BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Plans to incorporate a populous region of Whatcom County are a step closer to becoming a reality.adButlerLazyLoad("219005782785170082",100,["662102","662102","662102"],"177027"); Whatcom County Council voted 4-2 with one abstention at its meeting Tuesday night to analyze the possibility of making Birch Bay its own city My Bellingham Now previously reported that the council held a similar vote in July to allocate $150,000 from the general fund for this study Councilmember Mark Stremler took issue with the sourcing of those funds I’m not in favor of the funding method,” Stremler said “The citizens of Whatcom County already paid for this in 2008.” He argued that Birch Bay residents in favor of incorporating should pay a fraction of the cost.adButlerLazyLoad("2540470263353946288",100,["662102","662102","662102"],"177027"); says that residents have already contributed plenty towards the county’s general fund they’re actually bigger than Blaine and they may have a sheriff’s deputy,” Elenbaas said there’s part of that general fund—a large part of that general fund—that comes from the people of Birch Bay.” A data study on the region was last completed in 2008 County Executive Satpal Sidhu added that updated data would give the council a better idea of what and if additional funding can be sourced “I have attended several of their meetings the basic reason is—there is no information to base on Like when we say if they can raise the money to do the study I think the study will actually put real data in front of not only those citizens but in front of the county council also,” Sidhu said.adButlerLazyLoad("2708775631355329224",100,["662102","662102","662102"],"177027"); which is expected to be completed later this year Dianna Hawryluk is the KGMI Morning News Anchor and a reporter for My Bellingham Now Send any news tips to dhawryluk@pnwmediagroup.com No injuries were reported in either incident The cuts have resulted in laboratories having limited testing for some infectious diseases and early childhood learning programs left unsure of future funds The dog had fallen into the cave and its owner also got stuck while trying to rescue it WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – When Dave Vitt founded Kulshan Brewing Company in 2011 WWU will bring its 13-game win streak into the national softball tournament Be sure you have your GPS enabled and try again The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the return of the Kid’s Kite Festival at Birch Bay State Park on June 21-22 family-friendly event celebrates the joy of kite flying while showcasing the natural beauty of Birch Bay’s stunning shoreline Children will receive free kites (while supplies last) to decorate and fly in the open skies above Birch Bay Kite enthusiasts will also find a variety of kites and spinners for sale ensuring everyone can participate in the fun the festival features interactive entertainment including performances by Wren the Juggler Families can also engage in exciting educational activities provided by Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 These organizations will offer hands-on programs that highlight nature Visitors can explore a diverse selection of craft and food vendors making the festival a full-day experience for all ages attendees will be immersed in the natural splendor of Birch Bay State Park “This festival is a celebration of the simple joys of childhood and community,” said Sacha Sanguinetti Executive Director of the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce “With the breathtaking backdrop of Birch Bay State Park we invite families to come enjoy a weekend of outdoor fun The Kid’s Kite Festival is free to attend though a Washington State Discover Pass is required for parking within Birch Bay State Park Whatcom Transit Authority (WTA) will be offering shuttle service to and from the festival from various points around Birch Bay For more details, visit www.birchbaychamber.com or follow us on Facebook (@BirchBayChamber) and Instagram (@BirchBayChamberOfCommerce) for updates.  Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce events are made possible in part by a community support grant from Blaine Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 and a tourism promotion grant from Whatcom County Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Information Center: The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting local businesses and enhancing the community through engaging events and initiatives Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2: Providing recreational opportunities and programs for all ages this organization works to promote healthy active lifestyles in the Blaine-Birch Bay area Friends of Birch Bay State Park: A volunteer group committed to preserving and enhancing Birch Bay State Park through conservation efforts Friends of Birch Bay Library: Advocating for literacy and community resources this group supports the development of a future library in Birch Bay to serve residents of all ages Birch Bay Waterslides will reopen this summer according to the new management company that has taken the reins of the troubled water park The 40-year-old Blaine attraction has been closed since August 2023 after a customer was seriously injured on one of the slides sued the park’s owner in May 2024 and the lawsuit is still ongoing.   who has visited Birch Bay to assess the facility welcoming and “feels like a Hallmark movie.”  GMAP has experience with other distressed properties — around six years ago, the company refurbished and reopened Seven Peaks Water Park in Provo, UT, after a child was severely injured on a slide in 2015 and the park owner later filed for bankruptcy Handler said GMAP offers several approaches to owners: consulting and mentorship; management; or management and mentorship in which the owner takes over operations after an agreed-upon time frame GMAP is operating under a nondisclosure agreement so Handler was not able to share which strategy Birch Bay Waterslides will follow a fiberglass slide restoration company.  Sand-blasting and other construction projects have begun on the site “We’ll give it a nice paint job — it needs it — and a few other fun items for the customer’s experience,” Handler said He acknowledged the park had some deferred maintenance to deal with but declined to go into details about the more pressing slide restoration needs such as the broken splash guard panel and structural flaws that Whatcom County health department officials found in the vicinity of where Baker was injured during an investigation in February 2024.  [ Read more: Whatcom investigators find missing, broken bolts near site of Birch Bay Waterslides injury ] Baker, who suffered severe lacerations on his foot and leg alleged in his lawsuit that the park neglected to maintain safe premises supervise staff and contractors to ensure safe practices inspect equipment adequately and comply with state law regarding water parks. In November 2024 Baker brought three more defendants into the lawsuit: Whatcom County Health and Community Services and two private companies responsible for inspecting the facility Birch Bay Waterslides’ newly active social media which is being managed by a third-party agency has been actively promoting its coming season but does not mention the lawsuit In response to skeptical commenters on Facebook the facility posted on its page that the park is “fully committed to making significant updates to the park including addressing safety and overall improvements” and will be showcasing improvements on its overhauled website The website has FAQs and a page for progress updates which does not yet include facility restoration specifics.  “There are always naysayers,” Handler said when asked about the social media comments After the 2023 incident, the business shut down, and Whatcom County Health and Community Services revoked the park’s operating permit because managers did not immediately provide inspection records. In April 2024, the county laid out strict criteria for the park to reopen In order to have its operating permit reinstated Birch Bay Waterslides will need to have a licensed engineer evaluate all elements of the water park and fasteners holding slides together; complete all repairs recommended by the engineer; provide a comprehensive self-inspection plan; and correct all violations laid out in the initial inspection report The health department confirmed in January that if and when the park finishes its checklist Depending on county staff availability and workload the reinspection could occur within days of the request Handler emphasized the park’s 40th anniversary coming up this year The park is asking the community to send in photos of the park through the years to be featured online.  Handler said the team is aiming for an opening by the end of May or early June.  “We’re excited about celebrating the 40th,” he said “We hope to have more announcements soon.” Julia Tellman writes about civic issues and anything else that happens to cross her desk; contact her at juliatellman@cascadiadaily.com Email newstips@cascadiadaily.com or Call/Text 360-922-3092 Why did you become a law enforcement officer I applied with Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office as a correctional deputy And I found law enforcement is fitting that fun My hand gets tired of waving because so many people are just happy and friendly there That’s something that I didn’t experience as often within the City of Bellingham … One of the things I enjoy about being out there every day is that I’m able to be to kind of see the progress of whatever issue or concern that [residents] have so they don’t have to talk to another deputy every time so I thoroughly enjoy being that investment There’s a big variety — there’s high-income homes and residences out there and low-income folks and places where they live So it brings a large variety of either problems to solve or community concerns that come through What does an average day look like for you patrolling Birch Bay My shift is four days a week and it’s 10-hour shifts … I drive out to Birch Bay and I normally just do my rounds … If I have some specific areas that are on my caseload either high crime areas or extra patrol locations that the community has requested One of the main concerns that Birch Bay [residents] have continuously told me … there is frustration with speed So I do a fair amount of speed enforcement in those zones Birch Bay mile per hour zone is 25 all the way through … The education of getting folks to know that there is speed enforcement going on out here It seems to be like a first-time message for a lot of folks So I end up giving a fair amount of tickets per month — I probably [give] about 10 to 15 so that makes up for any loneliness or slow call volume The seasonal folks aren’t down there so it’s just me and the permanent residents and I’m able to keep busy just focusing on the projects and the community concerns that they told me Birch Bay has grown substantially in the last 15 years — the population is currently hovering above 11,000 and the town is still unincorporated Do you feel overworked as the only regular law enforcement in the area I do know that any sort of 911 call or need for law enforcement response I have the entirety of the sheriff’s office population or department to respond or when it ends up being a large in-depth call they feel that Birch Bay is in a part of the county that is kind of set aside By me being highly visible and by me sending emails to my partners like they would appreciate extra patrol in the evening time,’ it just helps the visibility of law enforcement … They just want to know somebody’s there “Faces in the Crowd” is published online and in print Fridays. Have a suggestion for a “Faces in the Crowd” subject? Email us at newstips@cascadiadaily.com Jaya Flanary is CDN's designer/digital editor; reach her at jayaflanary@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext A Whatcom County Superior Court judge will allow a lawsuit against Birch Bay Waterslides to continue despite the water park owner’s claims that the man who was injured there in 2023 signed away his right to sue The lawsuit now involves three entities who were responsible for inspecting or overseeing the almost 40-year-old facility including Whatcom County Health and Community Services Larry Baker, a Burlington resident and Navy veteran, suffered severe lacerations on his foot and leg in August 2023 when he went down one of the slides at Birch Bay Waterslides Baker filed a lawsuit on May 9 alleging that park owner Birch Bay Jun Yu Waterslides LLC neglected to maintain safe premises inspect equipment adequately and comply with state law regarding water parks According to a Whatcom County investigation report from February 2024 inspectors found corroded and missing bolts and ripped sections of fiberglass splash guard on the slide where Baker was hurt including the “de-gloving” of the skin on his heel His medical bills up to this point have totaled almost $365,000 Because of the 2023 incident, Whatcom County Health and Community Services suspended the water park’s operating permit. In May, the county health department laid out a set of stringent conditions in a compliance agreement with the water park.  Birch Bay Waterslides requested a summary judgement stating that Baker had signed a waiver releasing the water park from liability although if or how he actually did so seemed to be in question Judge Lee Grochmal denied the motion for summary judgement on Friday and also allowed Baker to file an amended complaint that alleges gross negligence and brings in more defendants to the suit: Safe Slide Restoration Kingworks Structural Engineers and Whatcom County Health and Community Services Kingworks, a firm based in Bellingham, inspects the concrete, steel and wooden support structures, while Safe Slide Restoration, a national company, inspects the fiberglass slides themselves. However, when asked by the county for inspection reports by both companies, Birch Bay Waterslides failed to provide adequate documentation. According to state law water park operating permits must be renewed annually by the local health department Baker’s attorneys enlisted two theme park experts to inspect park structures this summer — they found “a complete lack of attention and a disregard for public safety,” according to court documents Birch Bay Waterslides confirmed it would spend 2024 renovating the park and working toward compliance The health department confirmed it had received an update from the park on plans for facility work but reinspection won’t occur until after work is completed Water park management did not respond to requests for comment on what renovations had occurred Hundreds of people gathered along the shore of Birch Bay to light flares to celebrate Birch Bay’s Ring of Fire and Hope The New Year’s Eve celebration is an annual tradition with red lights wrapping around the entire bay Birch Bay community members will likely soon have an official mechanism to share input ideas and concerns with Whatcom County government Point Roberts and Lummi Island both have committees that act as the conduit between small communities and the Whatcom County government (with a focus on ferry operations in the case of the Lummi Island committee) Now Birch Bay too will have an advisory committee that can solicit feedback from residents and business owners and pass recommendations on to the county executive and council The unincorporated waterfront area has seen a 20% population increase since 2010 according to the Washington Office of Financial Management which estimates there were 10,363 residents living within the Birch Bay Urban Census Designated Place in 2023.   “Instead of having a one-way street where when something happens all we can do is complain we appreciate that,’ we can have a partnership with the county,” said Doralee Booth who serves as the county liaison on the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce board Booth first got involved with the original Birch Bay Steering Committee around 25 years ago which formed to address the area’s increasing population and development drafted the Birch Bay Community Comprehensive Plan which was adopted as a sub area plan of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan in 2004.  Some accomplishments of the steering committee included the formation of the Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management District and the prioritization of the $15 million shoreline berm restoration project which was named a 2023 Project of the Year by the American Public Work Association Washington Chapter.  everything slowed down and the steering committee lost steam as more residents are sticking around all year and tourism is booming the village on the bay wants more control over planning “We didn’t want it to just sit on a shelf in Whatcom County,” she said about the Birch Bay Community Comprehensive Plan The county is now in the midst of updating its own comprehensive plan At the same time, a new effort to incorporate Birch Bay began in 2023 Booth said she supports the idea but isn’t part of the group working on incorporation which will take several years if successful While the county explores the possibility of incorporation an advisory committee can be up and running by early 2025.  “This feels like a new adventure,” Booth said “It’s a real win-win for Birch Bay and the county BIRCH BAY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – As 2024 comes to an end many folks are taking a plunge into icy waters to ring in the new year adButlerLazyLoad("711805195643425701",100,["662102","662102","662102"],"177027"); The Birch Bay Polar Plunge will be set up at 10 a.m 1 for registration and is a great way for folks in northern Whatcom County to get involved in the frigid activity The plunge itself will take place at noon followed by a warming tent The event will also hold a Warm Clothing Drive for those in need of warm garb in the Birch Bay area This is the second year the Birch Bay Polar Plunge is taking place, but the first year the event is taking clothing donations. The Community Assistance Program in Blaine will distribute the items collected in the week following the donation drive For those brave enough to venture into the frigid bay on New Year’s Day be sure to prepare accordingly and stay warm following the plunge “It’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Gary Sytsma the event’s coordinator.adButlerLazyLoad("8686446128466568",100,["662102","662102","662102"],"177027"); Tune into KGMI AM 790 in the morning on Dec 31 to listen to the full interview between Dianna Hawryluk and the event’s coordinator Gary Sytsma Ellie Coberly is a reporter for MyBellinghamNow She has a BA in Visual Journalism and a minor in psychology from Western Washington University Ellie is an avid nature-enthusiast who spends her free time getting lost in a good book and crafting Send news tips to ecoberly@mybellinghamnow.com BIRCH BAY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A man injured at Birch Bay Waterslides has added multiple parties to his lawsuit including the county health department.adButlerLazyLoad("2969687549049667428",100,["662102","662102","662102"],"177027"); a judge denied the request for a summary judgment in the suit against Birch Bay Waterslides the opportunity to sue three other parties: Safe Slide Restoration Kingworks Consulting Engineers and Whatcom County Health and Community Services Court documents state Baker was severely injured while going down the Hairpin slide in August of 2023 Birch Bay Waterslides claimed no wrong-doing and demanded a jury trial in June of this year Baker now claims that the three additional parties were grossly negligent in their monitoring recordkeeping and maintenance at the waterpark This is a change from the original suit that claimed negligence against just the waterslide company.adButlerLazyLoad("17571640743341919",100,["662102","662102","662102"],"177027"); a witness came forward to say he felt something wrong with the slide three separate times and mentioned it to staff twice An expert was brought in to inspect the slide and he observed disrepair which he says implicates the owners’ knowledge about the necessary repairs “There is evidence of attempted repair or concealment of these issues in multiple places on the attraction suggesting the defendant and/or its contractors knew the issues needed repair but failed to complete repairs or fastener replacement that would have prevented injury to the plaintiff,” the expert identified as Randy King in court documents Birch Bay Waterslides recently announced they will be reopening for their 40th anniversary next summer Emma Toscani is a reporter for KGMI and My Bellingham Now Emma additionally runs the soundboard for weekend shows and assists KGMI Konnects with Joe Teehan BIRCH BAY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A summer staple in Birch Bay will be reopening its gates next year.adButlerLazyLoad("51835691100908722",100,["662102","662102","662102"],"177027"); Birch Bay Waterslides said that following extensive renovations to their property they’re preparing to reopen in time for their 40th anniversary MBN previously reported that the water park was closed just before the end of their 2023 season Whatcom County Health and Community Services said in March that park officials didn’t submit proper records for them to reopen this past summer Birch Bay Waterslides added that the timing worked out for them to begin the park’s previously planned renovation but season passes will be available to purchase in the near future BIRCH BAY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Residents in northern Whatcom County are complaining about a pungent smell near Birch Bay.adButlerLazyLoad("152109591821357364",100,["662102","662102","662102"],"177027"); North Whatcom Fire and Rescue says it was alerted to a strong oil odor coming from the BP Cherry Point Refinery on the morning of Sunday Seth Preston with the Northwest Clean Air Agency adds that the agency received roughly 70 complaints about the smell from Saturday through Monday morning He adds that several people reported smelling a “strong burning oil” odor Preston says the agency sent out inspectors to Birch Bay on Monday morning who say the smell is now under control BP has not yet responded to My Bellingham Now for comment.adButlerLazyLoad("1401881611331402010",100,["662102","662102","662102"],"177027"); Jason Upton is a reporter and afternoon news anchor at KGMI Feel free to send any story ideas or news tips to jupton@pnwmediagroup.com BIRCH BAY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – An annual New Year’s tradition in Whatcom County is aiming to break a record next year.adButlerLazyLoad("1904288188233368160",100,["662102","662102","662102"],"177027"); The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce says that they’ll attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest polar plunge to kick off 2026 roughly 1600 people dove into the icy waters of Birch Bay to kick off the new year The Chamber says that their annual event has grown since its inception 43 years ago “This world record attempt will be an exciting opportunity to showcase the Birch Bay community and all we have to offer to a myriad of visitors both new and returning,” said Sacha Sanguinetti Event Coordinator for the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce to be an economic boost for the community for years to come.” Guinness currently lists a 2015 polar plunge in Poland as the world’s largest Registration for their record-breaking attempt will open sometime this summer.adButlerLazyLoad("2903433635528791792",100,["662102","662102","662102"],"177027"); Did you know that Whatcom County, in the northwest corner of Washington State, is home to six key locations on the Cascade Loop portion of the Audubon Society’s Great Washington State Birding Trail Patient bird-watchers looking to fill in their checklists can find a rich variety of viewing sites to spot hundreds of species From Trumpeter Swans to Bald Eagles to White-throated Swifts to the Lazuli Bunting.. there are so many birds to explore in Bellingham and surrounding Whatcom County Birders of all experience levels can explore viewing sites at Drayton Harbor/Semiahmoo Spit, Birch Bay State Park, Tennant Lake Wildlife Area, Deming Homestead Eagle Park, Whatcom Falls Park and Larrabee State Park – all within an easy, 30-mile span. In addition, the North Cascades Audubon Society lists 15 popular birding sites within Whatcom County Get to know a dozen beautiful, remarkable species in their natural habitat. Click here to view the guide San Juan Cruises offers a day bird-watching cruise to view Tufted Puffins in the Salish Sea.  one of the few areas in the San Juan Islands where these unique birds are regularly spotted Though they historically nest throughout the islands Tufted Puffins are now listed as a species of concern.  The cruise departs from the Bellingham Cruise Terminal and includes lunch as well as a naturalist to help you spot and learn about a variety of birds!  This area is officially recognized as the most northerly “Important Bird Area of Washington.” This pristine, shallow marine habitat with extensive intertidal mudflats is adjacent to the U.S.-Canadian border in Blaine, WA grebes and many other migrating aquatic birds are common here in great numbers carefully eluding Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons who nest high in the surrounding evergreens.  Semiahmoo Bay is noted by Audubon Washington for supporting “large flocks of all three scoter species; Greater Scaup including Long-tailed and Harlequin Ducks; and small numbers of alcids Up to 650 loons have been counted here in a single day Five surveys conducted throughout one winter in Drayton Harbor showed a total of more than 15,000 loons The highest recorded counts of Red-necked Grebes and Horned Grebes on the Washington Coast occurred in this census.”   This state park features walking trails on 1.5 miles of saltwater shoreline and 3 miles of freshwater shoreline on Terrell Creek. Acrobatic Dunlin flocks can number in the thousands each winter, alongside Black-bellied Plovers. Brant migrating from Mexico to their arctic breeding grounds also stop here to refuel on the plentiful herring that spawn in the shallow seawater.  Birch Bay was named for its black birch trees by Archibald Menzies The park’s sweeping views look north to the Canadian Gulf Islands This wildlife area in Ferndale, WA offers visitors their own “birds-eye view” from a 50-foot tower over looking a shallow lake surrounded by extensive wetlands The 150 species frequently observed here include honking Canada Geese stately Great Blue Herons and majestic Bald Eagles Trails at Tennant Lake include a one-mile long meandering under a canopy of Alder and five species of water-loving Willow trees Marsh Wren use cattail fluff to build their nests snowy-white Trumpeter Swans are also common at Tennant Lake This enchanting city park in Bellingham, WA features five miles of wide trails through 209 acres of conifer forest and freshwater wetlands, including Scudder's Pond -- an urban wildlife preserve owned by the North Cascades Audubon Society and located inside the park The pond is surrounded by tall grasses and cattails Rounding out Whatcom County’s best birding locations is Larrabee State Park including 8,100 feet of saltwater shoreline on Samish Bay Established in 1915 as Washington’s first state park Larrabee occupies most of the west side of Chuckanut Mountain and is connected to Bellingham city limits via the well-maintained Interurban Trail.  The park’s topographic diversity from sea level to 1,940 feet elevation supports a variety of bird habitat Northern Pygmy and Barred Owls are year-round residents This is common territory for Pileated Woodpecker and Red-breasted Sapsuckers Marine birds include Double-crested and Pelagic Cormorants Great Blue Herons and colorful Harlequin Ducks Located along the Nooksack River on the Mt. Baker Highway Deming Homestead Eagle Park is a 100-acre preserve owned by the Whatcom Land Trust and known locally for its spectacular access to wintering Bald Eagles as five species of salmon use the river for spawning The cedar-lined river banks are also home to Evening Grosbeaks Harlequin Ducks and Yellow-rumped Warblers boats began to fill up the slips in Birch Bay Village in the days leading up to Aug The marina reaches near-capacity each year on the eve before one of the biggest days on the Birch Bay calendar: the opening of the recreational crab season the last zone in Washington interior waters to open each year and is open for crabbing Thursdays through Mondays until the season closes on Sept The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife has set the daily catch limit of the area at five male Dungeness crab six Red Rock crabs of either sex and six Tanner crabs of either sex Marine Area 7 South, which includes Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands, has been open since July, shares the same restrictions and will close on Sept. 30 as well. The 11 other marine areas in Washington have varying restrictions but none are open as late as those adjacent to Whatcom County See the WDFW’s recreational crabbing page for information on rigging and baiting legal crab traps Finn Wendt is a CDN visual journalist; reach him at finnwendt@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext We recognise you are attempting to access this website from a country belonging to the European Economic Area (EEA) including the EU which enforces the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and therefore cannot grant you access at this time e-mail us at info@mdislander.com or call us at 207-288-0556 and fireworks across Bellingham and Whatcom County on New Year's Eve 🎉  After a night of drinks and dancing invigorating cold plunge at Lake Padden or Birch Bay There are plenty of ways to celebrate the old year and usher in the new one Ring in the New Year with Bellingham's favorite SPACEBAND Spaceband brings high-energy funk inspired rock to the stage known for their crowd-pleasing performances and eclectic mix of originals and covers Find a spot and light your flare right at 7:00 PM It looks like a beautiful string of Christmas lights surrounding Birch Bay a limited number of complimentary biodegradable flares will be available on a first come first serve basis.  The Black Cat in Fairhaven Village will be open on New Year's Eve until 1 a.m. Ring in the New Year at Galloway's Midnight Masquerade and celebration at Galloway’s Cocktail Bar this New Year’s Eve We're transforming the night into an unforgettable Masquerade Ball—where fancy attire and masks aren't just encouraged they’re your ticket to an evening of elegance and intrigue Kick off (or wrap up) your New Year’s Eve at the Whatcom Museum Whether you’re a night owl just getting the party started or an early bird planning to turn in before midnight swing by Old City Hall for an unforgettable evening.  a cash bar by Tito's Handmade Vodka (with one complimentary drink ticket provided) and a free Champagne toast at 9 pm as we count down to 2025 alongside Times Square.  Ring in the New Year with us at the brewery We’re celebrating the start of 2025 with an epic New Year’s Eve party at the brewery Enjoy live music from local rock-fusion band Whalien and other New Year’s fun while you dance and jam through the night!  moving with the crash of thunder and the poise of the lotus showing listeners everywhere how to really Their high-energy rock fusion will have you grinning Warp Detour and Green Daze come together to bring you a New Years Eve packed full of punk rock crowd favorites and perhaps a few deep cuts as well Catch Green Daze power through Green Day's iconic album Dookie in its entirety before Warp Detour warms your heart with NOFX's 18 minute punk rock ballad.  Stay after midnight to hear your friends sing a song or two (or maybe even you) Stones Throw Brewery invites the whole community to join them and help ring in the new year on December 31 and the Jill Newman Band from 9:30-midnight.  New Year’s Eve ball drops on a screen in the taproom: the first at 9pm Whether you stay for the East Coast ball drop or show up just in time for the West Coast version the Stones Throw New Years Eve party is a free In addition to the usual selection of flagship and rotating beers on tap Join us in ringing in the new year in our Grand Ballroom - 80's style!  Your ticket includes: Welcome cocktail & champagne pour at midnight Delicious appetizers prepared by the Penny Farthing culinary team Photobooth with rad prizes for best 80's attire Red Star Taco Bar is hosting it's first annual New Years Eve Prohibition Party Join us for a night of live music with DJ Bernee Luv Celebrate the New Year in style with a walk-run around Lake Padden followed by a shockingly fun dip in the water Join the fun in Birch Bay and ring in the New Year at the annual Polar Bear Plunge It’s a festive and chilly way to kick off the New Year.  WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) has announced a major expansion in its bus routes for next summer.adButlerLazyLoad("370175381197457463",100,["662102","662102","662102"],"177027"); WTA’s Board of Directors recently approved service changes that will impact riders in Bellingham WTA says there will be more frequent stops on routes that serve what it deems “priority populations and key destinations,” including areas with new affordable housing developments the Lighthouse Mission and Bellingham Airport will all see increased service as a result of the changes WTA is also adding a new route to Bellingham’s King Mountain Neighborhood six days a week. And the temporary routes to the Bellingham waterfront that were introduced in September will become a permanent fixture with increased trips the Cornwall Park Neighborhood and East Bakerview Road between Guide Meridian and Deemer Road.adButlerLazyLoad("1374922170015750144",100,["662102","662102","662102"],"177027"); The new route schedules will take effect on June 15 Be sure you have your GPS enabled and try again.