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Dirty Dan Days Festival in full swingSaturday, April 28, 2007)
Salmon tossing is a new feature at this year’s festival. Rain jacket and boots were provided to any who wanted to toss salmon and - if successful catches were made by both participants - then a packet of smoked salmon was the prize. Can you spot the salmon being caught in the hands of young fisher woman? Salmon tossing is a Northwest skill and we are sure Dirty Dan would have approved. “Wild Catch”, a local salmon distributor provided the salmon for tossing and also the prizes. Music all afternoon today and SundaySaturday, April 28, 2007)
Music makes an event a party and music is on the Village Green for the festival. I More groups are scheduled for both days. The Festival runs till 5 pm today and till 4 pm on Sunday. The weather is great and the forecast is for even warmer and sunny weather for Sunday. Sunday is the big chowder cook off from 2 to 4 pm. Face painting with Daisy PickelhofferSaturday, April 28, 2007)
Kids love it and Daisy does such a great job of painting each child’s face how they want it. A shady awning in the middle of the Village Green provides the perfect studio - and room for onlookers to supervise the art work. All are welcome. Cycles, scooters, segways and bikes on displaySaturday, April 28, 2007)
New for this year is a gathering of cool two wheelers of all sorts. Chispa helped organize this and the show was fun but is now over for this year, ending at 2 pm today. We hope this expands next year and expect it will. If you have a sweet two wheeler of any sort, contact Chispa and plan to attend next year. We want to build on this part of the festival. Cleaning up Dirty Dan for the big weekendFriday, April 27, 2007)
Tracie Barrick suds up Dan’s statue - complete with shower cap - and gives it a sponge bath in humorous preparation for this weekend’s big festival. He was washed down this morning with “Man in the Shower” olive oil and goats milk soap that is made right in her gallery, The Bunch, at 1005 Harris Avenue. “I want to make sure he is all clean and ready to go for his big weekend!” said Tracie. She has many types of soaps - and other locally hand crafted items. The rain is supposed to stop tonight with nice days on Saturday and Sunday. Rain chance today is 80%, but Sat is 15% and Sun is 10%, according to NOAA. So plan to come to Fairhaven for the two days of fun and celebration of our founding by Dirty Dan back in 1883. Saturday is family day with music, games for all, a scavenger hunt, salmon toss, pie eating contest, Dirty Dan look-a-like contest and cutest costumed canine. Sunday afternoon is the big chowder cook-off with the best restaurants in the area competing for the prize. The festival closes with the piano race - which you have to see to believe. And more events which are listed on the schedule, linked from the top of this page. See you there. Spring Has SprungFriday, April 20, 2007) by John Meloy. Click image for enlargement.
... or so the plants think, at least. Fairhaven has been bathed in wonderful spring sunshine the past few afternoons. All the cherry trees are starting to blossom, eateries are beginning to seat outdoors, and people are out enjoying it all. Sunny Saturday on the Village GreenSaturday, April 14, 2007) by John Meloy. Click image for enlargement.
Spring is Almost HereThursday, April 12, 2007) by John Meloy. Click image for enlargement.
Some flowers are out and all the plants are budding. Spring in Fairhaven is just around the corner! A visual exploration of Fairhaven on tapWednesday, April 11, 2007
Nope - no photo today. I’d like to tell you about a little treat for all of us starting in a day or so. John Meloy will be posting photos here for a couple weeks - photos he will be taking from around our historic district as spring comes upon us. John is the fellow who programs this website for me and is also a well known local musician and photographer. He has agreed to my request to shoot photos over the next couple weeks of our loved part of Bellingham and post them here. No captions needed - just his visual take on Fairhaven. I hope you watch for them and enjoy them. - John Servais Monday Evening Bocce Season BeginsMonday, April 9, 2007)
Well, in Ohio it is snowing and the Seattle Mariners cannot even play baseball. Here, a bundled up Rosemary can play bocce as we kicked off the 2007 season today. Despite the photo, over 10 people showed up to play and several games went on till almost 7 pm. But it was chilly and breezy. Every Monday evening at 5 pm - all through the spring and summer - there will be pickup play and instruction in Bocce Ball. And on other days, anyone can check out the bocce set for personal play from the downstairs counter in Village Books. A drivers license is left as a security, which is fine. But if you have not played before, join others on Monday evenings for a fun time. Young and old are welcome. And supposedly the weather will get warmer. Business Book Group has first get togetherThursday, April 5, 2007)
Village Books is sponsoring a new monthly book discussion group for business owners. The first meeting was yesterday in the Literature Live reading area on the Village Green level - and right next to the business books section. Janet Ott, a business consultant and well know local business coach and facilitator is leading the discussions. The book they discussed yesterday was Yvon Chouinard’s book “Let my People Go Surfing” - and is about his efforts bringing Patogonia to its current position as one of the most admired businesses anywhere. The next meeting is Wed, May 2, at noon and anyone may attend without advance notice. Some bring brown bag lunches. There is no charge. The book will be “Fierce Conversations” and is about how to make changes in your life. You are encouraged to get the book and read it, but that is not necessary for attending. Great opportunity here for anyone struggling with business challenges. A Taste of Chicago in FairhavenMonday, April 2, 2007)
A new restaurant just opened - A Taste of Chicago Cafe in the 12th Street Village. It is locally owned and managed by Karen Williams and her three daughters. Above, Miya is preparing food for a customer while Alexis is taking an order. They have completely redone the interior and counters to a very uptown decor. Karen cooked professionally in Chicago and brings several of her original Chicago recipes to us in Fairhaven, including her BBQ sauce and Chicago style hot dogs. She also has a vegetarian panini with eggplant, roasted red peppers, and more. They serve waffles and omlets for breakfast and stay open for dinners till 8 pm. A third daughter, Saba, is the sous chef while Miya is the barista and brings a special Chicago touch to her expreso drinks. The 12th Street Village is the new complex of buildings kitty corner from Stanello’s restaurant at Fairhaven Parkway and 12th Street. The Cafe cannot be seen from the street - but on the plus side has plenty of parking in the lot adjoining the complex. I encourage all to check out this new and different dining experience in Fairhaven. Karen and family, we welcome you to Fairhaven. A Lot of Flowers is ready for youThursday, March 29, 2007)
Penny of a Lot of Flowers completes her morning set up by bringing out these popular, fairly traded baskets, hand wovern by women’s cooperatives in Northern Ghana. Also - when you visit Fairhaven, you want to walk into the open garden area behind the shop. It is filled with plants and it is an exquisite place. Yes, we will post a photo of it soon - but you really have to visit it. It is one of those half hidden gems of the Historic District. Spring arrives at the Village GreenTuesday, March 20, 2007)
A sunny and warmer day on the Village Green. Young girls doing cartwheels. The adults have traced a labyrinth and one person is enjoying the mental quiet that comes with walking it to the center. And also late this afternoon, a little after 5 pm our time, spring- thats Spring - officially started all around the northern hemisphere. The labyrinth is an ancient design that is enjoying a modern revival. These folks are hoping to construct a permanent one in Fairhaven Park - towards the back in a quiet area. We think it would be a very nice addition to the park. Alaska Ferry goes north from Historic FairhavenFriday, March 16, 2007)
The Alaska Ferry Columbia is headed for Ketchikan, Skagway, Sitka and other faraway Alaskan towns over the next week. The Columbia is the largest ship in the Alaska fleet at over 400 feet and carrying over 600 passengers plus many vehicles. Fairhaven is the connecting point for the “lower 48” states as they call us up there. The ferry runs year round, leaving every Friday evening. It will be joined by the 500 passenger Malaspina in May with sailings on Tuesday evenings during the summer. If you have never taken the Alaska Ferry, you should. While it is not a luxury cruise ship it is very comfortable and the fares are very reasonable. The journey includes incredible scenery and a feeling of adventure. This unique journey starts and ends in Fairhaven and we are very honored and proud of being the hosts of the southern end of the Alaska Ferry route. And we think the ferry passengers enjoy their time in Fairhaven before and after their journey north to Alaska. Alaska Ferry nestles in the heart of FairhavenFriday, March 9, 2007)
With the condos of Harris Square alight in the spring sunset, this photo shows just how close to our commercial district the Alaska Ferry docks. It is just a couple blocks walk from our shops to the docks. With spring come the many young people taking the ferry north for summer jobs in all parts of Alaska. They add character to our streets each Friday as the ferry preparees to sail at 6 pm. The Alaska Ferry goes nonstop from Bellingham to Ketchikan, Alaska in 37 hours - a day and a half cruise through the fjords and islands along the coast. After Ketchikan, it spends almost two more days stopping as colorful towns in Alaska with the end at Skagway - the historic gold rush town. Monday evening it leaves Skagway, stopping at several Alaskan towns and arriving Friday morning back in Fairhaven. If you are taking the Ferry, we invite you to schedule time before or after to enjoy Fairhaven and the surrounding side trips from here. Four Starrs Boutique in new locationSaturday, March 3, 2007)
Liz does a little merchandizing this afternoon in the new shop location. Danielle Starr moved her clothing boutique into the prime retail location at the corner of 10th and Harris Avenue - but still in the Harris Square building. Today she is also celebrating one year in business in our historic district. In addition to clothing, she carries jewelry, hand bags and cosmetics. Many are brands not found elsewhere in Bellingham. We congratulate Danielle on her anniversary and the move to a larger shop. Snow - now you see it…Thursday, March 1, 2007)
... and tomorrow it will be gone. Snow once a year is about normal for us. This is our third of fourth snow, starting with the big one in late November. Overnight, several inches fell but by this noon it was melting fast. The forecast is a return of rain, wind and a temperature about 50 by tomorrow or Saturday. Jackie’s Fish & Chips was open for business with the three tables in the Gazebo. And all businesses in Fairhaven are open. Signs of spring - dare we hopeThursday, February 22, 2007) Dianne Foster letter in Feb 21 Bellingham Herald.
Snowdrops and Crocuses have bloomed in Fairhaven - and now flowers are being bravely planted in outdoor pots. Kelly brings the ones in front of Village Books back to life this afternoon. The photographer spotted her shopping for plants at A Lot of Flowers just down the block from the bookstore. One of the nice things in Fairhaven is so much is within walking distance - and the walking is pleasant with the different shops along the historic streets. Regarding A Lot of Flowers - I would like to give all the assurance that our beloved urban nursery is not going out of business. Contrary to rumor and a recent letter in the newspaper, Penny has no plans for leaving. Like any business, the flower shop depends on customers doing repeat business with them. Please don’t let this rumor inhibit you from continuing to support the flower shop. Row Expo enjoyed by manySaturday, February 17, 2007)
With a wide variety of row boats to check out - and even take for test rowing - the Row Expo stayed pleasantly active again for the second day today. Ron Mueller, with back to camera wearing a vest, was enjoying the day talking boats. Tomorrow, Sunday, the Expo will be active from 11 am till about 3 pm. Beginner or expert, you will be welcomed by Ron and he can answer most any question. There are more boats inside his shop for viewing. See the post just below for more information and a link to his website. 5th Annual Row Expo this weekendTuesday, February 13, 2007
Photo supplied by Ron.
Fairhaven is the ideal place for rowing - recreational and open water - and it is a great sport. Ron Mueller’s Wayland Marine shop right in Fairhaven is the hot spot in the Northwest for this sport. He has a wide selection of rowing shells and boats plus accessories and his expert advice. The photo shows some of the boats that will be on display. Old or young, rowing is a pleasant or challenging sport for you. You can make what you want of it. Come on down and check this out if you want to learn more.
5th Annual Row Expo
Ron has a web page with more information. Scooters on display are new sidewalk attractionFriday, February 9, 2007)
They are just begging to be rented or bought and Marissa is admiring the pink scooter. They brighten up the sidewalk on our gray winter days. And - they draw folks down Harris Avenue - down past 10th Street - to check them out and in the process discover some very neat shops down there. They are the scooters of Chispa in Harris Square - just opened in January. These scooters shown here range in price from $1,500 to $2,000. A regular auto drivers license is all that is needed as these have all only 50cc engines. They top out at about 35 mph in speed, so they are not like motorcycles at all. Yes, you wear a helmet - but hey, why am I telling you all this. Stop in and and chat with the folks in Chispa. They can answer all questions. And maybe I’m just really curious for myself on all this. Wonder how much a helmet costs. Well, they sell them. Oh, and the more powerful - faster - ones cost more and are inside the store. |
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