Find many ways and places to celebrate 2023, from libraries to beaches to small-town dances! And get a jump on your exercise program resolution with a dip in the cold water — or a hike!
Personal note: As executive editor Ron Judd noted in his Dec. 21 column about changes in the new year, starting Wednesday, Jan. 4, I will be passing on my Best Bets responsibilities to A&E editor Amy Kepferle; but if you have story ideas for people or places in the arts and entertainment world you’d like me to feature in upcoming issues of Cascadia Daily News, please email margaret.bikman@gmail.com.
New Year’s at Noon at county libraries
Celebrate the New Year with stories and activities for young children and their families from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, at the Everson Library, the Ferndale Meeting Room, the Lynden Meeting Room, the Point Roberts Library, the South Whatcom Library, or the Lummi Island Library. Watch balloons drop at noon and dance the hour away! Details: wcls.org.
Ring of Fire
Join the fun in Birch Bay and plan to ring in the New Year with our annual Ring of Fire and Hope tradition from 7–9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, on Birch Bay Drive.
As always, a limited number of complimentary biodegradable flares will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you want multiple flares, purchase extras at Pacific Building Center, Bay Center Market, LFS Marine & Outdoor, and West Marine.
Flares will be available for pickup from noon to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday., Dec. 29–30 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31 at the Birch Bay Visitor Information Center, 4819 Alderson Road, #103; and 4–7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, at Beach Cat Brewing Company, 7876 Birch Bay Drive. Find out more at birchbaychamber.com.
It’s all about the magic
“The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays” has dazzled audiences worldwide and spent three record-breaking years on Broadway with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever seen on stage.
This nonstop excitement can be seen at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, at the Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St. The show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated illusions, close-up magic, mentalism, daring escapes and technological spectacles of unprecedented proportions — all performed by master entertainers. Viewer discretion is advised due to bright lights, strobes and atmospheric effects. Tickets are $50–$80 at mountbakertheatre.com.
Contra dancing on New Year’s Eve
Bellingham Country Dance hosts two bands, KGG from Seattle, and Bellingham’s Sunrise, in an all-ages New Year’s Eve contra dance from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at Franklin Academy’s Holly Hall Gymnasium, 3230 Meridian St. Dance callers will be Laura Me Smith and Joe Micheals from Seattle. Donation at the door: $15–$20. Please bring a potluck snack to share. See additional information at bellinghamcountrydance.org.
New Year’s in VanZandt!
After a long wait, New Year’s Eve at the VanZandt Hall is happening, so dust off your glitter duds and dancing shoes! Doors open at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31 for an hour of socializing. Attendance is $10 per person or $20 for a family. (No one will be turned away for lack of funds.) The South Fork Valley Community Association will also be presenting its annual awards. Please bring a plate of finger food to share and the beverage of your choice. Music starts at 9 p.m. by the ever-evolving local music-makers, bandZandt! They’ll rock until midnight — and beyond! VanZandt Hall is located at 4106 Valley Highway (Highway 9). Info: southforkvalley.org.
New Year’s Eve concert
Kuinka and Savanna Woods celebrate “The Year of the Rabbit” starting at 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, at the Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., in Mount Vernon. A complimentary New Year’s Eve champagne toast, party favors and other special surprises are included in your ticket purchase.
“The Year of the Rabbit” is Kuinka’s three-piece tribute to its sonic adventures of years past. Miranda, Zach and Nathan will spend the evening revisiting and exploring the sounds and songs they’ve written together over the last 10 years and focus a lens on early works inspired by their home in the Skagit Valley. This unique show will feature reimagined versions of Kuinka favorites and boot-stomping multi-instrumental and percussive numbers alike. Join them — and Savanna Woods and the band Eden — to reflect on days past and welcome the Year of the Rabbit. Tickets are $20–$60 at lincolntheatre.org.
Padden Polar Dip, Polar Bear Plunge
Start the new year off on the right foot with a stroll or jog at 11 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 1 around beautiful Lake Padden as part of the annual Resolution Run, then take the plunge into the chilly lake to ring in your resolutions at noon sharp for the Padden Polar Dip! Bring your enthusiasm, a towel, a change of clothes and shoes that can get wet. Details: 360-788-7000 or cob.org.
This year, for the 40th annual Polar Bear Plunge, the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce will set up a warming tent and on-site registration area starting at 10 a.m. at Beach Cat Brewing Company, 7876 Birch Bay Drive. The plunge takes place at noon sharp across from Beach Cat. Costume contests will be part of the fun. Limited commemorative T-shirts and hooded sweatshirts will be available for purchase. Pre-register and get more information at birchbaywa.org.
First Day Hike
Ring in the new year with Washington State Parks during the annual First Day Hikes event on Sunday, Jan. 1.
First Day Hikes offers an opportunity for everyone to get outside and enjoy our beautiful state parks. Participate in ranger- and staff-led hikes, bike rides, snowshoe excursions and more that will be offered at more than 40 parks on New Year’s Day.
First Day Hikes range in difficulty from paved, flat ADA-accessible trails to moderate hill climbs. A few parks will host more than one hike with options tailored to different interests and abilities. Additionally, some hikes will include fun educational talks where rangers will speak about the history and natural features of their parks.
Most First Day Hikes require advanced registration, and group sizes may be limited. Select hikes will also have snowshoes available for visitors to use. New Year’s Day also marks the first free admission day of 2023 for state-managed lands. Visitors will not need a Discover Pass to park on state recreation lands. However, you may need to purchase a Sno-Park permit depending on which hike you choose. Visit parks.wa.gov to view all activities and register.
Artist open call: ‘All You Need Is Love’
Gallery Syre is excited to announce its first artist open call to give local and national artists an opportunity to gain more exposure and to exhibit in a professional gallery environment. Applications are due Friday, Jan. 6.
The theme of this open call is “All You Need Is Love,” borrowing its name from the iconic Beatles song from 1967. The Beatles wrote this song to inspire people of all nationalities and backgrounds to live in mutual understanding and to spread love instead of violence. (With this in mind, Gallery Syre calls for artists who use art as a messenger of love and universal understanding.)
Artists from all fields and backgrounds are welcome to apply, and no previous gallery or exhibition experiences are required. Submissions are juried on their originality, subject matter and use of medium or technique. The jury is composed of Kelly Hart (executive director of Allied Arts), Sarah Corona (sales and marketing for David Syre Art), and Holly Studley (curator for PeaceHealth Medical Care Foundation). The open call will result in a group exhibition with an official opening reception on Feb. 11, 2023, at Gallery Syre, 465 W. Stuart Road. The exhibit will run through April 15, and artworks will be for sale.
This is an excellent opportunity for artists of all ages and backgrounds to gain exhibition experience, a portfolio review, and a direct connection with the local art community. To participate, please fill out the application form at gallerysyre.com or contact Gallery Manager Casey Curtis at casey@gallerysyre.com.
Before attending an in-person event, check with individual venues to make sure it is taking place as scheduled.
Margaret Bikman’s last Best Bets column runs today. Starting in January, she will be focusing her talents on writing profiles of creative people making a difference in Whatcom and Skagit counties. Reach her at margaret.bikman@gmail.com.
