Fairhaven celebration bigger this year for Ski to Sea

SAM TAYLOR - THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

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BELLINGHAM - Spots for vendors and groups to participate in the annual Fairhaven party during Ski to Sea are completely sold out, organizers say.

This year promises to be bigger and better than ever for "It All Ends in Fairhaven," the event brings young and old alike swarming the city's historic district on Sunday, May 24, to celebrate Ski to Sea, said Anna Williams, one of the organizers.

"It is the perfect Northwest event," Williams said. "It's a non-gated, no-charge, something-for-everyone event."

FAIRHAVEN SHUTTLE
What: Shuttle between Western Washington University parking lot and "It All Ends in Fairhaven" celebration Sunday, May 24.
Departs: WWU Lot C, at Bill McDonald Parkway and West College Way.
Arrives/Return pickup: 12th Street near Harris Avenue.
When: Every 15 minutes starting at 11:30 a.m. Last shuttle leaves Fairhaven at 8:30 p.m.
Fare: 75 cents each way or valid WTA bus pass.
Map: Click here.

Organizers also plan to use another name for the event, "Fairhaven Festival." Williams said they'll use both names interchangeably for a while, but the idea was to give people a better description of the event. She said "It All Ends in Fairhaven" can be confusing for some, who might not be able to figure out from the name what the event is about.

Meanwhile, Williams said there will be more vendors, more nonprofits and more of everything this year for attendees. Where usually there are 19 or 20 vendors, this year they've brought in 24. Generally there are 18 nonprofit organizations that participate, and there are 24 of them, too.

"Last year I didn't think it could get any better," Williams said.

She said organizers were somewhat surprised that more people wanted to be involved, considering the economic recession, but she said it's also a great way for organizations to reach out to the community during these times.

Taimi Gorman, who also is helping to spread the word about various parts of the event, said that organizers are encouraging people to walk, bike or take the shuttle during the event because parking in Fairhaven is limited.

The event runs 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with its core at the Fairhaven Village Green, 10th Street at Mill Avenue. In addition to entertainment, there are food booths, craft vendors and kids' activities. The beer garden at 11th Street and McKenzie Avenue is open from 11 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.

Two stages will be going for musical acts, one on the Village Green and one adjacent to the beer garden. Here are the acts and times:

Live bands by the beer garden:

11 a.m. -Tom Sandborn.

Noon to 1:45 p.m. - The Pop Offs.

2 to 3:45 p.m. - Death by Radio.

4 to 5:45 p.m. - SpaceBand.

6 to 7:45 p.m. - The Walrus.

Bands at the Village Green:

11 a.m. - Mhuri Marimba Band.

Noon - Squalicum High School Jazz Ensemble.

1 p.m. - What the Chelm.

2:15 p.m. - Sehome High School Choir.