous food systems, advancing social justice, navigating fact and fiction online, and succeeding in the music business. We’ll hear from leading voices across the Pacific Northwest — from a Pulitzer-recognized journalist to acclaimed musicians and scholars — who are at the forefront, shaping conversations.

Free and open to the public. RSVP to save your spot. Attend one or as many sessions as you choose — each is a stand-alone event with time for Q&A.

Weather Forecast

Monday: 75°F 🌡️ 58°F | ⛅ Partly Sunny | 🌧️ 9% | 💨 S 2 to 6 mph

Tuesday: 75°F 🌡️ 57°F | ⛅ Partly Sunny | 🌧️ 10% | 💨 SSW 2 to 6 mph

Moon Phases

Events, Updates & News Around Town

Get off the Hamster Wheel

TGI…M???….

Yes, yes, I know it’s only Monday and too early to start dreaming of the weekend. But, there are a couple of opportunities this coming Saturday and Sunday that look like SO much fun!! I thought Wheel readers might want to grab tickets while there’s time to play the old calendar shuffle game. 😁 

The Field & Fiber tour is an opportunity to explore Whatcom and Skagit counties’ fiber farms, led by fiber historian and writer of the Know Your Fiber blog Echo Mae. Take a deep dive into the world of sustainable sheep, alpaca, and llama farming during this two-day event spanning Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm each day. Meet with farmers, tour a local yarn mill, and shop unique handmade goods, all while learning about the deep history of fiber and textile arts. 🧶🎉 Tickets through Northwest Yarns.

Stops include: Sunny Alpacas, Hedgerow Willows, Legacy Lamb, Fog & Fleece Sheepery, JNK Llama Farm, Harmony Fields, Shoot the Moon Vineyard, and Skagit Woolen Works.

The Chorus Girl Academy, taught by the Vintage Rhythm and the Rhythm Belles, jumped out at me because we just saw The Rhythm Belles (or at least two of them) perform a chorus girl routine at last week’s Vaudevillingham. And, it was so fun!! The first of four classes is this Sunday, August 24, from 1:30-3:00 pm at Unique Technique Dance Studio where the Belles will teach an original fall-themed choreography to September in the Rain by Bing Crosby. Jump on it. How can you not? 😉 

In other news…

🚢 The Northwest District of the United States Coast Guard posted a news release this weekend related to the rescue of 12 kayakers north of the San Juan Islands last Thursday afternoon.

“Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound issued an urgent marine information broadcast at approximately 1:50 p.m., after being notified via, VHF channel-16 that 12 kayakers, including six children, were in distress between Patos Island and Sucia Island and in need of assistance—All 12 individuals were safely rescued and transported back to Orcas Island. No injuries were reported.”

U.S. Coast Guard Station Bellingham posted photos on Facebook of the rescue (which included 6 children), and our heroic local Coast Guardsmen.

Capt. Michael Hunt, deputy commander, Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound is quoted “A VHF marine radio is a mariner's lifeline when there is no cell phone service,” and continued “It proved its worth by helping save lives in the San Juan Islands.”

📷️ Photographer friends alert!! The City of Bellingham and the Whatcom Museum have announced the opening of the 20th annual Essence of Bellingham Photo Competition where photographers of all ages and skill levels can submit photos that capture the vibe of Bellingham. 🌲 💃🐟️ 

Entries are accepted through an online entry form until October 1st, and “winning entries are added to the Whatcom Museum’s photo archives and may also appear on BTV, in City publications, on the City’s website, or in City social media posts.” The jury process will include representatives from the Whatcom Museum, professional art community, and City of Bellingham staff. Find the contest details here.

Local Business Updates

Haggling With Local Folk

Ragfinery Finds a New Home!!

Ragfinery has been sorely missed since a fire destroyed their N. Forest St. storefront late last year. This weekend they announced their new location will be at 115 Unity Street in unit 101 once renovations are complete, and they are asking patrons to “hold onto your fabrics, notions and textiles for us. We will be doing donation drives around town, in our van and at our new space (when it is ready). Let’s share our resources so everyone in Bellingham can have affordable access to materials to make amazing things!”

The Unity Street building is located behind the Mount Baker Theatre. It’s the one with the big boulder in the alleyway. If you’d like to donate to help with construction costs, replacing fixtures and supplies, restocking, and supporting staff, you can do so here, and your support will be matched by an anonymous donor.

Food & Drink

Hamsters Gotta Eat

Performance Arts This Week

Dance of The Hamsters

LIVE ARTS & FILM

Uisce Irish Pub
Guffawingham | Mon 9:00 pm

BAAY Theatre
Chicago (Teen Edition) | Fri, Sat 7:00 pm, Sat, Sun 2:00 pm

iDiOM Theater
The Plague | Fri, Sat 7:30 pm

The Upfront Theatre
Various performances.

PARTICIPATORY DANCE

Salsa & Bachata - Viking Union - Mon 7 pm
Bellingham Embodiment Collective - Majestic Ballroom - Mon 6:30 pm
Beginning Cuban Salsa - Cof& - Tues 6 pm
B’ham Hop - Crystal Ballroom - Tues 7 pm
Int. Cuban Salsa - Cof& - Tues 7:15 pm
Tango Practica - The Majestic - Wed 6:30 pm
Summer Heat - Presence Studio - Thurs 6:30 pm
Sunset Silent Disco - Zuanich - Sat 7:00 pm
Salsa Collective - The Majestic - Sun 5:30 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.

FEATURED

A night of stand-up comedy at Uisce Irish Pub. Every Monday night. Laughs start at 9 pm.

Part of the Community Ukulele Players of Whatcom County, Vintage Strings romps through pop, folk, standards and original tunes, with an intriguing interplay of vocals, ukulele and other instruments including bass, keyboard and guitar. Under the musical leadership of Linda Henderson players include: Floyd Lewis, Helen Arntson, Margie Kimberley, Carla Bean, Hillary Miller, and Carla Jennings. Playing at the Firehouse this afternoon, August 18th, at 3:30 pm.

Maybe you’ve seen the “Keep Growing” sign alongside Meridian on your way up to Lynden? It’s the home of veteran-focused non-profit Growing Veterans (GV) whose mission is to “grow food, community, & each other, as well as [a] vision to end the social isolation that can lead to suicide.” Tonight at 5:30 pm GV is holding an Warriors on Water BBQ and paddle (open to any military veteran, active duty, or first responder) to learn the basics of kayaking or progress their skills with the support of community. Signup.

MONDAY

Community Night with Sustainable Connections, Boundary Bay - Get ready to connect with neighbors who share your love for all things local and sustainable while soaking up the garden atmosphere. Sportstar will be performing live, and you’ll have the chance to learn more about Sustainable Connections and how to get involved. Guests can enjoy local beer, take part in raffles supporting local businesses, and discover ways to give back through the monthly Local Lovers program.

Monday Music & Trivia →

TUESDAY

Tuesday Tunes, Barkley Village Green - Bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets. Dance up an appetite, then get food from one of the several food trucks that will be attending. This week The Sweet Goodbyes will play starting at 6 pm.

Jazz Night, Aslan Depot - Discover the magic of live jazz every Tuesday evening at Aslan Depot! Talented local musicians bring you soulful jazz, from classics to modern gems. Starts at 8 pm for the 21+ crowd.

Tuesday Music & Trivia →

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Hakuna matata

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Have a great Monday!!