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Salmon BBQ features Wild King SalmonSaturday, September 17, 2011
Serving till on the Village Green were full salmon dinners - BBQed King Salmon with all the trimmings. Here we see Tasha slicing the salmon into serving sizes and chef Alex tending the grill while Rich Bulman has a serving platter filled. The dinners were $15 and included salmon, corn on the cob, coleslaw, bun, beverage and dessert. We want to thank Vis Seafoods for the salmon, Skylark’s Restaurant for the coleslaw, Avenue Bread for the rolls, Joe’s Gardens for the corn on the cob, Katie’s Cupcakes for cupcake desserts, and and Papa’s Sweets and Shangri-La Tea Company for the iced tea. We also thank all the volunteers who helped make this day.
Dirty Dan, aka Jim Rich, serving salmon.
Chef Alex who supervised the grilling of the salmon. Today - 11 - 5, Sidewalk Sale; 1 pm Salmon BBQSaturday, September 17, 2011
Happening now. The Sidewalk Sale is the once a year clearance by most Fairhaven shops. Each sets up a table on the sidewalk in front of their shop with bargains and big savings. It is going now and will continue to 5 pm. The weather is great so come on down. Salmon BBQ starts at 1 pm and continues until all 500 salmon meals are sold or until 4 pm. We have never lasted till 4 pm, so come early. $15 gets you the classic King Salmon, corn on the cob, coleslaw, roll, beverage and desert. $6 hotdog, desert and beverage for the kids, if you want. Great day in the historic district of Fairhaven. Take I-5 Exit 250. Steampunk comes to FairhavenThursday, September 15, 2011
Village Books hosted a Steampunk Masquerade this evening up on the mezzanine, where book readings happen. Lindsey of VB hosted the event and was most appropriately attired. Jonathan of The American Museum of Radio & Electricity had a Tesla coil for consenting individuals to partake of the electronic excitement. (he is seen on the far right with his coil) Steampunk? It is dressing and acting in the manner of a slightly over the top Victorian personality in the modern world - and - and this is important - and we have not advanced beyond steam power. No electricity, no gas or diesel engines. Thus, jetliners are powered by steam. It is fun. And that is the perspective of a 70 year old. I’m probably off a bit. Google the word and click to view Images. Oh, and add in to all that - Science Fiction. Jules Verne, you know. (and don’t go out without your your touring goggles) Fairhaven continues to have fun and try new things. That is what we treasure and hope continues. We invite you to Historic Fairhaven to have some fun. Maybe the Sidewalk Sale and Salmon BBQ this Saturday. Rain or shine - come on down for some fun. By the way - doesn’t Andy, the Herald photographer, looks inadvertently Steampunk with his belt of lens holsters. And check out the young guy on the far left with the gas mask and personal defense instrument. Visitor Information Gazebo gets spruced upMonday, September 12, 2011
Erica Hume, the manager of Artwood Gallery, is chagrined that we would want a photo of her. But here she is, on her day off, putting on trim paint after she attached the new Visitor Info sign. She and her husband Jim earlier installed a new step for more easily getting into the gazebo. The gazebo is located at Harris and 10th, next to the Bead Bazaar. It will be improved even more and information racks will be put inside it for 24 hour visitor information. The sign points to the Bay to Baker Trading Company, only half a block down Harris, where our complete Visitor Info center is. Bay to Baker is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm. We thank Erica. She is one of many business owners who volunteer in The Old Fairhaven Association to promote our district, preserve the historic buildings and help make Fairhaven a fun place to visit, work and shop. The last thing she sought was publicity. She didn’t even know I was down in Fairhaven early Monday morning. So a bit if recognition is appropriate. By the way, she also organizes the Holiday Walk in late November and the Solstice Walk in June. - John Servais Mount Bakery Fairhaven now open dailyWednesday, September 7, 2011
A scratch bakery in Fairhaven. Mount Bakery is well known for their downtown Bellingham coffee shop and their outstanding baked sweets. Well, they have moved their actual bakery to Fairhaven and are open every day of the week at 7 am until 1 pm. They are located next to Trek Video, where Fairhaven Pizza was. Above, Leah and Ed work at the counter while Jessica works at the back counter. Coffee selection is limited to a fine drip grind now, but espresso will be available later this month. It is a cozy shop, perfect for meeting a friend and enjoying a very fresh baked pastry. Croissants, twists (made with croissant dough), scones, muffins, several kinds of cookies - and cinnamon rolls. Really good cinnamon rolls. And, what they are best known for, their desserts. Truffles, tarts and cheesecakes. Plus they offer custom cakes and desserts to order for any of your special occasions. We welcome Leah and her crew to Fairhaven. A medley of bricks by Mark TurnerThursday, September 1, 2011
Fairhaven portrait photographer, Mark Turner, spent an hour the other day photographing the bricks in Fairhaven. And we have plenty of old and new examples to explore. Then he made another of his fun medleys set to music. It is about 4 minutes long and a fun watch. Could not help myself from trying to identify where each photo was taken. I was trying to just enjoy the beauty and patterns. Mark does portrait photography and has several books on flowers and nature. You can find his books at - Village Books, of course. We thank him for this bit of beauty. Extra: Mark is doing a family portrait special on Sep 17 & 18 to benefit the Bellingham Food Bank. This is half price for a family portrait with the entire session fee donated. He has a page on his website with more information. Detail of Knights of Phythias Building - 1891Wednesday, August 31, 2011
click photo for a larger view The upper floors have been vacant for decades. And will remain vacant until the building is renovated. It is the last major historic building in the historic district of Fairhaven that needs renovation. Last Outdoor Movie of Summer this SaturdayThursday, August 25, 2011
If you have not yet enjoyed an outdoor cinema on the Village Green this summer, then Saturday evening is your last chance. Weather prediction is for a perfect summer day - something we have not had many of this year. The movie is the classic “The Princess Bride” with live music by Big Sur starting at 7 pm. The movie starts as soon as it is dark enough. Bring a low back camp chair or blankets for comfort. Always treats for sale before the movie. Relax on the beautiful Village Green and enjoy a summer evening of music, people and a fun movie. Donations for pre-movie seating is $5. Big Sur is worth that by itself for their fine Indie, Folk and Popular music. New benches enhance the historic districtThursday, August 18, 2011
Relaxing on one of the new benches in Fairhaven, these two guys are enjoying the sunshine while their wives shop for clothes at Cathy Lee’s Southside Trends consignment shop at Harris and 9th Streets. Cathy calls it the “Man Bench” and says it is popular. Six benches were purchased a few years ago with a grant the Old Fairhaven Association received. Two were never installed. So a couple weeks ago, Brad Imus and a friend installed the last two.
Above, Brad installs the second bench at the corner of 11th and Mill Streets - next to the Fairhaven Toy Garden. The members of the Old Fairhaven Association all volunteer their time, working to keep the historic district attractive. While the stars are the 11 historic buildings, the Association has worked to make the district friendly for walking. Benches help. As do several new bike racks. And the hanging baskets of flowers and the banners from light poles. Even mundane items - such as the new trash receptacles installed last winter. And there are other current projects the Association is working on. All done by volunteers who have a sense of community. Who give of their free time beyond work hours to make the historic district a fun place. Thanks Brad. And thanks to the others who make it happen. Watering the hanging baskets of flowersFriday, August 12, 2011
Jan Polen of the Fairhaven Lions Club waters one of the 80 hanging baskets of flowers in our historic district. Yes, the watering cart - a converted golf cart - has been repaired and put back in service. Early each morning, 7 days a week, all summer long, the Lions Club members take turns with the watering. Without daily refreshments, the flowers would wilt and fade in a very few days. Since about 1995, the Old Fairhaven Association donates each year to the Lions’ charity fund. And the club members then volunteer their personal time for the watering. It is one of many activities that help make Fairhaven a beautiful place to visit. Twice this summer the watering has been stopped as the cart was stolen. Twice we have recovered it, thanks to help from folks who live on the Bellingham southside, and twice we have repaired the damage and bought new parts for the cart. It is now stored in what we hope is a secure location. If anyone wants to volunteer to help the Lions Club with the watering, contact Jody Finnegan, the owner of 12th Street Shoes and the Association Vice President. Jan Polen said they are open to non club members helping them. Found.Saturday, August 6, 2011
Found, again - truth to be said. Here is our little, but expensive, watering cart - sans water tank, pump, some wiring and with a few broken things. But otherwise in good shape. Where we found it. We thank Amber Bone and Dennis Boher who both live up on the South Hill, for each spotting and reporting the cart. This afternoon the Fairhaven Lions Club volunteers are going to fix it, reinstall the water tank, put on a new pump, and have it ready for watering duty Sunday morning. And, of course, we have a new storage location. Nuff said about that. A number of people took time out from their summer plans over the past two days to help. Constantine Papadakis of Dirty Dan Harris Steakhouse who helped with his pickup truck both days. Jan Polen and Victor of the Fairhaven Lions Club. Jody Finnegan of 12th Street Shoes for getting the news out, buying new parts and coordinating the rest of us. And several others who were ready to help in the coming days. There are more important things than hanging baskets of flowers. And so we have not lost our perspective. Much of all this is the damn vandalism of stealing and trashing an old, cherished and well cared for cart that is expensive to replace. It is electric, recycled, carefully maintained, and provides water for beautifying plants in an historic shopping area. And we put in many hours to keep our little historic district a pleasant place to walk, browse, shop and eat. Thanks to all who helped or were ready to help. Makeshift watering for historic district flowersSaturday, August 6, 2011
click photo for larger view Every day - the flowers need watering every day. Or they quickly start suffering and no amount of watering later will bring them back. As you may have learned in the news today, the watering golf cart was stolen again. And this time we don’t think it will be found. The thieves ripped the water tank off and threw it in the brush on their escape. Watering was missed on Friday - but this morning we have a makeshift arrangement. Here Victor of the Fairhaven Lions Club waters while Constantine Papadakis of Dirty Dan Harris Steakhouse has volunteered his pickup and his time to get the watering done. There are 48 flower baskets throughout the historic district and it will take these two till late morning to water them all. The arrangement for years has been the Old Fairhaven Association contributes a few thousand dollars each year to the Lions Club for their charities - and the Club members, who are mostly retired, volunteer their time to water the flowers early every morning all summer with the efficient golf cart. The electric golf cart was fitted out so one person could drive and water without strain. You can see the water tank in the bed of Constantine’s pickup. The Association is working to replace the golf cart asap - hopefully by later next week. We would appreciate if anyone with an open pickup could volunteer to drive one of the Lions Club volunteers on any of the coming mornings. Sunday through at least Wednesday. 7:00 am until about 10 am. If you can, call John Servais at 920-8223, or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). If you can do one day, that would help spread the work. Thanks. Tour de Whatcom starts from Historic FairhavenSaturday, July 30, 2011
At 7:30 this morning, almost 300 riders begin their 105 mile ride around Whatcom County. On, may we point out, a beautiful sunny, blue sky and warm day. At 10 am about 200 riders will start on the 50 mile tour and at 11:30 about 300 will start on the 25 mile mini tour of our county. The staggered times provide for most to return somewhat together from Ferndale in the afternoon from 1 to 3 pm. The 105 mile route takes the most scenic roads and most of the small towns in the county. And Fairhaven is a fine place for relaxing with food and drink after a energetic day. We thank Todd Williams for realizing this idea and for putting it on each year. This is the sixth Tour. And also the volunteers who work with him plus the sponsors who provide vital services to make the Tour a fun and safe event. You can visit his Tour de Whatcom website and learn more. It is always the last Saturday in July. Greetings - from the Village GreenFriday, July 29, 2011
click photo for larger view Tonight is Trivia Night as the audience waits for darkness and the start of the movie “Jaws”. Doug Borneman’s Epic Events, with support from the Old Fairhaven Association and local business sponsors, is presenting 15 movies on the Village Green this summer. Folks gather as the sun sets but there is still a wait of an hour till it is dark enough to start the movies. On Saturday evenings there is live music. On the Fridays during July there was trivia contests with prizes. Tonight was the last Friday night movie for this year. The Saturday evening movies continue to the end of August. So Joe, the MC, asked the audience to give a greeting for the photographer. And we have a photo here with Greetings from the Fairhaven Village Green. Is Summer Here?Friday, July 29, 2011
The Fairhaven Village Green on a warm sunny summer afternoon. Laying on the grass under the old 19th century buildings. Sipping iced tea at an outside table at the Colophon Cafe in the afternoon sun. Those clear pure blue skies of Pacific Northwest Summers. Dare we hope for more in the next weeks? We got one on Sunday and now another on Thursday. Two days of summer. We are ready for August.
Fiddlin Fox brings Dancing to the GreenSunday, July 24, 2011
The Folichon Cajun Band from Seattle provided great dancing music this afternoon on our Village Green. It was a free concert - and included free dancing lessons from a professional instructor. For anyone who wanted to dance or learn to dance. The brick patio in front of the stage provides a great surface for stepping out. I’ve no idea who these two are, but they were one of several couples kicking it up to some fine Cajun music. Next Sunday afternoon, July 31, from 2 to 5 pm, is the last event this summer. Balkanarama from Seattle will provide Gypsy music from the Balkans. This will be very up-beat music - high energy and with a lot of emotion. Linda Fox provides this free gift to our community each year in July. She loves dancing and feels the Village Green is a beautiful venue for it. She brings in outstanding bands from around the Pacific Northwest and then hires dance instructors. We thank her. And you can also by taking advantage of the music and dancing next Sunday.
Or you can settle back in a camp chair and just enjoy the music without the dancing. Found.Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Found. The modified golf cart used for watering the hanging flower baskets in Fairhaven has been found. In the corner of a church parking lot a few blocks from where it was stolen. Obviously used for a joy ride. Above, from left, with the newly found watering cart, are Jody Finnegan of the Old Fairhaven Association (OFA), and Victor Cuellar and Jan Polen of the Fairhaven Lions Club. Jody, who is Chair of the Beautification Committee of the OFA looks really relieved to find the cart. She is. Whoever took the cart joy riding probably figured it would be found and probably also figured no harm done. Wrong. The trauma of two days without the cart was on the 80 hanging basket flowers which need watering every day. The OFA was scrambling with the help of many other groups and people to do watering this afternoon with buckets and whatever to keep the flowers healthy. While the cart is missing its hose and watering wand, they are being bought and installed as I post this and watering will start this afternoon. Whew. The Bellingham Fairhaven Lions Club members have volunteered their time every morning of the summer for many years watering the flowers. In return, the OFA makes an annual contribution to the Lions charity fund. But the people involved - by the Lions and the OFA - all volunteer their time. Thanks to everyone who responded to look for the cart, offer temporary watering equipment and volunteer to help in any way to water the plants. And thanks to Jody for taking time away from her 12th Street Shoes to lead the efforts to both water the flowers and find the cart. Shakespeare said it. Alls well that ends well. Anyone seen a green golf cart? Not on a golf course.Wednesday, July 20, 2011
The converted golf cart used for watering the 80 hanging flower baskets each day - has been stolen. It was driven from its secluded location behind a building sometime Monday night. As it has an electric motor, it could be driven away quietly. The Old Fairhaven Association (OFA) members spent Tuesday checking for any possible person who may have been servicing it or using it - and no one has. OFA officers have now reported it to the police. If anyone has knowledge of where the cart is, please call Village Books and tell anyone answering the phone the location. We will go get it and ask no questions. Phone 360 671-2626. Please. It is a 4 wheel green golf cart with a white plastic canopy and a windshield. There was a big water tank on the back, but it may have been taken off. The cart was purchased used in 2006 for $6,200 and outfitted with a water tank and watering hose. The senior members of the Fairhaven Lions Club volunteer to water the baskets every morning - and the OFA makes a yearly contribution to the Lions charitable fund. This has worked for perhaps 20 years. The OFA is scrambling to see the flowers are watered. Even skipping two days watering can result in the flowers slowly wilting and not recovering all summer. The baskets hang from the light poles on all the streets in the historic district and add their beauty to the ambience of Fairhaven. We are in danger of losing some or many of the flowers.
This is not the stolen golf cart, but the one we used previously. But it shows Gene Saggs of the Fairhaven Lions watering the flower baskets a few years ago. You can see the special long watering system that allows reaching up to the baskets. The flower baskets are watered every morning all summer long to keep them looking full and beautiful. Jelly Belly bus in Fairhaven on TuesdaySunday, July 17, 2011
Papa’s Sweets will host the Jelly Belly Touring Bus from 11 am till 3 pm on Tuesday, July 19. Yep, it will be parked right at the curb along Harris Avenue in front of Papa’s shop. Jelly Belly experts will be onboard and provide fun and tastes of the newest flavors of candy for all. Plus, according to the press release, they will “... invite the more daring to take the challenge to taste BeanBoozled, the wacky line of weird and wild flavors from skunk spray and pencil shaving beans to the delightful Top Banana and Coconut flavors. Prizes and fun for the kids take place during the stop. If there was ever a question you wanted answered about Jelly Belly beans, this is the opportunity to stump the bean diplomats.” Sounds like great summer fun. David Starr, Papa himself, carries the full line of Jelly Belly candies in his Papa’s Sweets shop on Harris Avenue - right across the street from Tony’s Coffee near the crossing of 11th Street. David invites parents to bring their kids down for some sweet taste treats. Preparing for outdoor evening dinersThursday, July 7, 2011
On a warm sunny Wednesday evening, Kathy prepares for evening diners at Dirty Dan Harris Steakhouse. Owners Kathy and Steve Papadakis enjoy managing one of Fairhaven’s finest restaurants. They are open for dinner every day at 5 pm and reservations are recommended. As with so many Fairhaven businesses, the restaurant is in a historic brick building from the 1880s. We invite you to Historic Fairhaven for an evening of dining or a weekend getaway from Vancouver BC or Seattle. Fairhaven Pizza moves to Historic CenterFriday, June 24, 2011
click photo for larger view They are now open for lunch every day and stay open till “9 ish in the evening” as owner Tom likes to say. They are closed Mondays. They still offer single slices for lunch with a good choice of toppings. The menu is the same. And their calazones are still just as good. The historic district has needed a good pizza place since Stanello’s closed two years ago. One could even say since Stan moved out of the historic core about 15 years ago. Now the area down in the core offers a wide range of choices with 8 restaurants within less than a block of the corner at 11th and Harris. At Fairhaven Pizza, you can dine inside, at either of two outside tables or, when crowded or for more privacy, the balcony with several quiet tables. A great place now located in the historic Nelson Block bank building that was built over 100 years ago. We invite you to Fairhaven for fun, shopping and dining. Fun evening at Solstice Walk A’boutFriday, June 17, 2011
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Jody Bergsma was at the Bay to Baker Trading Company this evening, giving painting tips. Her works were on display in the shop for the evening. A feature of the Walk A’bouts is the presence of artists in shops and restaurants.
Kevin Buck of Chocolate Necessities shows how to make really good chocolate topping for ice cream or cakes at Papa’s Sweets on Harris Avenue.
Jacquelynn Meaker plays the guitar at fog - Fairhaven Originals Gallery - this evening. The gallery had an opening of new art.
Ben Mann paints one of his unique scenes of A Lot of Flowers while he was at - yep, A Lot of Flowers. I don’t know what becomes of the painting. Stop by and ask Penny. The next Walk A’bout will be the Friday after Thanksgiving in November. Village Green hosts dinner for hundredsFriday, June 17, 2011
click photo for larger view How many enjoyed dinner on the Green? We were told over 300. And the Bellingham Parks Department allowed them to serve wine and beer. A first - and a nice precedent for future events. Summer Solstice Walk A’bout this FridayWednesday, June 15, 2011
click image for larger view For almost 20 years, the Historic Fairhaven District has celebrated the longest Friday evening of the year with the Solstice event. Artists will be in shops with their work and refreshments will be available most places. All shops will be fully stocked and ready for serious shoppers. It is a fun evening in Fairhaven. We invite you down.
Dedication of “Chinese Deadline” PlaqueWednesday, June 8, 2011
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This photo shows the plaque and its location next to the sidewalk where it crosses Padden Creek at 8th Street. The original plaque was installed by Tyron Tillson, a Fairhaven historian, back about 1990. It was mysteriously removed about two years ago. Over the past months, the Old Fairhaven Association has worked with the Northwest Chinese Cultural Association to replace the plaque. Xinrong Lynch, president of the Chinese Association, spoke and emphasized that we should know the past but we should focus on the future with all groups tolerating and accepting each other. This was echoed by other speakers.
The original plaque wording is shown - and below is the added wording about the the mayor’s apology. Along the sides is the Chinese written by Ning Yu which is a saying from Confucius and roughly translated says; Study the past if you would know the future. Over 70 people attended the ceremony and it was a festive event. The sun came out as the ceremony was to begin - a fine portent for the future. Great Weather - Live Music - Fairhaven FestivalMonday, May 30, 2011
Space Band cranks up the crowd Sunday afternoon at the Fairhaven Festival. Dancing in the streets as the Historic District puts on the best street fair of the year in Bellingham. Over 30,000 people enjoyed food from over 30 vendors and shopping the fun stuff of over 60 street vendors. Plus several Fairhaven shops - like Brenthaven and Good Earth Pottery - had great sidewalk sales with super savings prices. The Beer Garden can just be seen stretching in the distance with the tent tops and the just the heads of the couple thousand folks enjoying an the ambience of music and meeting friends after the Ski to Sea race. We tip our hat to Anna Williams and Stephanie Johnson and their volunteer committee members for the months of hard work preparing this annual event.
Just some of the food booths and diners on 11th Street with the old buildings from the 1800s.
The Squalicum High School Jazz Band led by Kay Riley playing to the large crowd on the Village Green. Park & Ride Shuttle works great for FestivalWednesday, May 25, 2011
Coming to the 8th Leg of the Ski to Sea Race on Sunday? The best street party of the year in Bellingham? The Fairhaven Festival? Avoid the hassle trying to park your car near Fairhaven. For the 8th year, you can park free at Western Washington University and take the shuttle right to the edge of the festival in Fairhaven - to 12th Street in front of the Big Fat Fish Co. restaurant. The bus ticket is $2. It is a 4 minute bus ride to Fairhaven. Use the “C” parking lot on Bill McDonald Parkway near the Recreation Center. Just follow the signs to the parking lot. Buses start running at 11 am and the last bus leaves Fairhaven at 8 pm. NEW this year. A second shuttle runs to downtown Bellingham and to Zuanich Point where the kayaks depart from. It also stops in front of the Big Fat Fish restaurant in Fairhaven. And that one ticket is good on that bus also. This is in cooperation with the Ski to Sea race organizers. Shuttles that work. And allow you to enjoy the fun. One ticket is good for all buses. Tickets are on sale now at Village Books - and will be on sale at the bus stops at Western, Fairhaven and Boundary Bay on Sunday. You can also download a copy of the map and this information on an easy to print PDF file. See you at the Festival on Sunday.
Girl’s Night Out by Mark TurnerWednesday, May 18, 2011
Mark Turner is our premier photographer in Fairhaven and he focused on the fun of Girl’s Night Out last Thursday evening. And then he stitched his still photos into a medley with music. Enjoy. Girl’s Night Out FunThursday, May 12, 2011
Whimsey - jewelry, arts and gifts - on 10th Street was also celebrating their 8th anniversary and owner Cami used the double event to the max. And the ladies loved it.
Cathy Lee, owner of Southside Trends, sells Passports in the warm sunshine this afternoon. Cathy and Pamela Felke, manager of Big Fat Fish Co., did the organizing for this year’s event. The event is a fund raiser for the Cancer Research Center at St. Joseph’s hospital.
Three of the “Girls” get their passports stamped at Skylark’s Cafe. Pink was the color of the evening all through the historic district. By taking passports to participating businesses, the ladies encountered specials, fun shopping, delicious treats, and discovery of new shops and restaurants. Filled passports qualified them for the drawings at the end of the evening.
Papa and his dad, Richard, provide some fine music and songs in front of Papa’s Sweets - his new coffee, chocolates and ice cream shop on Harris.
Jade, owner of Jiva Yogi Wellness, had a table in Finnegan’s Alley. Some businesses not in the historic core set up tables in various places and participated.
Russ, owner of Silvery Moon, shows some fine jewelry to a fine lady with a very fine pink hat. All through the historic district, shop owners and ladies enjoyed meeting. It was a special evening in Fairhaven. And the end will be more funding for cancer research.
Girl’s Night Out This Evening - ThursdayMonday, May 9, 2011
UPDATE: Weather continues to improve all afternoon for GNO From 4 to 10 pm TODAY Who Let the Girls Out? Well, after the fun event last year, that is pretty much the theme for this year. And, yes, we are told the celebrity fireman will be back. The above photo was taken at last year’s event. Skylark’s wins Chuckanut Chowder Cookoff - AgainSunday, May 1, 2011
Don White and his staff serve up another bowl of his great clam chowder. Obviously great chowder as he again won the “People’s Choice” award at the Dirty Dan Days annual Chuckanut Chowder Cookoff. His Skylark’s restaurant won the award the last two years. According to Don, his chowder is the same one he serves daily in his restaurant. Second place was Dirty Dan Harris Steakhouse and third was Chuckanut Brewery from downtown Bellingham. The “Judge’s Choice” award went to the Colophon Cafe in a unanimous decision for a tantalizing chowder that included bits of coconut - which is surprising because two of the judges don’t like coconut. That is a chowder to try. Second in the Judges category was the Fountain Bistro and third was again Chuckanut Brewery - both from the heart of Bellingham.
The Northwest Ballet gave a 20 minute presentation from the upcoming “Emerald Bay” ballet about the relations between the Chinese and white settlers in 1800s Fairhaven. The ballet will be performed at the Mt. Baker Theater on June 10,11 and 12. See the ad in the right side column for a link to their website and to purchase tickets. The Old Fairhaven Association is a sponsor and supporter of this ballet which uses the early history of Fairhaven to create a drama in the style of Romeo and Juliet. Above is shown the beautiful dancing by Chinese dancers from the ballet. The ninth Dirty Dan Days concluded with a day of warm sunshine - the warmest day since last September. The historic district was jumping with folks enjoying the incredible weather. We thank Stephanie Johnson and Doug Borneman for staging this super two day event for at least the fifth year now. Haggen Fairhaven Market wins Piano RaceSaturday, April 30, 2011
Their faces as they approach the yellow finish line tape tells it all. The guys from Haggen Fairhaven Market ran a stellar race and it gave them their first victory after several years of hard persistent efforts with no win. The race involves teams of four starting at 10th and Harris, running downhill - down Harris - to their pianos waiting for them at 8th Street and then pulling and pushing their pianos back up to 10th. It takes less time than the Kentucky Derby but the crowd of over a thousand lining Harris Avenue is just as excited and noisy as any at Churchill Downs. Taking second was Fairhaven Runners - seen just behind the winners - who were the winners the past two years. Dirty Dan Days continues Sunday, with the 1800s Dress Contest at 12:45, the Chuckanut Chowder Cookoff from 2 to 4 pm, and the Dirty Dan Look-a-Like contest at 3 pm. The weather is perfect for our annual celebration of the founding of Fairhaven in 1883 by Dirty Dan Harris. We invite you to join us in Historic Fairhaven. Dirty Dan DaysSaturday, April 30, 2011
The Trout Toss competition. You’ve no doubt watched the salmon tossing at the Pike Place Market - and maybe seen the Salmon Toss competition at Dirty Dan Days. Well, this year trout toss was added for the younger ones as trout are much smaller than salmon. As you can see - click the photo for a larger view - the trout are pretty good sized and still a hefty throw for the really young ones. Yep, the salmon toss was also held today - but the trout toss drew the bigger audience. Doesn’t matter who won as all gave it their best - but will say that it came down to two teams who both kept catching as they were moved back a couple feet for each next toss.
Knute made his Paella again this year - and he even brought a second pan so he could keep it going continuously. Really a great taste treat. We’ll give Knute a free plug here - as you can contract with him to come to your party and cook up this for you. Check http://www.paellaworks.com for full information. Dirty Dan Days concludes today with the piano race at 3:45 pm. Check back here for a photo. Sunny & Warm predicted for Dirty Dan DaysThursday, April 28, 2011
This Saturday and Sunday, from 10 am to 4 pm each day, is the most fun festival of the year in Fairhaven - Dirty Dan Days. Doug Borneman, shown above helping hand out bowls and bread during the Chuckanut Chowder Cook-Off last year, is the maestro who has developed this into a super event of the Pacific Northwest. This is Doug’s last year managing and it promises to be as much fun as last year. A short ballet presentation from “Emerald Bay”, a ballet about Fairhaven’s 1800s history with the Chinese - will be staged each day by the Northwest Ballet on the stage at the Village Green. Also on Saturday is live music all day, Salmon tossing contest - and trout tossing for the little ones, cupcake eating contests, lots of fun booths on the Village Green, and the Piano Race at 3:45 pm. The Chuckanut Chowder Cook-Off is the big atrraction on Sunday. This year there are 12 restaurants competing for the Peoples and Judges prizes. Can anyone beat repeat winner Skylark’s? Also on Sunday is the Dirty Dan look-a-like contest and an 1800s dress contest. In the morning off Boulevard Park is the start of the Dan Harris Challenge rowing race to Chuckanut Bay. The full schedule of both days is posted. Plus all the shops and restaurants in Fairhaven will be open for you to walk about and discover. (hey to any restaurant owners: There is room for a couple more chowder cook-off contestants. Great publicity for your business. Contact Doug at (360) 733-2682.) Salmon released by Larrabee School studentsWednesday, April 20, 2011
Padden Creek receives another little - under 2 inches - Coho salmon fry as it goes sliding down the plastic half tube. On Tuesday, about 100 students from Larrabee grade school hiked over to Padden Creek in Fairhaven and released 120 of the little fry that they had raised from eggs since January. The salmon will stay in the stream a year, then head out to the ocean for two years and return in November 2014 to hopefully spawn. The release took place Tuesday and is a modest but valuable step to get our wild salmon cycle viable again. Wendy Scherrer, in the red coat, is the spark behind this project. No surprise there. Teachers Jenny Pittis and Lisa Conlin, along with fisher Bret Simmons, guided the students in raising the salmon. Even the water in their aquarium was taken from Padden Creek so the salmon will imprint on it for returning from the sea. The whole project is called “Salmon in the classroom” and informally called “Salmon in your backyard” because of Padden Creek literally flowing behind many residences on Bellingham’s south side. All part of the fun of living in Fairhaven. Padden Creek flows past the historic district and into Bellingham Bay down at 8th and Harris. There is a walking trail along most of the creek. Drawing winners go sailing on Spike AfricaSaturday, April 16, 2011
click photo for larger view Fairhaven business sponsors for the 24 tickets were: Jacaranda Development (Ken and Brad Imus); Rebecca’s Flower Shoppe; Artwood Gallery; 12th Street Shoes; Village Books and Paper Dreams; Fairhaven Village Inn; Bellingham Tennis Club and Fairhaven Fitness; Renaissance Celebration; Good Earth Pottery; The Silvery Moon; Southside Trends; Fairhaven.com and Paws Awhile.
The highlight of the day was unveiling the new homeport name “Bellingham WA” on the stern of the schooner Zodiac. Above, Port Commission President, Mike McAuley speaks to the crowd. To his right is Karl Mehrer, the senior Captain of the Zodiac and Gordie Tweit, our much loved retired Fairhaven Pharmacist. Gordie pulled the cord that unveiled the new name.
The new wording on the stern of the 127 foot schooner Zodiac now calls Bellingham her homeport. Many of the folks going out on this sail were sponsored by the Whidbey Island Bank, which has a branch office in Fairhaven. It was a great day on the Fairhaven waterfront and we thank the Port of Bellingham for hosting this fabulous day of big cruising boats - both power and sail.
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