Get outside while summer lasts! Whether it’s at Birch Bay, the Nooksack River in Ferndale or a lovely outdoor winery in Whatcom County, we can make the most of our gorgeous weather.
Discover Birch Bay Days
After a pandemic-related hiatus, the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the return of “Discover Days” from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28. The parade begins at noon Saturday, traveling north along Birch Bay Drive from Alderson Road (near the C Shop) to Harborview Road (near Bay Center Market).
The Friends of Birch Bay Library will host a book sale both days; Saturday’s events feature music by Long at Last, and an obstacle course; Sunday’s events include music by Baby Cakes, a duck derby, crab derby and a poker run. Details can be found at birchbaywa.org/birch-bay-discover-days.
Jam on the River
Ferndale Chamber of Commerce hosts a daylong event from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at Centennial Riverwalk Park, 5667 Front St. Attendees can enjoy live music, amazing flavors and delightful vendors when they turn Centennial Riverwalk Park into an experience for the whole family. Four bands will perform — Uncle Doug, Frankie McCabe, J.P. Falcon Band, and Fantasy Band — and there will be on-site food trucks and community vendors. Find out more at ferndale-chamber.com.
Book party
The Bellingham Police Department Literacy Initiative will kick off at a free event from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 27, at Lee Memorial Park (the Central Library Lawn). Children 5 and younger will receive a free book and have the opportunity to interact with BPD officers and their vehicles, do a craft and play.
This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Bellingham Police Department and the Bellingham Public Library. The goal is to increase literacy and foster a positive relationship between children and law enforcement in the community. Research has shown that incarceration rates are inversely related to literacy rates. One of the best ways to increase literacy in a community is to increase a child’s access to books, especially for children 5 and younger. Info: bellinghampubliclibrary.org.
Beach walk
Join the Garden of the Salish Sea Curriculum for a Family Field Day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at Birch Bay State Park. Meet at the BP Heron Center, 5105 Helweg Rd, to explore Birch Bay State Park’s intertidal zone with naturalists.
You’ll learn to identify different organisms using an ID guide; identify adaptations and body parts that help organisms to survive; and relate organisms to the food web. Support the thriving Salish Sea and healthy oceans globally that can feed us by taking the Salish Sea Community Challenge to practice watershed healthy and climate-friendly habits. Fee is $10. For details, go to gardensalishsea.org or contact Julie Hirsch, garden.salishsea@gmail.com.
Party with Flip
Longtime Bellingham folk singer Flip Breskin hosts her annual singalong birthday party (if the weather cooperates) at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at the Columbia neighborhood’s Elizabeth Park with new songs and old songs. Bring a chair or blanket and an instrument if you like and celebrate her 72nd year. For more about Reskin, go to flip.breskin.com.
Bellhaven Jazz Festival
The Jazz Project presents its 11th annual Bellhaven Jazz Festival Saturday, Aug. 27, at Samson Estates Winery, 1861 Van Dyk Rd., near Everson. Doors open at noon. The four bands will perform from 1–7 p.m. Beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Outside food is permitted.
The music kicks off with the Jennifer Scott Quartet — with Scott on piano and vocals, Rene Worst on bass, Jud Sherwood on drums and Josh Cook on tenor saxophone.
At 2 p.m., the Brian Cunningham Trio takes the stage with Cunningham on guitar, Tom Anastasio on bass and Jud Sherwood on drums. They will be followed by the Jerry Steinhilber Trio, with Steinhilber on drums, King Dahl on bass and Josh Cook playing tenor saxophone.
At 5:30 p.m., the Steely Dan cover band Danned if We Do completes the lineup, with Cheryl Hodge on piano and vocals, Jud Sherwood on drums and vocals, Brian Cunningham on guitar and bassist Jon Meyers.
The Bellhaven Jazz Festival is free for members of the Jazz Project, $20 general and $10 for students. Seating is provided at the pavilion, or bring a blanket and chairs and stretch out on the winery grounds to enjoy a full day of jazz, blues and Latin music. Purchase tickets in advance at jazzproject.org.
Dog Days of Summer Festival
Whatcom Humane Society hosts a free family- and dog-friendly event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28, at the organization’s shelter field at 2172 Division St. The festival will feature more than 40 pet-themed vendors, kids’ activities, dog games and contests.
Grab a bite at one of the vegetarian food trucks or a refreshing beverage in the beer garden. Parking is located at a variety of local companies in the Irongate area; watch for signs and parking volunteers. Find out more at whatcomhumane.org.
Before attending an in-person event, check with individual venues to make sure it is taking place as scheduled.
Margaret Bikman’s column runs every Wednesday. Reach her at margaret.bikman@gmail.com.
