2024 Turkey Bowl: Before Thanksgiving, there’s an inter-City rivalry that gets settled on the gridiron. The Turkey Bowl pits a team from the Bellingham Police Department against a team from the Bellingham Fire Department in a friendly flag football game at Civic Stadium. In a high-scoring affair, the BPD team won, 70-49, earning the Turkey Bowl trophy for the third year in a row. Bellingham Fire Department will have to put in work during the off-season to prevent a BPD four-peat in 2025.
Holiday closures: During the upcoming holidays, some City facilities and services will be unavailable to the public.
- City Hall is closed Nov. 28-29, Dec. 24-25, and Jan. 1.
- Bellingham Public Library locations are closed Nov. 28-29, Dec. 24-25, and Jan. 1.
- The Whatcom Museum campus is closed Nov. 28, Dec. 24-25, and Jan. 1.
- Arne Hanna Aquatic Center is closed Nov. 28-Dec. 1, Dec. 24-26, and Jan. 1.
Public Works and Parks emergency services are available by calling (360) 778-7700.
Police, fire, and medic services are always available by calling 911.
Apply to serve on a City advisory group: City advisory boards, commissions, committees and task forces help us better understand and address our community’s diverse needs. Volunteer members of these groups advise policymakers and provide essential input to the City, bringing varied perspectives, expertise, and lived experiences for City leaders to consider while making decisions. See our list of current openings for advisory groups that are now actively seeking members, including the Keep Washington Working Act Work Group, the Arts Commission,and the Transportation Commission. If all positions are filled, you can apply to serve in the future when an opening is available. Get more information on our Boards and Commissions page.
Tree giveaway this weekend: Love trees? Bellingham residents can pick up a free one to plant this Saturday at the Farmers Market downtown. Visit us at the City of Bellingham tent to get a free paper birch or shore pine, while supplies last. We will be there from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More trees mean cleaner air and cooler streets! Visit our website to learn more about our Community Tree Programs.
December events: Bellingham has a variety of hallmark holiday events. Deck the trails and deck out your bike for Bellingham’s Lighted Bike Parade 4:45-6:30 p.m., Dec. 14. Embrace the magic of the holiday season during the lighting of downtown’s tree 5:30-7 p.m., Dec. 7 at Depot Market Square. Create ornaments at Family Ornament Making Night 6-8 p.m., Dec. 5 at Bloedel Donovan Community Building. Whatcom Museum is hosting festive activities during Deck the Old City Hall Nov. 29-Jan. 5. Bellingham Public Library’s Youth Winter Crafts Fair is at the Bellis Fair Mall 2-4 p.m., Dec. 8. For even more holiday happenings, go to Visit Bellingham.
Can it, cool it, trash it: As the holiday season approaches, it’s easy to get caught up in the festivities. But let’s not forget about a less glamorous aspect of the holidays: wastewater. While it might not be the most exciting topic, it’s crucial to remember to properly dispose of fats, cooking oils, and grease. They can coat pipes, clog your sewer line, and disrupt equipment at our wastewater treatment plant. Avoid pouring these substances down your drains, and remember to can it, cool it, and trash it. We appreciate your help in keeping our community clean and healthy. For more information, visit our Keep Our Pipes Clear webpage.
