BELLINGHAM - The city's gift of free parking at downtown meters expires on Christmas Day. Enforcement of meters and ground-level parking in the Parkade, 1300 Commercial St., resumes on Wednesday, Dec. 26.

Parking was free at meters starting Dec. 10 to encourage shopping and other business downtown.

Owners of vehicles found parked at an expired meter will receive a $10 fine. A $10 late fee is added if the owner doesn't respond within 15 days.

Parking is always free on weekends and holidays. More information is at cob.org/parking.

Reach RALPH SCHWARTZ at ralph.schwartz@bellinghamherald.com or call 360-715-2289. Read the Politics Blog at blogs.bellinghamherald.com/politics.