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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. Today at Dirty Dan Days - SundaySunday, April 27, 2008) click for larger view
The piano race finish - with Fairhaven Runners the winners. Coming in a close second is the Colophon Cafe with Haggen Fairhaven Market and ‘Security’, a team from Western just behind. The crowd knew enough to give these thorough bred racing pianos plenty of room. The pianos are pulled and pushed by four person teams as they race uphill on Harris Avenue to the corner with 10th Street. The race is inspired by somethind Dan Harris, the founder of Fairhaven, did. In 1889, Dan Harris took ship to California and retirement - and never returned to Fairhaven. As he prepared to leave, he sold off his property and possessions - including his piano. The day he was to board ship, the buyer of the piano had not yet paid - but promised Dan he would send a check. Dan was having none of that. He pushed his piano out of his house, down Harris Avenue and off the end of the dock into Bellingham Bay. He then got on the ship and left. And that was our inspiration for probably the world’s only piano race. Tis 9 pm and we are working to post more photos. More should be up by 10. Sunday Photos - Dirty Dan DaysSunday, April 27, 2008) click above photo for larger view
Sunday was a success - measured in the fun time that a lot of people had. Just look at this photo of a portion of our Village Green during one moment. And the rain held off till evening - well after the festival was over.
And so ends our photos of this year’s DDDays festival. We hope you will join us next year on the last full weekend in April for the 7th DDDays. Today at Dirty Dan Days - SaturdaySaturday, April 26, 2008)
Catching a large wild salmon is Madeline. Contestants lined up to try catching up to three salmon without dropping one with a prize of smoked wild salmon if they did. We think Madeline caught this one - as the Bellingham Herald photograhper, Mark, catches the action. Actually, the salmon was deceased but was wild till then. We prize wild salmon here in Bellingham and the salmon is still destined for the bbq. Saturday photos - Dirty Dan DaysSaturday, April 26, 2008)
The Alzheimer’s 5K Walk & Run had hundreds of participants starting at the Village Green this morning at 9 am. This shows them starting and going north on the South Bay Trail.
That is it for photos from today. We will post photos Sunday afternoon of the events of the day. Dirty Dan Harris looks forward to his DaysFriday, April 25, 2008)
Our annual celebration of the founding of Fairhaven by Dan Harris begins Saturday, April 26. It continues on Sunday with the Chowder Cookoff on the Village Green. Above is our much loved statue of Dan which was created by Bob McDermott 5 years ago. This is an unusual photo in that no one is sitting next to Dan. This is without a doubt the favorite photo situation in the historic district. And photos or not, kids love to climb all over Dan. We think he would enjoy it. The weather forecast is great - sunshine and 60 degree plus temperatures. We invite all. Join us in a fun weekend in Fairhaven. All the restaurants and shops are ready for extra visitors. Spring is finally coming to FairhavenWednesday, April 23, 2008)
Folks were at outside tables today. At Flats Tapas Bar on 11th, it was warm enough this afternoon that a congenial group had gathered over - well over some tapas and drinks. Tapas are small snacks that are popular in Spain and Europe. Flats is located in the over 100 year old Nelson Building, built in 1900 as a bank with shops. Spring is breaking out - we hope. We expect temperatures up to 65 degrees and sunny for this weekend. Dirty Dan Days are this Saturday and Sunday - our celebration of the founding of Fairhaven in 1883. See the event information at the top of this page. And plan to come to our historic district to help us celebrate. A lot of fun for all. Fairhaven Runners busy with hiking season beginningFriday, April 18, 2008)
Hiking, running, walking - we do it year round in Puget Sound. But still - with Spring time, we get serious. Fairhaven Runners was busy this afternoon carefully fitting shoes to each person who came in. You don’t just try on shoes here - you first walk in your socks for the staff person to carefully watch how you walk. Then comes the trying on of different sizes and models. It is all careful and thorough - and that is why the have very loyal customers. Steve Roguski has trained his staff carefully. Yes, this caption is a plug for their shop. This shop is one of the premier businesses of Fairhaven and one of those that has helped the historic district get and keep the great reputation it has for quality, value and service. We invite you to come to our little area and check out the shops for yourself. Oh, and yes, the photographer is wearing a very comfortable pair of walking shoes he bought last summer from these folks. Very comfortable. |
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the celebrity chowder judges - local celebrities. From left, Rick McCudden - owner of Flats Tapas Bar, Mary Ellen Carter - author of several cookbooks, and Zandra Dennis - Miss Whatcom County.
Two members of each four member team line up - ready to run downhill on Harris Ave to their teammates and their pianos.
The new team this year - ‘Security’ who are students at Western. Beautiful racing piano.
With their hands behind their backs, they slurp up the oysters from the half shells - eight oysters total - and the first to finish stands back up - which is the guy in the yellow t-shirt. We think his name is Garp.
