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Bellingham Scoop: Thursday Morning

Bellingham Scoop: Thursday Morning

January 16, 2025

Good morning, Bellingham! It’s January 16th! Grab your coffee and settle in—it’s time to catch up on everything happening in our beautiful corner of the Pacific Northwest. From a FIFA fan zone announcement that has us ready to wave flags and cheer, to salmon eggs hatching at the library (spoiler: they’re adorable), and a heads-up about water main flushing season, there’s no shortage of local buzz this week. Let’s dive in!

BUT FIRST —— THANK YOU Tracy and Jason —— who both notified me that the “submit an event” required access. So here is another button to submit an event!

Today’s Events:

Arrested Development Trivia @ Mallard Ice Cream: It’s the final countdown! This Thursday, January 16th, at 7 PM, Mallard Ice Cream is throwing their last-ever "Arrested Development" trivia night. Grab your Blue Man Group, brush up on your Bluth-isms, and head to 1323 Railroad Avenue for a night of laughs, ice cream, and maybe a little light treason. Details
[FREE] Movie Night @ Backcountry Essential (1417 N State St.): Thursday 16th @ 6:15pm. Two documentaries: Ivy Eyes: A short documentary by Whatcom Million Trees Project and Common Ground: how sustainable farming can heal both our planet and our communities.
Ski Wax and Tuning Clinic - The Equipment Shop at the American Alpine Institute is teaching how to wax and tune your skis. Bring your skis and join AAI equipment shop experts. $30pp || 7PM (4041 Home Road, Ste A, Bellingham, WA) Details

Upcoming Must-Dos:

[FREE] Martin Luther King, Jr. Event - Saturday Jan 18th (10AM) at Bellingham High School - A community breakfast, music performances, and a Q&A moderated by Dr. William Jackson, Director of Teaching and Learning, Bellevue School District and 2024 Washington State Principal of the Year. Details.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Event

Bellingham Winter Wedding Show - $12 A showcase over 30 of the area’s leading wedding vendors to start planning a wedding or to finalize the details. Sunday Jan 19th @11AM. Details
Bellingham Folk Festival - January 23rd-26th, 2025 - Four days and nights of inspiring performances, dances, workshops, and jams at a variety of downtown Bellingham locations, featuring a mix of local and touring performers and instructors, annual favorites and new faces. Details
[VOLUNTEER} Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service at Squalicum Creek Park Jan 18th 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Join Bellingham Parks and Recreation the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA), and the community for a volunteer work party from to restore salmon habitat and water quality at our Willow Spring restoration site in Squalicum Creek Park. Details.

Learn About Salmon at the Bellingham Public Library!

Get ready to welcome some fin-tastic visitors to the Bellingham Public Library Children’s Department! Thanks to the amazing partnership with the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA), you can follow the journey of salmon eggs as they transform into alevin and fry in a 55-gallon aquarium. Once these little swimmers are ready, they’ll head off to their new home in Whatcom Creek.

Mark Your Calendars!
🗓 Tuesday, January 21
📍 Children’s Library, Bellingham Public Library
⏰ The eggs will be added to the tank at 4:00 p.m.—come cheer them on! Plus, drop in anytime during open hours to make a simple welcome craft for our fishy friends.

The fun doesn’t stop there! A livestream of the salmon eggs is on the way, so you can check in on them whenever you want.

ICYMI: If you missed last year’s hatch and release, head to the library’s website to check out highlights from 2024.

Did You Know?

Bellingham is committed to restoring and protecting habitats for fish and wildlife. With 75+ miles of shoreline, 1,000 acres of wetlands, and 7,000 acres of forest, the city’s Restoration Program is working hard to preserve ecosystems for salmon and other wildlife.

Supporting these efforts not only boosts fish and wildlife populations but also ensures we continue to enjoy the natural beauty that makes Bellingham so special.

So, grab your little ones and come help welcome these tiny salmon to their temporary home—and learn more about the incredible ecosystem we share!

Hey, Ferndale! Heads Up: Water Main Flushing Starts This Week!

City crews will kick off their annual water main flushing program this week, with work expected to wrap up by early April. Flushing will typically occur on weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is all about keeping our water system in tip-top shape. By clearing out natural mineral deposits that build up inside pipes, the city ensures cleaner, more reliable water for your home or business.

Here’s what you need to know while flushing is underway:

Discolored water? Don’t panic! Run cold water in your bathtub for a few minutes to clear it up.
Laundry warning: Avoid washing white clothes during flushing in your area to steer clear of potential stains.
Hot water caution: Don’t use your hot water taps until the discoloration clears, as it might pull deposits into your hot water system.

For questions or more info, reach out to Ferndale Public Works at (360) 685-2379.

Explore a Career in Law Enforcement at BPD Information Day

If you’ve ever considered a career in law enforcement, here’s your chance to learn more and get all your questions answered! The Bellingham Police Department is hosting an Information Day on:

🗓 Saturday, January 25, 2025
⏰ 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
📍 Bellingham Police Department (505 Grand Ave.)

This event is your opportunity to chat with police officers, telecommunicators, and police support services specialists. They’ll be showcasing their divisions, sharing insights into their careers, and answering any questions you may have.

Why Now?

The Information Day is a great way to prepare for the Public Safety Test for police officer and telecommunicator positions, happening right here at BPD on February 8, 2025.

Bellingham Named an Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Fan Zone!

Soccer fans, rejoice! Bellingham has been selected as one of nine official fan zones in Washington State for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, thanks to the Seattle organizing committee’s effort to spread the excitement statewide. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love a good community celebration, this is your chance to get in on the action.

What Does This Mean for Bellingham?

Watch Parties Galore: The fan zone will host live screenings of all six FIFA World Cup matches played in Seattle, including the big one featuring Team USA on June 19.
Spin-off Fun: From arts and culture events to recreational activities, we’ll be celebrating soccer, community, and the spirit of the games.
Economic Boost: Federal and state funding will support security, small business readiness, and a host of fan activations, leaving a legacy of growth for years to come.

Mayor Kim Lund, sporting her Seattle FIFA scarf, summed it up perfectly:
"Bellingham is ready to get in the game for FIFA World Cup 2026! From waterfront watch parties to showcasing our unrivaled recreation opportunities, we can't wait to show off the best of the Pacific Northwest."

Why Bellingham?

Strategically located between matches in Seattle and Vancouver, BC, Bellingham is perfectly poised to be a hub for fans exploring the region. Visitors will get to enjoy our breathtaking scenery, vibrant community, and lively events while cheering on their favorite teams.

What’s Next?

The City of Bellingham is teaming up with Visit Bellingham and the Port of Bellingham to roll out plans for an incredible fan zone experience. Over the next year and a half, the city will work with local stakeholders to coordinate transportation, business supports, and a packed calendar of events.

So, dust off your jerseys, start practicing your goal celebrations, and stay tuned for more details as we count down to 2026. All the details here.

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