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POSTED: Friday, Aug. 29, 2008

Lynden

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OVERVIEW

Surrounded by fields and farms in north-central Whatcom County, Lynden has maintained a strong sense of community even as it has topped 10,000 residents. Its downtown district survives despite recent commercial growth along busy Guide Meridian.

Core strengths include the area’s agricultural base, its strong schools, a century-long Dutch heritage visible in annual festivals and the architectural style of downtown, and an increasingly diverse culture, with a growing Hispanic community.

| LUKE HARRIS THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

• CONTACTS
  
  
• Whatcom County Council, Second District: 676-6690
  
• Lynden City Hall: 354-4270

Civic activities center on downtown, with its festivals and parades, at the public and Lynden Christian schools, and at the Northwest Washington Fair grounds, home to a large fair each August and to numerous other shows and events.

HISTORY

The first fair in Lynden was held around 1909 on a muddy downtown street. In 1911, backers raised money for a permanent home and bought 20 acres at the fair’s current location.

SCHOOLS

Bernice Vossbeck Elementary, Fisher Elementary, Isom Elementary, Lynden Middle, Lynden High, Timber Ridge High, Lynden Christian schools.

Districts: Lynden School District, www2.lynden.wednet.edu; Lynden Christian Schools, www.lyncs.org.

PARKS

City, Berthusen, Bender Fields, Greenfield Village, Centennial, Heritage.

QUOTE

“Lynden really does have that old feel; wide streets and green lawns. You get to know people; they’re friendly. It’s a community that’s willing to help out individuals regardless of what their status is.”
Gary Vis, lifelong Lynden resident