Let’s get on the same page
Whatcom County’s annual literary event, Whatcom READS, features the 2025 selection, “No Two Persons,” by Erica Bauermeister. Hailing from Port Townsend, Bauermeister is a New York Times bestselling author of five novels, which have been published in over two dozen countries. Free tickets are now available to hear the author speak at the keynote Whatcom READS event An Evening with Erica Bauermeister and Friends at Mount Baker Theatre 7 p.m., Friday, March 14. New this year: The author will be joined on stage by Bushwick Book Club Seattle. This innovative book club includes local musicians who will perform original music inspired by their reading of “No Two Persons.” Whatcom READS is a collaboration between Bellingham Public Library, Whatcom County Library System, Village Books, and all the academic libraries in Whatcom County to encourage our community to read the same book and discuss it together.
New park to open
There’s a new park in the Cordata neighborhood at 1350 Talus Way. The first phase of Northern Lights Park is now complete and open to the public, and a ribbon-cutting is set for 4 p.m., Wednesday, March 5. The park, built by RJ Group as part of the Aurora Court development, is an innovative linear design that extends between two blocks of townhomes. It includes two play structures, landscaping, an enormous rock, benches, and a dog waste station. A second phase will extend north another block in future development phases.
Improving public spaces
Upcoming transportation and park projects will focus on connectivity and safety improvements in the Bakerview Road and James Street corridor. Starting in April, a roundabout will be built at the intersection of James Street and Bakerview Road to improve safety, efficiency, and access for all transportation modes, with an accelerated completion expected by the end of May. Additionally, plans are progressing for a new multi-use path along James Street from Telegraph Road north to Gooding Avenue, scheduled for construction in 2026. These transportation improvements will be complemented by a new trail connection and other park projects in the area. Discover how these projects will benefit our community, learn about the temporary construction impacts, and ask questions at an informational open house 6-7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 6 at Bellingham Covenant Church, 1530 E. Bakerview Rd. We look forward to seeing you there!
Bellingham will have a new signature event
On Feb. 27, Bellingham City Council approved the Tourism Commission’s recommendation for a new signature event – a multi-venue festival that will showcase downtown Bellingham’s music venues, restaurants, scenery, and nightlife. The group Artist Home submitted the selected proposal and was awarded $100,000 in lodging tax revenue to put on the festival and promote it during the first year, with more funding to come in the following two years. The event, which will be held annually starting in spring 2026, is intended to encourage tourism, commerce, fun, and community connection. Event details will be released at a later date. In addition to signature event funding, City Council also approved a $50,000 lodging tax grant for the Bellingham Bells to host a softball tournament, also anticipated to kick off in spring 2026.
