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Dancing on the GreenSunday, July 13, 2008) click photo for larger view
Fiddlin Fox presented her 2nd Sunday afternoon of dancing music - complete with dancing instructions. The next two Sundays from 3 - 6 pm will feature Cajun Boogie and Latin Jazz Salsa, with both tuned to make you want to dance. Today it was the Grant Wilson Band playing Swing Jazz and many couples came up forward to enjoy learning how to swing dance. This is all free and open to anyone each Sunday this month. It is courtesy of Linda Fox who is sponsoring these for the third season. We invite you to the Village Green next Sunday at 3 pm to learn to dance to Cajun Boogie music. High summer in old FairhavenFriday, July 11, 2008) click photo to enlarge
How busy the Fairhaven Fish and Chips is at noon is a good indicator of how Fairhaven is doing. Sort of our yearly measure of when high summer has finally arrived. And boy, has it arrived. Vicki and her staff are busy for hours during the middle of each day. And for good reason. Their fish and chips - with a choice of salmon, halibut or cod - is a great value and is done just perfect. We have about 20 eating places in Fairhaven. Not sure how we count Sirena Gelato as it is not for dining but also does great business serving a dozen flavors of gelato till late at night. And there are about a dozen other dining places with outside tables - from Mambo Italiano to Skylark’s to Avenue Bread. Check them out. Tis the season. Retirement Sale at Mud in Your EyeWednesday, July 2, 2008) click photo for larger view
Cate and Frank Howell are retiring after 30 years in the pottery business - and they have started their big sale on everything in their shop. The sign says 25% off - and this is for high quality stuff. They have a place in Mexico where they will be relaxing this winter. Their pottery shop has been a favorite shop in Fairhaven and they have run a really fine business. They have earned their retirement. And we congratulate them. For some beautiful and practical pottery - at some super prices - you want to visit soon. Business was brisk today. They have been 12 years in their present shop in the over 100 year old Bellingham Bay Hotel building on Harris. This is one of the premier historic shops in Fairhaven. The building is owned by the Tim Imus’s Fairhaven Land Development company. Summer music and movies beginSaturday, June 28, 2008) click to enlarge photo
Jack Hemming entertains the crowd on the Fairhaven Village Green this evening. Music till sunset and then a fun movie for the several hundred folks. It will happen every Saturday till the last music and movie night on August 30. Doug Borneman and his Epic Events do a great job each summer with these events. Doug has always scheduled the best in music so everyone enjoys the music as much as the movie. The movie schedule is linked from the photo of the movie screen in the top left of this webpage. If you have not been to the Outdoor Cinema, we encourage you to spot a favorite movie or musical group and come on down one of these Saturday evenings. It is more fun with a friend. Bring a blanket and a fleece. And enjoy a movie under the stars. Quiet action at Harris BayThursday, June 26, 2008) click for larger view
Messing about in boats. There is nothing finer, according to many. At the Fairhaven boat launch today we have Ron of Wayland Marine watching a client try out a new row boat. And we have the Home Port Learning Center rowing boat, the Plume, with a crew of young sailors. They are about to row through the San Juan Islands for the next two weeks. In the background is the Chrysalis Hotel and Spa. We like our waterfront in Fairhaven. It is our other door to the world. Boaters can come here, anchor, row ashore and enjoy a short walk up Harris Avenue to the commercial district. Another fun detail about the Plume. It was built by the Home Port students and is a replica of the long boat on Captain George Vancouver’s ship Discovery, which explored Puget Sound in 1792. Yes, she also can raise sails on those masts when the wind is up. Alaska Ferry heading across Bellingham BaySunday, June 22, 2008) click for larger view
A view from the Happy Valley neighborhood looks over the historic district and across the bay to Portage Island. Behind it looms Lummi Island. If you don’t live here you might wonder how a hillside can be named a “valley”. Well, the valley is behind the photographer by a few blocks and there is a ridge rising about 260 feet above the bay that runs between the valley and the Fairhaven Village. And provides those who live here with a beautiful view, including the Alaska Ferry leaving every Friday evening year round. That is the top of the Pythias Building just below the ferry. It is home to Pacific Chef, the Colophon Cafe and Fair Trade Haven - and was home to Village Books for over 20 years. Built about 1891, the top floors have been empty for decades and the building needs a full renovation before they can be occupied. The 11th Street level floor has the shops as does the basement floor which opens up onto the Village Green in back. Beautiful evening for Walk-a-boutFriday, June 20, 2008) click photo for larger view
One of the more pleasant sights in Fairhaven is A Lot of Flowers at 11th and Harris. In the glow of a soft sunset this evening, it looks downright pastoral. Penny and her staff operate one of Fairhaven’s most loved commercial spots. Tonight’s annual Summer Solstice Walk-a-bout saw many people browsing the shops and galleries all evening. Really nice.
Enjoying tapas and wine at Flats restaurant are several members of the Ladies of the Evening Society. Along with their chaperone, Dirty Dan Harris. Most all restaurants were busy with so many more folks on the streets for the gallery walk. Summer Solstice FireFriday, June 20, 2008)
Dirty Dan Harris, aka Jim Rich, gives an oration about the fire while some of the members of the Ladies of the Evening Society accompany him. Much ado about fun happened on the Village Green at 5 pm today, marking the start of the annual Summer Walk-a-bout. Till 9 pm this evening, many Fairhaven shops will be hosting artwork and artists and some will have refreshments. Interestingly, summer started at 4:59 pm today - one minute before the fire lighting. The fire on the public green is a tradition on this day and goes back to ancient times and even earlier to prehistoric times. We are the first to agree that our fire is not very impressive, but it was a fun ceremony with about 100 people enjoying it. We invite you to come on down to our historic district and join us in visiting shops and restaurants on this special day. Summer is here. Friday is Summer Solstice WalkaboutWednesday, June 18, 2008)
The annual Gallery Walk has added fun this Friday evening fom 5 to 9 pm. Following ancient traditions, there will be a bonfire on the Village Green at 5 pm along with Tambala Drummers. And of course many shops will have artists for you to chat with refreshments for you to enjoy. The Weather is very promising - considering our Junuary weather this year. No rain, temperature in the 60s, only a slight breeze, and partly sunny. You can click on the major event information at the top of this page for more information and a map.
The historic streets and walkways of Fairhaven are perfect for a fun evening of shopping and browsing. Especially on the longest day of the year with music, refreshments and a festive air in the district. We invite you to come and join us Friday evening.
Kids, Summer, Magician, Reading, Ice CreamSaturday, June 14, 2008) Click photo for larger image
Sterling Dietz, magician, wowed over 200 young adults on the Village Green this afternoon. He is shown here with a volunteer assistant from the audience. Under - gasp - blue skies and with warm temperatures. The Friends of the Fairhaven Library sponsored Sterling and free ice cream for all the kids - most of whom also brought their parents along. It was the kick off for our library’s summer reading program for kids - each of whom also got a packet of information on the summer program. Village Books also joined in the reading push by giving away quite a few childrens books. Sterling is quite the magician and kept the kids full attention for his whole hour plus. He has won national awards and lives right up in Lynden. You can google his name to learn more and check him out for possible booking to an event. Farmer’s Market on the Village GreenWednesday, June 11, 2008)
Every Wednesday from noon to 5 pm - through September. Yes, these are some of the same vendors that are at the Saturday market in downtown Bellingham. Locally grown fresh food being sold by the very folks who tended it and nurthured it. In this time of rising prices, a farmer’s market is worth the enjoyable time spend browsing and looking for good buys. Mark your calendar. The low key Village Green brings a relaxed feeling to the market. We invite you down. Every Wednesday afternoon. Stan Velis hangs up his apronFriday, June 6, 2008)
Stanello’s Italian Restaurant is closed. Stan Velis has closed the well known Fairhaven restaurant after 33 years of serving perhaps the best pizza in Bellingham. He opened in 1974 where the Big Fat Fish restaurant is now located on 12th. He was 21. He moved a couple blocks in 1994. Last winter he sold the property. And last night he officially closed for good at about 11 pm. A rousing applause from a room full of faithful customers accompanied his hanging up his apron for good. We will all miss Stan and his comfortable home away from home restaurant. We all wish him the best as he tries a new lifestyle at age 55. And we thank him for providing us with such a great place all these years. Half StaffWednesday, June 4, 2008)
Why is the flag at half staff today? It is in memory of U.S. Navy Lieutenant Jeffrey A. Ammon of Bremerton who was killed in action in Afghanistan May 23. Governor Gregoire has directed that all Washington State agencies do so and we follow in step. Tomorrow, June 5, the flag will again be at half staff in memory of U.S. Army Private Andrew J. Shields of Battle Ground who was killed in action in Afghanistan May 31. Our Veterans Memorial Flagpole in under tha care of the Old Fairhaven Association. We put up this new pole in March - just two months ago - and we are striving to manage the flag in the appropriate manner. I’ll be creating a new page soon with information about out pole, flag and how it became a reality. The flag will go back to the top either at sunset Thursday or at dawn Friday. If you want to stay notified on future half staff days - yes, we unfortunately will have them - here is the website link to the Governor’s flag page. Stan Velis closes Stanello’s this ThursdayFriday, May 30, 2008) click for larger view
Stan Velis has provided us with over 33 years of enjoyable dining - and arguably the best pizza in all of Bellingham. Next Thursday, June 5, will be the last day for his restaurant as he closes for good that evening. He is retiring. Taking a well deserved rest. And we all realize we will really miss his place. During this last week, there are no reservations nor saving of tables. And for good reason. The place is packed as we all get in our last visit - or our last pizza. Stan and the staff are in good humor and the place is a lot of fun. Of course, everything - service, food and ambience - is just great. If you go, you may have to wait for a table but even that is enjoyable with the chatter and social atmosphere in his waiting hallway. WowFriday, May 30, 2008
This has been posted to the Buzz. Great day for Fairhaven RestaurantsTuesday, May 27, 2008)
Steve Papadakis gives the thumbs up during Sunday’s It All Ends in Fairhaven Festival. He set up cooking gear on the sidewalk in front of his upscale Dirty Dan Harris restaurant and served great brats all afternoon. Plus he had many folks who choose to slip inside for a bit of quiet and fine food. Many merchants setup on the sidewalks in front of their businesses. We have posted a PHOTO GALLERY of about 20 pictures from Sunday. Enjoy the sights, if not the sounds and great food smells of the festival. It All Ends in Fairhaven a Great PartySunday, May 25, 2008) Thanks to Ray Dunn for this photo
We had a record number of people in Fairhaven today. And we partied. Maybe it was the perfect weather - after a spring of very little good weather. 20 food vendors had lines all day and the beer garden was packed. The four bands were great with folks dancing in the street all afternoon. Early Monday morning I will post a gallery of photos. Right now I’m dead tired after the full day of volunteering with many others to make the festival work. We especially want to thank Stephanie Johnson of Fairhaven Realty and Anna Williams of the Big Fat Fish for their planning and organizing all this. Plenty of Parking for Sunday’s FestivalThursday, May 22, 2008)
A Park and Ride that really works. Starting at 12 noon, free, easy parking at Western Washington University Lot ‘C’ and then a five minute, 75 cents, bus ride to the festival - to a drop off just a short block from the 20 food vendors. And the same 75 cents, 5 minute, bus ride back to the parking lot, with the last bus at 8:30 pm. WTA buses run every 15 minutes from noon till 8:30 pm. Click here to download an easy to print PDF file of the above map. The festival begins at 10 am, the music begins at noon, the beer garden opens at noon, and it all finally ends at 8 pm. Over 60 craft vendors, 20 food vendors, rock music near the beer garden. On the Village Green is acoustic music, non-profit organizations, pony rides for the little ones and lots of family fun. It is our big annual party. We invite you to come and enjoy. And with the Parn and Ride, parking is no problem. Summer finally arrives in the NorthwestFriday, May 16, 2008)
Outside dining at Fairhaven Fish and Chips is popular with the arrival of warm weather in the Pacific Nothwest. By noon today, the temperature had gone over 70 degrees - while just a few days ago we were happy with maybe reaching 55 by late afternoon. Vicki offers a choice of fish for your fish and chips. Salmon or Halibut besides Cod. Absolutely outstanding. Let me tell you more. She makes Italian sodas - maybe 20 flavors. And her clam chowder is tops. You can get a very tasty lunch or dinner here and enjoy outside dining in the very heart of the historic district. We invite you to visit Fairhaven. Native Plants sale a true Northwest affairSaturday, May 10, 2008) click for larger view
Northwest cool weather, rain and green plants all worked for the annual Native Plants and Backyard Hatitat fair on the Village Green today. Temperature about 55F, occasional rain and a brisk breeze kept everyone in their practical Northwest cool weather clothes. There is a growing movement towards planting yards with the beautiful ferns and plants native to our Pacific Northwest. And along side that movement is the idea of providing cover and food for birds and urban wildlife. The Fairhaven area is very much a leader in this effort as can be seen in walking the neighborhoods around the historic district. By the way - this coming week we will have sunshine and temperatures into the 70s. The Fairhaven forcaster assures you. Warm sunshine and spirits greet Girls Night OutFriday, May 9, 2008)
It was a perfect evening in Fairhaven as the streets echoed laughter and and greetings from women of all ages. The annual charity event to help cancer research at St. Joseph Hospital appeared to be a great success. Pink was the color of the evening. Shops and restaurants were visited and discovered as participants walked the district getting 7 or more stamps on their “passports” and qualifying for the big raffle at evening’s end. The two ‘Girls’ on the left are actually models - two of the many who were modeling clothes from different shops in Fairhaven.
Displays of jewelry and other things were setup in several places through the district.
Headquarters for all the action was the Atrium of Finnegan’s Alley on Harris Avenue. Ooh La La, located in the Atrium, had a big presence at the event with models on the streets wearing their gowns. The evening ended with a drawing for a basket of goodies donated by Fairhaven merchants with a value of over $1,000. If you missed this year’s event, mark your calendar for May 14, 2009 - the second Thursday in May. TONIGHT - Thursday evening is Girls Night OutWednesday, May 7, 2008)
Weather update (Thur morn) - the rain will end by noon or afternoon. Evening in Fairhaven should be sunny - with clouds - and temperature of 55F or so. Cool but dry. - John Servais, Fairhaven forcaster. The quiet hidden away garden of A Lot of Flowers at the corner of Harris and 11th is finally in bloom - just in time for Girls Night Out on Thursday evening. All over Fairhaven, shops and restaurants are preparing a fine welcome for women to enjoy their special evening - to have fun while helping to benefit cancer research at St. Joseph Hospital. Yes, A Lot of Flowers is participating - along with over 40 other businesses. Part of the fun is getting your raffle ticket stamped by at least 7 businesses so you are elegible for the $1,000 drawing. A tour of this garden goes toward this stamp. A fine pleasure. Click the notice in the left column for all the details. The event runs from 5 to 10 pm. Think Pink. Fairhaven businesses will treat you like the DIVA you are with beauty treatments, massages, games, gift bags, drink and food specials, raffles, a silent auction, a fashion show and much more! Make reservations at Fairhaven restaurants early for dinner before walking to district shops, galleries and salons in the historic district. A fun evening for women. We invite you to join the fun. Taimi and Stephanie - they make it happenSaturday, May 3, 2008)
Fairhaven puts on unique and fun events on a year round basis - and here are two of the people who make it happen. They are shown watching the action on the Village Green during last weekend’s Dirty Dan Days. On the left, Taimi Gorman provides us with publicity through her years of making solid connections with all the media. They trust her press releases to be factual - and for the Fairhaven events to be as good as she says they will be. She also led the creation of the Ladies of the Evening Society with their lively 1800s dress and their fun antics at all the events. She has helped promote Fairhaven for over 20 years - helping it to stay the fun place it remains. And on the right is Stephanie Johnson, a realtor with Fairhaven Realty, who goes way beyond token community involvement with her efforts to make our events the very best. She led the effort to get the flagpole back up, raising the needed funds and contributions almost by herself. She took Dirty Dan Days from a little event a few years ago to the rousing fun two day affair it is now, adding the chowder cookoff and the piano race. She works for months each year with Annna Williams on the Ski to Sea - It All Ends in Fairhaven Festival. She lives in Fairhaven and loves helping make things happen. They deserve a tip of the hat from all of us for their consistent year round work promoting our little historical district. A word about the pink. Pink is the color in Fairhaven just now as we look forward to Girls Night Out next Thursday evening to benefit cancer research. Women - be sure to click the link in the top left part of this home page and consider joining Taimi and Stephanie on our annual charity event. Of course it will be a fun event. Chuckanut Chowder Cookoff a great successTuesday, April 29, 2008)
Wendy DeFreest, owner of Avenue Bread and the organizer of the Chuckanut Chowder Cookoff, serves up a bowl of her chowder during Sunday’s Dirty Dan Days. Wendy recruited 13 restaurants to participate - and the event sold 320 tickets for the most successful year of this fun eating experience. We thank her for the community contribution she so generously gave to all of us. She even contributed the breads that went so well with the chowders. Each person who bought a $10 ticket then went around to all or most of the restaurant booths to get a one ounce container of their chowder. After tastings - which could take an hour - the person went back to the restaurant whose chowder they liked best and exchanged their ticket for a good sized bowl of chowder plus bread. The restaurant that ended up with the most tickets by 4 pm was the Peoples Choice winner.
And here is the listing of the winners.
You can see many photos of the Dirty Dan Days by clicking “View Past Photos Archive” at the bottom of this page. |
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