Good morning, Bellingham.

Bellingham City Council approved a Transportation Improvement Plan near Chuckanut Bay that funds a $5.1 million replacement for the Chuckanut Creek Bridge washed out in the November 2021 floods.

The new bridge is expected to be completed by 2028 and will replace the temporary bridge—addressing community concerns over forced property acquisitions.

Bellingham city officials remind residents that all consumer fireworks are banned—including fountains, sparklers, smokeballs, rockets, and roman candles—and the city will increase patrols July 2-4 to enforce the law with fines up to $1,000 for violations.

The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission needs a supermajority vote to approve charter amendments and will hold its final meeting on July 10—its ten-year review to set guidelines for the county charter for the next decade.

Bellingham City Council voted unanimously today to make the new crosswalks and bike lanes on Eldridge Avenue permanent after pilot improvements reduced speeding near the waterfront corridor.

Public Works reported that although the bike lanes removed some street parking, side streets still offer ample spaces — supporting local business activity.

A jury ruled Tuesday that PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center was not liable for an alleged misdiagnosis from a 2019 suit—finding the emergency room physician met the standard of care after a nearly three-week trial.

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.

Cascadia Dirt Cup 2025 – Galbraith Mountain Enduro

July 12-13 — Galbraith Mountain and Padden Trails Parking Lot — Entry fee varies — Experience thrilling mountain bike racing at the fourth stop of the Cascadia Dirt Cup series.

Intro to the Laser Cutter

4-6 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Free for members — Learn from laser expert Jason Davies and get your questions answered about laser projects and techniques.

Midsummer Cider Tasting

4-7 p.m. — Elizabeth Station — Free entry — Sample specialty ciders from local farms and enjoy beautiful bouquets in a vibrant community setting.

Northwest Raspberry Festival

9 AM – 8 PM — Downtown Lynden — Free entry — Celebrate Whatcom County's raspberry bounty with live music, food sampling, and community fun.