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

Have fun, and stay safe out there!

~ Evan

Or, hit reply to send me photos via email. 📧

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Local artist Luciana Navarro-Powell 👇 will be chalking her signature style three-dimensional optical illusions all around the Lightcatcher Building at Whatcom Museum Free First Friday tonight, August 7th.

Optical illusions at the theme of the day. So, the museum will be hosting all-ages crafts and activities on the subject throughout the afternoon. While you’re there, check out the Whatcom Museum’s newest exhibition, Luminous Glow, featuring neon glass sculptures by Seattle artist Kelsey Fernkopf with photography by Steve Gilbert.

In a note this week, Luciana mentioned she will at Village Books on Saturday to read from the latest book she illustrated called Squirrel Draws Big Feelings.

“This book was inspired by the chalk art I did around Broadway Park during the pandemic. After reading, I will talk about the process of creating the illustrations, I will show some tools, answer questions. Then I will sign books, and will lead the kids on a chalk activity - rain or shine! If it's raining I will bring a "portable sidewalk" so we can chalk inside!”

Sign up to attend.

Fire Marshal Shawn Linville issued a complete outdoor burn ban in Bellingham as dry conditions and low fuel moisture raise fire danger across the area. The ban took effect at 2 p.m. Thursday and includes recreational fires, fire pits, and similar outdoor burning within city limits.

Commercially available barbecues are still allowed, but “charcoal and ash should be discarded in a metal container and doused with water” away from buildings or dry vegetation. The ban will remain in place until further notice.

Randy Small posted an interesting animated image yesterday that illustrates why the smoke haze has begun to thin.

He describes how an onshore flow began during the day and was expected to strengthen overnight. Be sure to check out his post for the animated version of the image 👆 and his much better description.

Annika Sampson, who serves on the Chuckanut Center board, sent along a note about the center’s monthly gardening work parties. There’s one is this Saturday, offering a chance to spend a few hours helping out in the community garden and working alongside other volunteers.

“Join us for our monthly Weed & Feed on Saturday, August 8th, at the Chuckanut Center garden! Spend the morning working and gardening alongside community members, learning new skills, and enjoying this community gem in all its summer glory. Tools, gloves, and lunch are provided… just bring your enthusiasm! Weed & Feeds take place on the second Saturday of each month, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM (gardening 10:00 AM–12:00 PM, lunch 12:00 PM–1:00 PM). All are welcome!“

For any old-school hamsters, the Chuckanut Center was once the travelers hostel across from Fairhaven Middle School. Much prettier now, but no longer an open door policy for vagabonds.

At noon today, August 7, Wren the Juggler will be performing at the Maritime Heritage Park Amphitheatre. “Wren's performance will feature juggling, comedy and elements of circus all in one! He'll also lead a hands-on workshop for all the young, budding jugglers to learn a new skill. Come ready to laugh, have fun and enjoy the sun!”

That sounds like as good a reason as any to swagger downtown and enjoy some juggling and circus fun. 🤹‍♂️

Rabid Bats 🦇: Whatcom County health officials are reminding us not to touch or handle wild bats after two in Whatcom County tested positive for rabies this week. They note that bats usually avoid people, but any bite, scratch, or direct contact should be taken seriously since rabies cannot be identified by appearance alone.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Friday
North Fork Eagle: Join Whatcom Land Trust staff for a full day of stewardship at North Fork Eagle, located along the North Fork of the Nooksack River near Welcome. Register

Saturday
Halverson Park: Help Whatcom Million Trees Project tackle English ivy in the mature conifer forests at Halverson park. Register
Summer Stewards: Hop on the NSEA shuttle bus for a morning of stewardship. This day will be focused on invasive blackberry removal. Register

5422 Barrett Rd Ste C104 (Sat 9 am)
This estate sale looks like it’s bursting at the seams with treasures. Just looking through the photos I’m seeing everything from household items to collectables, from sporting goods to tools and crafting supplies. They even have a bonsai! Could be a fun one. 😁

374 Echo Lane, Sedro Woolley (Open Sun 11-1 pm)
Check out this cute little green cabin-style home a couple blocks from Cain Lake. I’ve always thought this was a sweet little nook in our region that doesn’t draw too much attention. Feels like a getaway, but minutes from Bham. Listing

1140 Grant Street (Open Fri 5-7 pm)
Cute, cute, cute. Bellingham went through a building boom in the 1920 and so many of these darling houses were built all across town. Little craftsman were all the rage I guess. 😁 Pretty great. Listing

FireHouse Arts & Events Center
All The Marbles - Contemporary Dance (dance) | Fri-Sat

The Upfront Theatre
Various performances

Beginner Ballet - Karate Church - Sat 10 am
Beginner Contemporary - Karate Church - Sat 11:30 am
Salsa Collective - The Majestic - Sun 5:30 pm
Open Floor Conscious Dance - Bellingham Fitness - Sun 10:30 am

Happy Accidents performs in the Acme on Saturday, August 8, from 6 to 8 pm. The group blends blues, rock, folk, and country. Because the concert takes place in the beer garden, it is weather dependent.

5CC Wrestling brings Intergalactic to Stemma West tomorrow, August 8, with the first bell at 7 pm. The outdoor, all-ages show features live professional wrestling in the brewery’s west-side space. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $15. Bring your own chairs or blankets.

Hawaiian singer-songwriter John Cruz performs at the Herald Building on Saturday, August 8, as part of the ʻOno Outdoor Concert Series. Cruz blends Hawaiian music with blues, folk, and R&B. The multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner, will be joined by Blayne Asing and CJ Helekahi for the program, which runs from 1 to 9 pm with food, drinks, and local vendors.

Jamnesia: Days Between, Skylark’s Hidden Cafe – Jamnesia performs Grateful Dead-inspired jams and Jerry Garcia tributes from 6 to 8 pm during a free show honoring his musical legacy.

Friday Music & Trivia →

The Princess Bride, Fairhaven Village Green – Gates open at 6 pm for an outdoor screening of the adventure, romance, and comedy favorite, with the movie beginning at dusk and admission priced at $7 cash or $8 by card.

Laughing Hamster Comedy Festival: Best of the Fest Showcase, Wander Brewing – A free stand-up show from 8 to 9:30 pm features top comedians and highlights from Bellingham’s Laughing Hamster Comedy Festival.

Saturday Music & Trivia →

Play, Learn, and Connect: A Community Festival, Pioneer Park – A free family event from 11 am to 2 pm features hands-on activities, food trucks, local service organizations, and opportunities to help shape the future of Heart of Play Children’s Museum.

Sunday Music & Trivia →

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