BELLINGHAM - Don't feed the meters. Parking downtown is free from Monday, Dec. 10, to Christmas Day.

The city is temporarily stopping enforcement of street parking meters to encourage shopping and other business downtown. The free parking includes all metered spaces in Bellingham and the ground level of the Parkade, 1300 Commercial St.

Monthly permit parking and non-metered, time-limited parking will continue to be enforced. Drivers who work downtown are asked to use their usual spaces to keep street spaces open for downtown visitors.

Reach RALPH SCHWARTZ at ralph.schwartz@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2298.