July 4th Fireworks at Zuanich + World Cup Double Header Today at Kulshan

Happy Wednesday, Bellingham. It is July 1, and with Independence Day four days out, there is a lot to cover this morning. The waterfront is getting some prep work done, the Fan Zone is back at Kulshan today, and if you are heading to Birch Bay this weekend, there are a few things worth knowing first. Let's get into it.

Add your content

Love digesting, and want to contribute? We have two ways:

1. Submit a tip 

2. Sponsor a newsletter

☀️ Today's Weather: Any early clouds clear out fast today, with mostly sunny skies arriving by midmorning and a high near 70. Chance of rain this morning is just 20 percent. Perfect afternoon to get outside. Full forecast at NWS.

Events

Port of Bellingham's July 4th Fireworks Show Is Saturday. Here's the Rundown.

The Peoples Bank Fourth of July Spectacular returns to Zuanich Point Park this Saturday, and this year it carries extra weight: America turns 250. Family-friendly games, activities, and food vendors kick off at 4 p.m., and the fireworks display starts at 10:30 p.m.

One thing to know before you head down: a section of the ASB Waterfront Trail will be closed July 2 through 6 to prepare for the show. Plan your route to the waterfront accordingly.

Consumer fireworks are prohibited within Bellingham city limits, including sparklers, fountains, and "safe and sane" types. The Port's show is the place to be. Full event details at portofbellingham.com.

Safety

Heading to Birch Bay This Weekend? A Few Things to Keep in Mind.

The Whatcom County Sheriff is reminding everyone that celebrating at Birch Bay comes with some responsibilities this year. Last July 4 weekend, volunteers removed over 141,000 pounds of trash from Washington beaches. That is a lot of mess to leave behind.

Pack your trash out, use the dumpsters at beach access points, and know that fireworks are banned on state park lands and Seashore Conservation Area beaches. A citation runs $99, and the wildlife and neighbors will thank you.

The Birch Bay 4th of July page at birchbaywa.org has the full local rundown for the weekend.

Community

Birch Bay Cleanup the Morning After: July 5, 9 AM to Noon

Fireworks leave behind a lot of debris that is hard to spot in the dark. The Whatcom Conservation District is organizing a post-Independence Day cleanup at Birch Bay on Sunday morning, July 5, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Trash bags, gloves, trash grabbers, and refreshments will be provided. It is a good way to spend a Sunday morning and help protect wildlife, sea creatures, and the beach itself. Details and updates at Whatcom Conservation District. More info also at whatcomcd.org/event-calendar.

School + Family

Summer Camps, Swim Days, and a Festival Worth Putting on the Calendar

With school officially out and the summer stretch in full swing, this week's family roundup has a few things worth penciling in.

The Northwest Raspberry Festival in Lynden is coming up July 17 and 18, and it is one of those genuinely fun family days out. A street fair, live music, raspberry farm tours, and the Razz & Shine car show on Saturday make it an easy full-day trip. Vanilla ice cream with local berries is pretty hard to beat. See the full event post from Bellingham Experience.

If your kids are readers, Bellingham Public Library's summer reading program continues through July. Check the library's website for reading logs, prizes, and program details. Summer reading superstars can also score free mini golf at a few local spots while supplies last.

Events

World Cup Fan Zone Double Header Today at Kulshan Brewing

The Bellingham Fan Zone is back at Trackside Beer Garden at Kulshan Brewing today with two matches on the big screen. First up at 1 p.m.: Belgium vs. Senegal in the Round of 32. Then at 5 p.m., it is the U.S. vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A second big screen has been added to the extended beer garden for today's double header. Starting at 4 p.m., spin the prize wheel for a chance to win a coveted Bellingham scarf and other giveaways. Full Fan Zone info at bellingham.org/fanzone.

Civic

Boaters: Y-Valve Must Stay Closed in the Puget Sound No Discharge Zone

With boat traffic picking up for summer, Whatcom County Public Works is reminding boaters about a rule that carries real consequences. If your vessel has a Y-valve on its sewage system, it must be kept in the closed position at all times while in the Puget Sound No Discharge Zone.

The rule exists to protect water quality for everyone, and pump-out stations are available across the region. The county put together a short video to walk through exactly how to close the valve correctly. Learn more and find pump-out locations at whatcomcounty.us.

The Upcoming Week

Sponsored

Make Home Feel Like a Holiday Too

You are about to have a bunch of people over for the Fourth. Or maybe you are just back from a long weekend and the house shows it. Either way, now is a good time to hit reset.

Cascade Home Cleaning is offering new recurring clients 40% off their first deep clean when they book by end of the week. One call, one crew, and your home smells like summer instead of the Fourth of July aftermath.

Book online at cascadehomecleaning.com or call to check availability. Offer expires this Sunday.

Sponsored by Cascade Home Cleaning. Locally owned and serving Whatcom County.