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

Does it seem like there’s been a huge explosion in the deer population this spring? And, have they lost all fear of cars? I swear there’s something different this year. They are everywhere!! 🦌 

Have fun, and stay safe out there!

~ Val & Evan

Nature, Community, Sasquatch, UAP

Photos From the Hoods

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

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: 70°F 🌡️ 51°F | ⛅ Partly Sunny | 🌧️ 1% | 💨 SSW 6 mph

Thursday: 73°F 🌡️ 55°F | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 🌧️ 1% | 💨 SW 7 mph

Moon Phases

Events, Updates & News Around Town

Get off the Hamster Wheel

The Circus Comes to Town

It’s that time of the year. The Shoestring Circus has arrived, featuring cast members fresh from Broadway, Cirque Du Soleil, and multiple World Record holders. Along with some returning favorites back with brand-new characters!

This season’s show takes place in The Museum. A world inside the big top tent filled with a surreal gallery of acrobatics and illusion, where masterpieces spring to life. Featuring dazzling visuals, inventive surprise, and mind-blowing circus acts.

“All of us who run Shoestring have been performers for years. We started this circus to share the kind of live entertainment we love most,” says Nicole Laumb, Co-Founder of Shoestring Circus. “This show has something for everyone—risk, humor, beauty, spectacle, and masters of their craft. We can’t wait for audiences to experience the incredible artists joining us this season.”

The circus runs through June 22^nd , and most showtimes are currently waitlist-only. A few tickets remain for later dates, so jump on those quickly.

Police Deputy Chief Retires

BPD has announced the retirement of Deputy Chief Jason Monson, a 37-year veteran of the Bellingham Police Department. 37 years!!

Deputy Chief Monson served as a patrol officer in 1990, then worked as a K-9 Handler, DARE officer, Master Patrol Officer, detective in the Special Investigation Unit, Major Crimes Detective Sergeant, Lieutenant of the Office of Professional Responsibility, and finally Deputy Chief. What an unbelievably rich career serving Bellingham.

Huge gratitude to Deputy Chief Monson for his service to our community. We wish him the very best as he embarks on new adventures.

In other news…

🌊 The City of Bellingham is asking residents to limit watering from June 1^st to September 30^th to reduce stress on the City’s drinking water supply. The summer watering schedule is based on street address numbers with even-numbered addresses watering on Tuesdays, Thursday, and Saturdays, and odd-numbered addresses watering on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. More details.

The RE Store

More Than a Store

Reuse, community, resilience.

During a home renovation last year, we needed a unique light fixture for a lovely little mudroom. Where did we go? The RE Store! It’s our favorite spot in town for salvaged fixtures and other renovation goodies. This gorgeous vintage globe pendant light was there on the shelf. It made the perfect addition to the room.

We’re very excited to welcome The RE Store to our community of sponsors. Scroll down the the Friends of the Wheel section to find a Hamster Wheel discount they are offering through June.

Food & Drink

Hamsters Gotta Eat

Performance Arts This Week

Dance of The Hamsters

LIVE ARTS & FILM

iDiOM Theater
The Cherry Orchard | Thurs-Sat 7:30 pm

Mount Baker Theater
The Addams Family | Wed 7:00 pm

Mount Baker Theater
Whose Live Anyway? | Sat 7:30 pm

WWU
An Enemy of the People | Fri, Sat, Sun 2 & 7:30 pm

WWU
BFA Dance Concert | Fri, Sat 7:30 pm; Sat 2 pm

New Prospect Theatre:
Witch With Her Skirt On Fire | Sat 8 pm

The Upfront Theatre
Various performances.

PARTICIPATORY DANCE

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

 Tango  
Tango Practica - The Majestic - Wed 6:30 pm

 Other  
Flow Fusion - Karate Church - Thurs 7 pm
Sunset Silent Disco - Zuanich - Sat 8:00 pm
Line Dancing - El Rey - Fri 7 pm
Line Dancing - Alsan Depot - Sat 3 pm
Open Floor Movement - Presence Studio - Sun 10:30 am
Family Dance Party - Boom! - Sun 10 am

Events & Nightlife

Spinning Into The Night

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FEATURED

Squalicum High School graduate Madeline Slind, who just finished her sophomore year at Chapman University, will “share her beautiful voice with her friends, family and community” tomorrow (June 5) at St Paul’s Episcopal. Admission is free.

WEDNESDAY

Paint Party, Cafe Rumba - Unleash your inner artist! Painting a "Forest Fairy" – a masterpiece you’ll be proud to take home. No experience needed. Tinkerbell in pastels.

Stefania Heim, Village Books - Join WWU associate professor of literature Stefania Heim in the Fairhaven Readings Gallery for a dive into her newest translation, Mr. Dudron, by the great metaphysical painter Giorgio de Chirico. Snag a spot.

Wednesday Music & Trivia →

THURSDAY

Stand-Up Comedy, South Paw - A free Live Stand-Up Comedy Show featuring Ishtiaq Qureshi and Adam Tiller! A great reason to check out the new South Paw venue.

Handbags for Housing, Fisherman’s Pavilion - All guests will enjoy a live fashion show, designer handbag live auction, sweet treats, craft cocktails, a handbag bazaar and much more. Support Lydia Place and grab a bag.

How Queer, Voxel Gallery - Explore and reflect on themes of love, identity, resilience, family, justice, and personal transformation through a wide range of visual media—including painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media. Be there opening day.

Thursday Music & Trivia →

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Hakuna matata

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Have a great Wednesday!!