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Farmer’s Market continues to be popularWednesday, August 22, 2007)
Each Wednesday afternoon, the market becomes even more popular. More vendors and more visitors and more people purchasing vegatables, fruit, quick meals, art and more. It has really grown this summer and will continue through the last Wednesday in September. Live music from the stage helps set the mood. It all starts at 3 pm and goes till 7 pm. If you have not experienced it, come on down. Browse the shops on the streets around the Green while here. These are the golden days of summer and Historic Fairhaven is at its most beautiful. Bocce Tournament fun for all participantsSaturday, August 18, 2007)
The above scene shows the fun atmosphere that existed from 9 am to 2 pm on the Village Green today. The 4th annual Bowler Hat Bocce Ball Tournament was a fine success - even though the organizers were worried about it being flat right up to the day before. When you get lemons - make lemonade. Organizer Jim Doran had only 13 teams because the August vacation time made it difficult for sponsors to get 4 players for the day long event. So, Jim switched the competition from single elimination to double elimination and - and we had a full day of very close and enjoyable competition. Teams got to play at least two games and many played 3, 4 or more games.
The day started out cool - in the 60s - and slowly warmed up with the sun out about noon. You can see some of these players still wearing their fleece vests. The bumpy ground of the Green creates an equalizer betewen experts and beginners and makes the competition closer.
The throw - so simple that first time players have no trouble. But then the idea is to have your balls closed to the small white palino ball after each team has thrown their 4 big colored balls. Green against red. And the competition is so much fun.
The champion team. They called themselves ‘Explosive & Corrosive’. From the left, Aaron, Ryan, Collin and P. Huck with tournament organizer Jim Doran holding the permanent trophy. Yes, each winning player received a bronze miniature of the hat on the Dirty Dan statue. As they say, a fun time was had by all. Congrats to the winners and thanks to all who participated.
Bocce tournament this weekendTuesday, August 14, 2007)
Bocce Tournament Today Play begins at 9 am on the Village Green This Saturday is the 4th annual Bowler Hat Bocce Ball Tournament, starting at 9 am on the Village Green. Above, the folks are getting in some practice yesterday afternoon during the normal Monday at 5 pm open play time. The Green is a beautiful venue for the tournament. WThere is still time to field a team of 4 persons and enter. $40 per team. You can go to the Bocce Tournament page and get the entry form. Click on the link in the left column of this page. Cyclists race through the streets near FairhavenSaturday, August 11, 2007)
With the historic Waldron building jutting into the view of Bellingham Bay, cyclists turn the corner at 17th onto the downhill run of McKenzie Avenue in today’s criterium races. Cyclists from all over Washington State are here for three days of races in Whatcom County. This race did not go through the historic district, although several years ago a criterium did do just that and was very well liked by the racers. Perhaps again in the future. The races attract not only the riders but their friends and supporters. We hope they had time after the races to enjoy the nightlife of Fairhaven. The little green places of Ken ImusThursday, August 9, 2007) photo by Ray Dunn
Our historic core of Fairhaven has several pleasant open places - such as where A Lot of Flowers and Jacci’s Fish & Chips are located. They are there because of Ken Imus, the fellow who saved the historic buildings in our district. And the above green space, behind the Good Earth building at Harris and 10th, is another example of a place he has saved. Little known to most folks, even in Fairhaven, is that for many years Ken himself goes out early mornings to clean up and maintain our district. Above he is shown trimming back the growth in that little green space - where folks often have a lunch or just lay back and relax. Ken is over 80 now. He started buying the old run down buildings when he was in his 40s. He still shows his spirit by giving of his time and energy to keep our historic district clean and well maintained. He is an example for the rest of us, showing community spirit. Normally a photo and text like this would be posted on The Buzz page - but I think Ken deserves the thanks and appreciation of visitors as well as those of us who work and live here. Perhaps you might write him a card telling him you appreciate his efforts these past 30 some years. Let him know you enjoyed your visit here or your time here. Click on his Jacaranda business link just below for his address. Farmer’s Market draws folks to FairhavenWednesday, August 1, 2007)
Every Wednesday afternoon on the Village Green - right through September. Live music, kids playing, folks buying farm produce - all within the confines of our wooden pergola surrounding the green. Tis a smaller market than the one downtown on Saturdays but it has a wonderful lazy charm all its own. Tis more relaxed. Vendors love it and and so do the shoppers. Come on down and enjoy the market - and stroll the streets of historic Fairhaven. You will find wonderful shops and restaurants. All within a block or two of the Village Green. Alaska Ferry departs FairhavenFriday, July 27, 2007)
Bound for Ketchikan - 36 non stop steaming hours north. Each Friday evening year around at about 6 pm the Columbia leaves Fairhaven on a one week round trip to Skagway Alaska with stops at 3 to 5 Alaskan towns going north and south. During the summer a second ferry leaves each Tuesday evening. We love our connection to Alaska and it is part of the magic of Fairhaven. If you are planning a vacation to the Pacific Northwest, you cannot do better than using Fairhaven as your base for exploring. From walking on the Alaska ferry to sailing the San Juan Islands to climbing the North Cascades peaks - it is all right next to Fairhaven. We invite you to check us out. Summer begins again in the Pacific NorthwestTuesday, July 24, 2007)
The outside tables of the Colophon Cafe are bathed in sunshine again - instead of the rain of the past two weeks. This afternoon the temperature is in the normal 70s and the blue skys and warm sunshine make the Pacific Northwest a paradise for the next two months. We hope. There are seven restaurants in Fairhaven with outside tables and we invite you down to enjoy the August and September weather. Normal years it is absolutely perfect - and we have high hopes for this year. And, yes, that is the statue to Fairhaven founder, Dirty Dan Harris, on the Village Green. Nice place for outside relaxing. Harry Potter readers at midnightSaturday, July 21, 2007)
Yes, tis exactly midnight and Chuck Robinson, co-owner of Village Books, is just starting to hand out the latest Harry Potter novel to the hundreds of young readers waiting outside his delivery door. Over 1,200 had purchased advance sale coupons which they redeemed with Chuck for their book. It was an incredible scene this evening as hundreds of kids and their parents milled around during the rainy and windy night. There was entertainment on the Village Green and it was packed with kids. Village Books is donating a portion of the advance sales to the Whatcom Literacy Council and, as of midnight, that amount was up to over $8,600. Pretty amazing. The summer of music on the Village GreenMonday, July 16, 2007) photo by John Meloy
Sunday afternoon - and it is Yambique playing dancing music on the Village Green, brought to us by Fiddling Fox. Tuesday evening will be the weekly Concert in the Park, brought to us by the Bellingham Parks Department. Wednesday afternoon has live music during the Farmers Market - every Wed through September. And there is great music every Saturday before the outdoor movie. Check the Events page to find the music that you enjoy and come on down to the Village Green. Summer is short. Enjoy it while you can. This photo also breaks new ground for Fairhaven.com. It was taken with an iPhone from a window table at the Book Fare cafe above Village Books - and then sent to us via Wi-Fi still from that table. Another step in technology. Dan Harris gets his due recognitionTuesday, July 10, 2007)
Fairhaven resident, Ralph Thacker, has now posted up a web site dedicated to Dan Harris, the 1800s founder of Fairhaven. Ralph has researched and written on the life of Dan who came here in the 1850s, platted Fairhaven in the 1880s and moved to Los Angeles about 1889. Dan - or Dirty Dan Harris as he was known - was a colorful fellow as well as a very hard worker and very smart. He named Fairhaven and promoted it. Above - from the web site - is the only known photo of Dan. It was taken on our waterfront down near where the Alaska Ferry Terminal now is. Few facts are really known about Dan and Ralph has been spending the past few years doing research for original documents. He says he has made progress and will continue to learn more and post it on the web site. This is a great project and we thank Ralph. For your future convenience, there is graphic link in the left column to this site. The web address is: www.dan-harris.info Boating Center opens at Boat Works siteSaturday, July 7, 2007)
Deborah Dempsey checks on one of the many kayaks for use at the new Bellingham Bay Community Boating Center on the Fairhaven waterfront. It opened yesterday after months of quiet negotiations. Actually years of effort by many local boating activists. There is a wonderful and long story to tell about this, but not in this caption. Later. For now, we want to thank Tip Johnson for starting the Fairhaven Boat Works back in 1984 and for working these past years to help it morph into a community center. Tip is not involved in the new center, but has gone on to another - non marine related - business. The Center is open Tuesday thru Sunday till dusk each day. it is a non-profit organization offering classes, instuction, rentals and storage for kayaks, sailing dinghies and rowing craft. Rates are very affordable in an effort to allow anyone to learn and enjoy boating. Check their business listing for more information and a link to their website. And thank you Debbie and Mary Durbrow for bringing us this great community center. 40th Annual Chuckanut Foot Race StartSaturday, July 7, 2007)
The oldest foot race in Washington State is shown near the start as the hundreds of runners pound up 4th Street at the start this morning. At 9 am, Steve Roguski of Fairhaven Runners, fired the starting gun and they were off on the 7 mile run to Larrabee State Park. The race follows the Interurban Trail along the very scenic Chuckanut Mountain ridges. Race results will be posted later today on a special page at the Fairhaven Runners website. There may also be some photos posted later. Fairhaven Runners keeps Chuckanut Footrace goingWednesday, July 4, 2007)
First - important note. We asked Steve Roguski, owner of Fairhaven Runners for an update on this year’s race. “We’re up to about 700 and expect we’ll have about 900 again this year, despite the fact that registration will close on Thursday the 5th at 7pm instead of day of race like last year. There is a lot of excitement around this being the 40th anniversary of the event, so we’re trying to harken back a bit, with fresh watermelon, local restaurant goodies (Colophon and Skylark’s), popsicles, etc., a retrospective/memento display at Larrabee, a groovy tshirt updated for our times, energetic tunes by Maggie’s Fury and much more! “This is the second year that Fairhaven Runners & Walkers has been the Title sponsor and co-directors (with Linda Beckman and Terri Lee of the Greater Bellingham Running Club). We feel great satisfaction and enjoyment being a part of continuing such a venerable tradition and fun community event. This run and walk celebrates our beautiful area and our good healthy lives together here in Bellingham. We are thankful to the folks who started the race back in 1967 and for the solid support from the community to maintain this cool event over the decades.” Chuckanut Footrace is this SaturdaySunday, July 1, 2007
Fairhaven Runners 40th Annual Chuckanut Footrace is a 7 mile run from the Fairhaven waterfront along the Interurban trail to Larrabee State Park. It starts at 9 am next Saturday, July 7. The awards ceremony is at 11 am at Larrabee Park. The registration fee is $25 and you must register by Thursday, July 5. Click here for full information and online registration. Two things make this race very special. It is the oldest footrace in Washington State and the trail in the woods on the ridges above Bellingham Bay is a very beautiful run. If you enjoy running, then this is really worthy of your participation. Fiddling Fox presents free concert SundaySunday, July 1, 2007)
4 to 7 pm Sunday, on the Village Green, Bent Grass will play bluegrass music - lively dancing music. And it is Free to all and we invite young and old to come down and enjoy. Linda Fox brought us great concerts last summer and she has scheduled the next five Sunday afternoons in July for these free concerts. We in Fairhaven thank Linda for these wonderful events which she does for the community.
The photo shows the mellow scene during the bluegrass concert. A nice attendance of maybe 100 folks spread around the Green to enjoy 3 hours of bluegrass music by Bent Grass.
Saturday evening — Outdoor Cinema on the GreenSaturday, June 30, 2007)
On Saturday evening is the first summer movie on the Green - with live music starting at 8:30 pm. “A Mighty Wind”, a musical comedy will begin at sunset. Bring a blanket or lawn chair (and blanket) for a fun evening on the Green. The weather forcast is clear skies. Yep, our summer is beginning. You can check the entire summer schedule here - with links to complete movie reviews and lists of actors. Late Saturday night photo caption: the movie was great, the weather was clear skies and not cold and everyone had a fun time. Here we show the Kiwanis Club members popping fresh pop corn and selling it, with proceeds to their charity. A band plays before each Saturday movie. The Village Green is the perfect venue for outdoor cinemas. Today - Annual Independents Sale on the GreenFriday, June 29, 2007)
10 am to 4 pm on the Village Green, the clearance sale by shops in Fairhaven takes place. “Celebrate Your Independents” is the slogan to draw attention to the total lack of any chain stores in Fairhaven. Not a one. The Pergola around the Green will have great deals on books, shoes, clothes and all sorts of other merchandise. There will be live music on the stage. Southside News will be selling chocolates at discount prices. The weather is sunny - and will be all day. (The Bellingham Herald forcast is wrong.) The weather forcast is for 70 degrees by afternoon. Hope to see you down there. Above, Chuck Robinson sets up books for clearance sale on tables under the pergola. In the background are more booths with clothes by Yak Magic and shoes from 12th Street Shoes. Come on down - it will be a fine and fun day in Fairhaven. Friends out enjoying the Gallery WalkFriday, June 22, 2007)
Having a fun time at our annual Summer Solstice Walk-A-Bout are two good friends, Laura and Shelly. They paused in front of A Lot of Flowers at 11th and Harris to joke with the photographer. The streets of Fairhaven had folks strolling and enjoying the shops till 10 pm this evening. The cloudy and cool - temp about 58 - weather meant fewer people and a more relaxed evening in the galleries. But those who came down were really enjoying themselves - as these two self described denizens of Fairhaven plainly attest. Summer Walk-A Bout this Friday eveningTuesday, June 19, 2007)
The Friday closest to the first day of summer is the date for our summer gallery walk. From 5 pm to 10 pm this Friday, June 22, Historic Fairhaven will be alive till after the late 9:15 pm sunset. Over 30 shops will be participating in this year’s event. While 23 shops are listed on the map, several more have signed on since. Many shops will have artists or crafts persons available to discuss their works for sale. The shops and galleries always have new art pieces on display for this event. You can download an easy to print PDF file of this map. You can check the complete list galleries, shops and reataurants - inclucing late entries. Summer reading for kids kickoffSunday, June 17, 2007) Photo by John Mortensen.
The start of the summer reading season had a kick-off party on Saturday on the Village Green. They even had a magic show - and a lot of fun. And ice cream treats. And of course, they all got their summer reading packets. Thanks to John Mortensen for the photo. Farmers Market on the Village GreenThursday, June 14, 2007)
Every Wednesday from 3 pm to 7 pm the Farmers Market happens on our Village Green in Fairhaven. Happens is perhaps the right word because every Wednesday seems a bit different. Some Wednesdays there are a lot of people and there are even changes in vendors - but it is always mellow and fun. Yesterday was cold and cloudy. Talking to one vendor, he had not sold much but was enjoying the ambience and music and relaxing pace of the afternoon all the same. The vendors are ones who also sell at the Saturday market in downtown Bellingham which is much more busy and intense. Our Wednesday event is more in keeping with our slower Fairhaven style. And these young girls were brought to the Green by their two fathers and they have a huge grass lawn to play on - adding to the unique flavor our our Wednesday afternoon market. We invite you to come and enjoy. South Side storage grand openingFriday, June 8, 2007)
Fairhaven Self Storage is nearing completion and Ebenal’s celebrating this Grand Opening with a JUNE SPECIAL: 1/2 off the 1st months rent with 3 month contract! The new storage facility has a country farm feel and is next to a wetland preserve full of bird activity and song. Call 360-733-5553 to reserve a heated unit, several sizes available. Located at 2715 Mill Ave - behind Happy Valley School. They are ready to assist you with your storage needs. If you are not familiar with all the streets and cull de sacs on the southside of Bellingham, below is a map that will make it easier for you to find the place. You can also download the map as a pdf file for easy printing on your computer.
Kris finds quiet spot by English phone boothSaturday, June 2, 2007)
Who needs a phone booth anymore when we all have cell phones? This is just a fun photo. Kris was actually making a phone call next to the phone booth and inspired the photo - one of three old fashioned English phone booths that Ken Imus placed in the historic core of Fairhaven. Just another charming piece of whimsey in our community. And any picture is made prettier with a pretty person. |
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