Entertainment - Entertainment News

POSTED: Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008

Five not-to-be-missed holiday events in Whatcom County

The wealth of Whatcom County crafters, fine artists, musicians and others in visual and performing arts truly emerges in the holiday season.

Community organizers, volunteers and performers all work together in weaving a tapestry of events that would gladden the heart of any Scrooge.

Here are five not-to-be-missed events coming up in the next couple of weeks. Watch for more in subsequent issues of Take Five and in the Sunday Whatcom Life sections. For online listings, go to calendar.bellingham.com.

Roeder Home Holiday Arts and Crafts Sale: Opening 4:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20; regular hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Nov. 21-23, and Nov. 28-30, 2600 Sunset Drive (at Broadway). More than 60 artists, live music daily in the historic home, which is also a county park. Contact: 733-6897, www.co.whatcom.wa.us/parks.

Allied Arts Holiday Festival of the Arts: Opens Friday, Nov. 21, gala is 5-7 p.m. Nov. 28; regular hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays through Dec. 21, open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 22 and 23, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 24, 1308 Cornwall Ave. (former JC Penney). More than 100 artists, live music provided by members of Bellingham Independent Music Association. Contact: 676-8548, 224-4680, www.alliedartsholidayfestival.com.

Pacific Arts Holiday Market: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, Nov. 28-Dec. 21, 2416 Meridian St. (former Fountain Drug). More than 60 local artists and vendors. Contact: 738-6442, www.pacificartsholidaymarket.com.

Holiday Port Festival and Gingerbread House Contest: Noon-8 p.m. Dec. 5, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 6, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 7, Bellingham Cruise Terminal, foot of Harris Avenue. Musical and dance performances by local performers, horse-drawn wagon rides, display of gingerbread houses (and other creative structures), visits with Santa, lighted boat parade from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 6. Contact: 676-2500, www.portofbellingham.com/holidayport.htm.

Sinterklass and Lighted Christmas Parade: 1 to 7 p.m. Dec. 6, downtown Lynden. Patron saint of the Dutch arrives at 1 p.m., followed by dancing, storytelling, music and more at various Lynden venues. Lighted parade starts at 6 p.m. at the Fairway Center and travels along Front St. The annual Lynden in Lights display runs Nov. 28-Jan. 3. Contact: 354-5995, www.lynden.org.