Kapow contest finalists to show off plans to make downtown Bellingham pop | Bellingham Herald

Ten finalists will show off their creative ideas for improving downtown Bellingham at the Mount Baker Theatre on Wednesday, March 25.

The competitors were selected as the top dogs out of 50 entries in a “placemaking” contest called “Kapow!” run by Sustainable Connections, the city of Bellingham and several other partners.

Throughout the evening, audience members will hear the ideas in “PechaKucha”-style presentations where presenters will show 20 images for 20 seconds a piece while they talk. The style is meant to keep the presentations short.

There will be live audience voting to determine the people’s choice award, and Mayor Kelli Linville and the contest judges will pick the recipients of the mayor’s choice and superhero awards.

Audience members are encouraged to dress up like superheroes, and those who do will get priority seating. Before the presentations start, a DJ will play live music and local beer will be available.

Doors open at 6 p.m., and presentations start at 7 p.m. at the theater’s main stage, 104 N. Commercial St.

Cost is a suggested donation of $10; all proceeds will go to the winners.