This year’s top photo captures the subdued attitude
The 20th annual Essence of Bellingham Photo Competition is in the books! Photographers of all ages and skill levels submitted more than 200 photos that capture the life of our fabulous city. The Best of Show winners were Paul Brennan, Phah Sajjaphot, and Ryan Hallsten. Including our top winners, 54 entries earned awards. To view all of this year’s entries, visit our Latest Completed Competition Entries webpage.
You can enter next year’s competition right now! Winning entries are added to the Whatcom Museum’s photo archives and may also appear on BTV, in City publications, on the City’s website, or in City social media posts. Find competition details and an archive of previous winners at the Essence of Bellingham webpage.
The future of indoor recreation
It’s time to talk indoor recreation, Bellingham. You told us you want more, and we listened. More pool space? Check. Basketball and volleyball? Check and check. Rooms for community meetings? Also check. A chocolate lazy river to float in? Ummm, maybe that one’s a no.
Join us next Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Bloedel Donovan Community Building. We’ll unveil the future of recreation at Civic Athletic Complex, and you can have your say on what activities we should make space for in a future community recreation center.
Stay tuned for your chance to weigh in virtually on Engage Bellingham, too. It’s coming next week!
Get involved this winter by joining a City advisory group
We have openings on several City advisory groups, including the Tourism Commission, Water Resources Advisory Board, and Arts Commission. Volunteer advisory group members play a vital role advising the Mayor and City Council, as well as supporting City functions. Most positions require you to live within City limits, but some welcome Whatcom County residents. Applications are accepted year-round. Learn how to apply.
Find holiday cheer in Bellingham
Downtown tree lighting ceremony – Saturday, Dec. 6
Get ready to make your holiday season bright! The annual downtown holiday tree lighting festivities are this Saturday, Dec. 6, 5:30 – 7 p.m. at Depot Market Square. There will be free cocoa, cookies, a photo booth, make-and-take crafts, activities, music and more. The countdown to the tree lighting will start right before 6 p.m. Learn more on the Downtown Bellingham Partnership’s website.
Lighted bike parade – Saturday, Dec. 13
Deck the trails and deck out your bike for Bellingham’s Lighted Bike Parade. Costumes encouraged, holiday cheer required! We’ll meet at the Depot Market Square at 4:45 p.m. before rolling out for an out-and-back ride on the South Bay Trail. Upon our return, free hot cocoa will be waiting and cookies from GIRLnDOG Cookies will be available for purchase. The free bike ride will take place rain or shine. Find all the details on the city’s events calendar.
Santa 5k – Saturday, Dec. 20
Run, skip, or walk in our Santa-themed 5K at the Cordata and Julianna parks. Participants are welcome to aim for a PR or take a stroll while enjoying hot cocoa and chatting with family and friends. Costumes are highly encouraged and help to make the season bright! Prizes are given for winners as well as other festive categories. Registration is open through Dec. 17 – and includes a Santa hat!
