Good morning, Bellingham.

On June 13, Bellingham Parks and Recreation opened three spray parks that operated daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. until Sept.

15 while the City will hold a Juneteenth Flag Raising event on June 16 and offer a tourism grant for local projects. Downtown, a scavenger hunt features four new Billy sculptures and the Public Library secured $3.03 million for renovations — public works plan boardwalk repairs from June 16 to 27 and bridge updates while an 11 year old student was named Chief for a Day at the police station.

Habitat for Humanity finished its 10 Home Builder Blitz at Mateo Meadows in Everson on June 12 — raising the roof of the first four affordable homes — as it moves ahead with its affordable housing efforts.

Mateo Meadows is a mixed-use, mixed-income development on Lincoln Street that will eventually include 30 townhomes and 7,000-square-feet of commercial space.

A report from the Washington state Employment Security Department showed that the average wage grew to just over $95,000 in 2024 + it increased nearly 7 percent from 2023.

Preliminary data for Whatcom and Skagit counties will be released later this month to add more statewide earnings details.

Whatcom County Fire District 14 placed Brush 92—nicknamed Renegade into service to provide emergency support during wildfires and flooding.

The 2002 Stewart & Stevenson M-1083 truck, a twin of one added two years ago, now is stationed at the Sumas station.

The Mariners will host the Cleveland Guardians tonight at T‑Mobile with Luis Castillo on the mound to break an eight‐game slump, while the Bells swept their series last night with Noah Cassie’s walkoff hit and now start a three‐game road trip from Victoria at 6:35.

Meanwhile the Sounders will begin group‐stage play in the FIFA Club World Cup on Sunday at 7:00 from Lumen Field, the Thunder face the Pacers in Game 4 of the NBA Finals tonight with coverage at 4:30, and the Oilers, who tied their series last night with Leon Draisaitl’s record overtime goal, set Game 5 for tomorrow at 5:00.

The Mariners will host the Cleveland Guardians tonight as they try to break free from losing eight of their last nine games while Bells swept their series last night with Noah Cassie’s walk-off win — Sounders will debut in the FIFA Club World Cup on Sunday at Lumen Field, and NBA Game 4 between the Thunder and Pacers is set for tonight as the Oilers tied their NHL series with an overtime win last night — setting up more playoff drama.

Ann Aguirre Book Launch with Sarah Hawley

6-7 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — $6.44 - $20.44 — Celebrate the launch of Ann Aguirre's newest book with an engaging conversation and a book voucher.

Intro to the Laser Cutter

6-7 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Free for members — Get insights on laser projects and learn about design tools with expert Jason Davies.

Tenderpile Smile Aisle Live Performance

8-11 p.m. — Aslan Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy a melodic evening of jazz music from the local group Tenderpile Smile Aisle.

Intro to Vector Graphics Workshop

6:00 – 7:30 PM — Bellingham Makerspace — $ — Learn to create stunning vector graphics using Inkscape for your creative projects.

Boulevard Park Concert Series: SpaceBand

6-8 p.m. — Boulevard Park Stage — Free — Enjoy an evening of old-school dance covers and new classics with the local favorite, SpaceBand.

Bellingham Festival of Music Opening Night 2025

7:30 p.m. — Performing Arts Center — $50--$60 — Experience a global musical tour with Artistic Director Marcelo Lehninger and pianist Simon Trpceski starting with The Russian Masters.

2025 Literary Citizenship Awards Ceremony

6-7 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Celebrate local literary citizens recognized for their contributions to the community.

Laser Cutter Q&A Session

6-7 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Free for members — Get expert advice on laser projects and tools from Jason Davies in a casual setting.

In Timberline's Embrace Book Reading

6-7 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Jean Waight explores the enchanting history of Timberline Lodge through her latest book.

Horseshoe Tournament

All day — Lynden / Bellingham KOA Journey — Entry fee required — Compete in a thrilling horseshoe tournament while enjoying scavenger hunts and tractor rides.