Shop for treasures made by kids!
All community members are invited to attend the Children’s Craft Fair, Friday, July 25, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lee Memorial Park (Central Library lawn, 210 Lottie St.) to support young entrepreneurs this summer. The Craft Fair will have a maximum of 50 booths — all featuring items handmade by kids. All sales are cash only and items will be priced at $5 or less, so bring small bills. This festive event will be fun for the whole family. Can’t make it to this one? Don’t worry — there’s another craft fair on Aug. 22 at Bellis Fair Mall.
Family fun at Lee Memorial Park
The Children’s Craft Fair isn’t the only excitement at Lee Memorial Park this summer! On Thursday, July 24, we’ll gather on the lawn for Summer Night Stories, an evening of stories, songs, and games for children ages 3 to 8. Other summer events offer opportunities for kids to play games, dance to Taylor Swift songs, and more. Visit our webpage for the full schedule of events at Lee Memorial Park.
Are you ready for a local emergency?
Sign up for emergency notifications: The City of Bellingham and Whatcom County use a system called AlertSense to send emergency alerts and severe weather warnings directly to your phone or email. You can opt in for notifications, and when you sign up, you can choose the types of alerts you want to receive and opt into alerts for specific geographic areas. Visit our alerts webpage to sign up.
Learn DIY tips for combatting extreme heat or wildfire smoke: Join us and Whatcom County Health and Community Services for a hands-on workshop during PNW Climate Week. Drop in anytime between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. this Thursday, July 24, in the City Hall lobby. You’ll learn how to keep yourself and your family safe, prepare your home, and build a DIY air cleaner. The event is free, but please register in advance.
Interested in urban villages? 🤓 Discover the future of Barkley Village!
Join us on July 21 at the City Council Regular Meeting to learn about the plan to formalize the Barkley Urban Village through an official plan adoption process. As we think about the future of this important urban center, we’ve done an environmental review and outlined requirements for development, zoning and caring for the natural environment. In addition to learning about the plan, you’ll also hear what the community thinks of it during a public hearing. Learn more about the Barkley Urban Village and find materials for Monday’s meeting.
Improving public spaces
Warm, dry weather means more construction improvements! You’ll notice some work taking place during early morning and night hours over the next couple of weeks. This allows us to complete projects more efficiently and reduce the impact on daytime commutes.
- Work on the Roeder Lift Station will start around 5 a.m. for the next couple of weeks.
- Starting Monday, we’re putting down permanent striping on the Samish Way overpass at I-5 and will be shifting some of the lanes at the intersection of Samish Way, Lincoln Street, and Elwood Avenue to allow for more efficient bicycle and vehicle turns.
- We’ll also be repaving Meridian Street at night from July 20 to 24, and July 27 to 28 from McLeod Road to Bakerview Road for the Meridian Sewer Replacement Project. We’re only repaving the impacted project area, in anticipation of WSDOT’s future repaving project along Meridian Street.
- Speaking of Meridian Street, WSDOT is currently gathering feedback about this significant corridor through our community. They want to hear from all users, including those who walk, bike, use mobility devices, access transit, and move freight. WSDOT’s questionnaire is open until Aug. 7.
- Reminder that Holly Street is getting some improvements next week too. The improvements will enhance cyclist visibility, reduce right-turn conflicts, and encourage safer speeds through intersections. Expect traffic impacts for one to two days.
- Lastly, starting Monday, July 21, sewer pipe repairs will take place near the Arbor Street entrance of Whatcom Falls Park, just off Electric Avenue. This work, expected to last about two days, may temporarily close that specific park entrance. Please note that water and sewer services will not be affected. Traffic control will be on-site as needed, and local residents will maintain access.
Please watch for signs and flaggers and stay aware of shifting road conditions.
