Good morning, Bellingham.

The Mateo Meadows community, a Whatcom Habitat for Humanity project in Everson, held a roof raising event on June 12 to mark progress in building new homes — a sign that community efforts are steadily advancing.

Visitors and locals can explore eight Farm to Table Trails in Whatcom arranged by Sustainable Connections—each trail offers a flexible way to enjoy local harvests this summer, whether for a day trip or a quick stop.

The Mount Baker Theatre announced its 2025-26 season with 25 events starting Sept.

20 featuring Grammy-winning trumpeter Chris Botti and special programs like the Broadway Series and Movie Palace Series. Tickets go on sale for members on July 23 — for the general public on July 30 as the theatre prepares for its planned 100th season.

Bellingham Public Schools announced plans to propose two levies on the November general election ballot to raise $15 million in response to federal funding cuts.

One measure is a supplemental operations levy expected to raise about $4 million each year while the other is a six-year facilities maintenance levy set to generate roughly $11 million annually—details released after estimating an annual loss of $750,000.

Southbound travelers on I-5 will face lane and ramp closures as work begins to replace a fish culvert near Lake Creek, with delays starting at 8 p.m. on Sunday, June 29.

Traffic will shift to a two-lane bypass near the North Lake Samish exit at 5 a.m. on Monday — normal travel will resume after a new culvert is installed in July.

Bellingham’s Whatcom County Health and Community Services will offer free vaccinations for those under 18 on July 1 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. — the clinic organized a week after two measles cases were confirmed in Lynden will also provide vaccines for chickenpox, flu and hepatitis A+B without an appointment.

Cal Raleigh has joined the Home Run Derby on July 14 in Atlanta — he will compete with his family supporting him after posting 32 home runs and 69 RBI.

In local sports, the Bells lost to Wenatchee last night — they will start their weekend series in Kamloops tonight at 6:35 while the Kraken hold the eighth overall NHL Draft pick, the Sounders face Austin FC tomorrow at 7:30 p.m., and a statue honoring Sonics legend Lenny Wilkens will be unveiled tomorrow morning.

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.

Vietnam Veterans Car Show

10 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Barkley Village Green — Free admission — Celebrate veterans with a showcase of classic cars and community camaraderie.