TMission Statement
he business and purpose of the organization shall be to educate the community on the history of Whatcom County, promote Pioneer Village and tourism, and bring together those people interested in preserving history and maintaining the Pioneer Village log cabins and collections. The corporation’s major function will be to discover, collect and maintain any material, which may help to establish or illustrate the history of the area.
General membership meetings are held in the Tillicum House the last Tuesday of each month (none in December) at 6pm. Come check us out!
Ferndale Heritage Society Pioneer Village Annual Activities:
• Education Program: Hundreds of local school children attend an educational experience that is ongoing at Pioneer Park for four weeks in April and May.
• Guided Tours Guided Tours of Historic Pioneer Park Village run from May 15 to September 15. Tours are Tuesday through Sunday, 11:30am to 4:30pm. Cost is $5 per person.
• Fashion Show: Fashion Show: Vintage fashion shows are performed per special event requests made to Louise Sager, Heritage Society member.
• Old Settlers Picnic: Old Settlers Picnic: The last weekend in July, we support the Old Settlers Association by opening up the cabins to the public for free viewing.
• Olde Fashioned Christmas: Friday and Saturday of the first weekend in December, 4 – 9pm. $5 adults, and $3 children, under age 1 free.
• Lighted Christmas Stroll: The second and third weekends in December. Free event Friday and Saturday nights, 5 – 8pm.
• Pioneer Village Rental Facilities: For your next event, enjoy the beauty of our rental facilities available to rent throughout the year. The Tillicum House accommodates 60 guests and has a fully equipped kitchen. The Log Cabin Church is a unique quaint church that accommodates up to 40 guests. These two rental facilities are perfect for meetings, receptions, office parties, and holiday gatherings. We offer either facility for daytime (8am to 6pm) rentals. Both facilities are located in historical Pioneer Village, 2002 Cherry Street, (off First Street) in Ferndale, WA.
Our wonderful walkways throughout the park make it more accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Many buildings are now easily accessible by wheelchair from the paths into the first floor of the building.
Per City of Ferndale Municipal Code 12.26.010 C. 3, No Dogs allowed inside the fenced area of Pioneer Village. Only Certified Service Dogs are allowed.
For more information, please contact: Community Coordinator
P.O. Box 3127
Ferndale, WA 98248
Telephone: 360-384-6461
Website: Website: www.ferndaleheritagesociety.com
Email: Email: FerndaleWAHeritageSociety@gmail.com
Heritage Society Welcome
" Star Light, Star Bright, Visit Pioneer Village Tonight "
The Ferndale Heritage Society would like to welcome you to the annual Olde Fashioned Christmas event at Pioneer Village.
Star Light, Star Bright, Visit Pioneer Village Tonight
What do you say when you see your first star? If you get lucky enough to see a shooting star, close your eyes before wishing. Then say “Star light, star bright, the first star I see tonight; I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight.”
The rhymes Star Light, Star Bright are traditional rhymes from the 19th century in America. It is the most loved nursery rhyme; it has its own origin. In previous days it was the rumor that if we see a falling star and wish for something. That wish will come true.
“Let Yourself Continue to Glow Irresistibly as You Have in the Past Hope. This Star Stays as Bright as You Every Day! Let the Radiance of This Star Shine on You and All You Love for Eternity.”
There are many reasons to love the holiday season. Maybe it’s the delicious taste of hot cocoa, gathering together, decorating, or the anticipation of time spent with beloved family and friends. As you make gift lists for your loved ones, you can look forward to seeing the sparkle in the children’s eyes and hear the glee in their voices. Make sure to celebrate the beauty of the season with the help of a good book, watching or listening to your stars in their school plays or concerts. Or just relax and reflect on good memories from past Christmases. Pioneer Village invites you to come and enjoy the pleasures of an olde-fashioned star-shining Christmas.
“May the Christmas star shine brightly on your day bringing peace, harmony, love and joy” We always appreciate new members who offer a new vision and enthusiasm for maintaining our past history. While the society is built around preserving the past, new generations emerge and their interests are seen
from a different perspective.
Our dedicated teams of volunteers work hard keeping the grounds looking good, selecting and putting up beautiful lights and decorations during holidays and special occasions, maintaining each of the cabins, handling publicity, organizing and teaching educational hands-on programs. Our volunteers have put in countless hours repairing and maintaining the village against the effects of extreme weather and the ravages of time.
Volunteers love nothing more than participating in costumed occasions and enlightening often-amazed visitors on how life was lived to the fullest long before all of the amenities we enjoy today.
Displayed in the log cabins at Pioneer Village you can see museum display collections such as tools, kitchen utensils, furniture, photos from the past and so much more.
Come walk back through time as our volunteer hosts greet you in period attire to share with you some of our special collections this holiday season. Step out of the winter chill into the warm, cozy cabins to see how our pioneer forebears spent the Christmas season. Join us in the Pavilion where children can make a holiday craft, enjoy refreshments for all and be entertained by local musicians and high school students. Experience the sights, sounds, smells and simple pleasures of the Christmases of long ago here in the Pacific Northwest, and end your evening with a visit seeing Santa.
Please don’t forget to thank all our wonderful volunteers, for their many hours of preparation and hosting. We look forward to your return each year.
Proceeds from our events maintain and support continued improvements, acquisitions, and educational programs for historic Pioneer Village. We wish you and yours the very best during this holiday season.
-Ferndale Heritage Society
Live Weekend Entertainment
Friday, December 6
5-6 pm: Mt. Baker Toppers feat. Tom Martin (Pavilion, Park)
6-7 pm: FHS Band feat. Stephen Menefee (Park, Church, Pavilion)
7-8 pm: Piano feat. Patricia Kazarow (Pavilion)
8-9 pm: Caroling feat. Nancy Button (Pavilion)
Saturday, December 7
5-5:45 pm: Non-Stop Carolers feat. Nancy Yazzalino (Church)
5-6 pm: Organ feat. Roger Quiggle (Shields House)
5-5:20 pm: Las Chica Reinas feat. Berta Reta & Elisia (Pavilion)
6-7 pm: Organ feat. Patricia Kazarow (Church)
6:30-7:30 pm: FHS Swing Choir feat. Jessica Schlichting (Pavilion)
7:30-8:30 pm: Piano feat. Patricia Kazarow (Pavilion)
8:30-9 pm: Caroling feat. Nancy Button (Pavilion)
"Twinkle twinkle little star, Brave and beautiful is what you are".
"Twinkle twinkle little star do you know how loved you are".
Christmas is the time for making memories and cherishing the past through traditional celebrations. Some Christmases don’t go as planned; however, they can still create great memories as some of our volunteers have shared.
Well, I got a pair of roller skates for Christmas when I was 6 years old. I was thrilled beyond measure! It was a cold, rainy Christmas day so I decided to try them out inside the house! My mom had told me not to but she had gone upstairs so I decided it wouldn’t hurt anything if I just tried them out on the nice smooth vinyl kitchen floor. That went quite well!
I was so excited to skate so I headed into the living room that had carpet on the floor. My skates came to a sudden halt!
I reached out for the closest thing I could grab onto which was the branch of the Christmas tree! (Mom had put the tree in a bucket of water with rocks all around the tree trunk to hold it in place.)
IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE, I fell flat on my back still holding on to the tree!
There was a loud thud when the bucket hit the floor and I found myself covered by the tree with hot Christmas lights all aglow and the wheels on my skates spinning round and round! My Mom came flying down the stairs and quickly unplugged the lights and pulled me safely away from the tree. It was a blessing I didn’t get electrocuted by the old Christmas lights on the tree with water and rocks everywhere!
She was not happy about what happened but she was very happy that I was okay. I never ever tried skating inside the house again!! All and all, it was still a Merry Christmas.
-Mona Porter
We remember in the 1960’s Christmas Day was usually white with snow. Before Christmas we would trek out into the woods and cut our own tree to decorate. We were in the dairy business milking cows. Up at 5am, to the barn, milk cows, clean up and head back to the house. Everyone got dressed up, we gathered the kids and headed to Grandma and Grandpa Sager’s house on North Star Road in Ferndale. From the original nine Sager siblings, almost all of the Sagers that lived within 100 miles would be there for Sager breakfast. More than once, the uncles had to load up in a big four-wheel drive truck and go pull someone out of a famous Northeaster snowdrift. After breakfast and visiting, we would head back home and “finally” let our own kids open their presents. It was a scurry to then get our own family dinner going as we welcomed our Canadian family and friends for the big feast. A very busy day but it was surely a time when wonderful family Christmas memories were made.
-Louise Sager
A Christmas Tradition at my Parents Home – The Sager Farm
Every Christmas for years at my Parents house, after dinner was done, my dad Ken Sager, would lead the men and boys out to the barn. There, they would hook up a hay wagon to his farm tractor and load it with hay bales, covering them with blankets. Once everything was ready, they would drive back to the house to collect the dinner guests, all bundled up in winter coats, gloves, and scarves.
We would get on the wagon, and with everyone on board, we would set off through the neighborhood, singing Christmas carols and jingling sleigh bells. Sometimes, we were accompanied by guitars or other instruments, adding to the festive atmosphere. Our neighbors, anticipating our arrival, would be ready to hop on the wagon and join us as we traveled around the neighborhood. Our final stop was always at The Sager Farm, where my Mom Louise Sager would welcome everyone into her kitchen to enjoy hot beverages and dessert. Oh, what fun it was to ride and sing sleighing songs that night... It was a time of joy and cherished memories we will always remember.
-Serena Leibrant
I was the only girl in my family. My family consisted of our paternal grandparents, brother Bruce and our cousin Dennis, with me the middle child. That year, my brother was starting First grade, I was younger, about four and a half and Dennis about two years old. Our dads were away fighting in World War II, ours in Europe and Dennis’ dad in the Pacific.
Our holidays had always been split with a half day at home and a half day visiting our mother. Christmas was rushed and not very fun. That year Bruce came down with Chicken Pox about eight days before Christmas, followed by me, then Dennis. We all had to be quarantined and so we were confined at home with no visitors. We did have a tree with some presents that Dennis’ mother had bought.
It was a wonderful relaxing Christmas with carols from the radio programs, a fire in the fireplace and easy food we could eat, with no extra stress involved for us children.
-Bonnie Wiesen
My best Christmas was 1992, when at age 40, I met my birth mother for the first time. I had been adopted in England shortly after birth and grew up there. On Christmas of 1992, after having traced her and made contact, I flew back to England and rented a car, driving 100 miles to Somerset where my mother lived. I also met my birth brother and two sisters and their families. I was able to share Christmas traditions similar to those I had grown up with and get to know the story of my birth family. I treasure that Christmas because, never before or since, have I had a gift as meaningful and joyous as that reunion. I know it meant everything to my mother too. My gift to her was to thank her for bringing me into the world and having the courage to give me up. I wanted her to see that I had been raised well, was happy and successful, and to tell her I loved her.
-Sylvia Willis
Christmas Memories... Continued
I was sort of thankful for this exercise because it made me think back through years I'd forgotten. The year: 1991 The place: Somewhere between the Pribilof Islands and the Bering Sea
In October of 1991 my husband and I had this great idea to pay off college debt by working on a factory trawler for the American Seafoods Company, based out of Seattle. And if I'm completely honest - it was his idea. Now, I know that working on a fishing boat is a pretty common thing for young folks to do around here, but for a farm girl from Steptoe - well, it was quite an adventure! By Christmas, we were pretty miserable. The real fishing season hadn't started yet so we actually owed the company for room and board. The weather had been stormier than usual that year (think Perfect Storm), and my husband never did adapt. He lived on Dramamine and Saltines for 6 months. It was always dark and the seagulls never shut up. We were sure it was going to be the worst Christmas ever.
I needed to find a way to cheer us up. I started scavenging the boat for anything I could use to make a Christmas present for my husband. I came up with a little travel sewing kit, a clean work sock, a piece of orange twine, and a bar of Irish Spring. I also found a mysterious treasure down in a corner of the engine room - a little handmade clay statue of a sled dog. No one knew it was there or where it came from. Scotch-taped to its base were an American and a Russian flag with the words "Peace on Earth" written in both languages.
I used the sock and sewing kit to make a pretty crude Christmas stocking that my husband hangs by the chimney to this day. I can't remember what I used to bore a hole in that bar of soap, but combined with the twine it made a practical gift. Soap on a Rope is especially handy when your shower sways.
That minimalist Christmas turned out to be one of our best.
-Shawn Northhouse
As a child, my huge family spent almost every holiday at my grandparents’ small farm. I have many great memories of all the aunts, uncles and cousins coming together for our traditional holiday fun. Years later, when my cousins and I were teens, my grandparents sold the farm and moved into a small house in the suburbs. That first year, everything was different about our Christmas. With seemingly nothing else to do, we kids walked down to the corner market with some of our Christmas money. The only thing I remember buying was bubble gum. When we got back, my aunt showed us how to blow a bubble inside a bubble. Next thing we knew, everyone there, adults and children, was chewing gum and competing over who could blow the most bubbles at once. Great fun and great memories.
-Margaret Coulombe
Lots of families have fun Christmas traditions and my family is no exception! Our family jokes that we are the Griswold’s from the 1989 movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Each year the movie is watched, scenes quoted by all and a good costume is always welcomed!
One year while getting ready for the upcoming holiday season I was looking for a game that would reflect the trivia of the movie to see who “knew the most”. Since there was nothing as such on the market, I took it on myself to sit and watch the movie on repeat (what felt like 100 times) to write out questions regarding the movie on a pack of index cards. After opening presents on Christmas morning, we all sat in my grandparents’ living room and played the game. We had so much fun, and I will always remember the great laughs we had! To this day the index cards still come out each year and more questions are always being added!
-Shalynn Leibrant
Fred and most older folks remember many Christmases in the 40’s and 50’s when they received a stocking (handmade or purchased) that held some nuts, a few hard candies and an orange. It was rare to get oranges that time of year. Sometimes there would be a handmade toy. Store-bought toys were too expensive; like Red Rider BB guns, which were a highly sought after item for boys.
-Fred Sutcliffe
I remember going to Grandma and Grandpa’s house where the aunts and uncles would gather to visit, sometimes this was Christmas Eve. We cousins would draw names for our gift exchange. I don’t remember to whom or what gifts I gave; however, I do remember being in my early teens and getting a butterfly pin from a cousin who was stationed overseas in the armed forces. I still have and cherish that pin.
-Kay Sutcliffe
We hope your experience at Olde Fashioned Christmas will become a part of your holiday tradition for many years to come. You can join our many guests who came in their youth and now bring their own children and grandchildren to carry on the tradition.
The Cabins at Pioneer Village
“The Darkest Night Brings the Brightest Stars: Lights of Love, Joy, Hope, and Courage" "Like the Stars you were Born to Shine, Believe in Yourself, You Are A Star"
The Ticket Booth
Step up to the ticket booth outside the Tillicum House, where Shay Leibrant and her helpers will sell you an admission ticket. A new addition this year is the availability of a credit card reader to offer our guests an alternative to paying with cash. Next you will be greeted at the gate by a smiling group of volunteers organized by Bruce Longstreth. They will start your Olde Fashioned Christmas visit with all the information you need for a magical trip back in time.
The Church
Welcome to our Zion Congregation Church that was built in 1876 near California Creek near Blaine, WA. This cabin had been a sanctuary and also a home for many Pacific Northwest settlers and pioneers. Step inside and sit for a reflective moment in one of the old wooden pews as you enjoy the extra-large beautifully decorated tree and live music. The old Bible, the bench of wood branches and the portrait of the founding Reverend W.M. Stewart, are a few of the artifacts in the church.
The Granary
Step on up to the new stairs and porch to enter the Granary. Julie Aamot and her helpers have decorated the best-looking old tool shed that ever existed. Check out the nativity scene on display and the beautiful big tree. The Granary was built by John Gischer in 1887 on Marine Drive in Birch Bay. Gischer was one of the earliest settlers of the Birch Bay area. The cabin was moved to Pioneer Park in the 1970s. Check out the many farming and logging artifacts that have been used over the years in our local area.
The Shields House
When you enter the Shields house, you will be welcomed by the wonderful aroma of apples cooking in the big, oldfashioned kitchen. Be sure to sample one of those ever famous “mini apple pies.” A starry night themed tree will welcome you into the living room, and a collection of Hallmark lighthouses from Linda Harkleroad’s collection will be on display in the hallway case. For many years, Louise and Ken Sager have been in charge of the decorations and other activities happening in the Shields House. The cabin was built on the Old Guide Road in 1885. It was the home of Conrad and Cora Shields and their many children. Come inside and imagine what it was like to live in one of the bigger, fancier cabins of the time.
Jensen’s Christmas Open House
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7TH FROM 10-4
Come shop our Scandinavian speciality room and all sorts of Christmas decor. Serving co ee, cookies and hot cider. Door prize!
Pizzas! Pastas! Fresh Salads! Grinders! Desserts! And More!
Kids! Make sure to fill out your letter to Santa; there will be a special mailbox by the Barrett Post Office to drop them off during your Lighted Christmas Stroll Through Pioneer Village.
Dear Santa,
Foster House
Choo! Choo! Once again, the Foster house will have Larry Hanson’s train chugging around an old-time themed city, much like Ferndale at the turn of the century. Come and enjoy. Both upstairs and downstairs will feature some of Tom’s 400 Santas that will be watching close to see if you are naughty or nice. Lead hosts Tom and Sue Brand have the Foster House decorated to perfection. For your viewing pleasure, check out the TV photo display up in the corner showing pictures of Olde Fashioned Christmases of the past 30 years.
Parker House - General Store
Christmas spirit is bustling at the Parker House General Store! Built in 1879, the store offers a unique selection of goods where you are sure to find the perfect gift for someone you love. Come inside and enjoy the feeling of a good olde-fashioned Christmas shopping experience where you will find friendly clerks on hand willing to help you with your purchases. Don’t forget to pick up a few Olde English Crackers for the kids and look through our supply of Pioneer Village souvenirs. Get yourself a festive Christmas Tree hat too, while they last!
We now accept debit and credit cards for purchases over $5.00, but those who pay with cash will enjoy the sight and sounds of our authentic old cash register. All proceeds from store sales go back to fund park projects and ongoing maintenance.
The Lynden Jail
Make sure to follow the path behind the Shields House to our newly renovated jailhouse. Josh Andres made this his mission as his Eagle Scout project last summer. He is now the host of this Building. The hardship of being in such a primitive jail would have been tremendous back then, but we like to think that Christmas time would bring hope even to a prisoner. Lynden Jail was constructed in the early 1880’s near Lynden, WA. After being used as a storage building on private land, the building was moved to Berthusen Park in Lynden where it remained for several years. The jail was moved to Pioneer Park by members of the Lynden Antique Tractor Association in 1996.
The Larson House
How neat to see little frosty noses peering into the two windows of the Larson cabin. Fred and Kay Sutcliffe have once again done a spectacular job of decorating the windows for visitors to enjoy. This year, you will see a representation of seafarers who used to have only the stars to guide them across the sea. Fred carved or refurbished all the amazing boats you will see on display. The Larsen Cabin is said to have been built by Johann Jern in 1893. It was located on the West Badger Road before being moved to Pioneer Village in 2007.
The Pharmacy
Due to space, and stair congestion, the Pharmacy upstairs in the Parker house won’t be open during the Olde Fashioned Christmas event. The Pharmacy is open during the summer tour season.
Rogers House, Veteran’s Museum
Imagine being a soldier on active duty during Christmastime back in the day. Would you be cold and lonely camped out in your tent under the starry skies? Or would memories of Christmases past keep you be filled with hope? Come into the Rogers House and experience what a soldier’s camp might have been like. This cabin, built in 1877, now serves as the American Legion Veteran’s Museum. It honors the men and women who have served and are currently serving in all branches of the military. The artifacts and memorabilia displays are respectfully preserved and maintained by cabin hosts Robert Lyles and Nancy Knapp with the help of other Legion members.
Van Buren CabinFirst National Bank of Ferndale
The Van Buren cabin was built in 1879 and was located on Van Buren Road, three miles north of Everson on the Milwaukee railroad. When the cabin came to Pioneer Village it became the "First National Bank of Ferndale.” Visitors can come up to the old original teller window to “deposit their gold.” Head tellers Dan and Pam Williams say, “Don’t worry, your gold will be safe; we haven’t had an old-fashioned robbery here yet, and the Sheriff is always nearby.”
Check out the variety of early banking artifacts on display. The prize item is a "cannon ball" safe from the old Custer State Bank. The combination has been lost, but a stethoscope will be available for anyone wishing to take a "crack" at it. Fully one half of any gold found inside will go to the person who can work the combination! (Or one genuine $American$ dollar bill, whichever is greater in value.) Good luck!
The Barr Barn
Welcome to the Barr Barn for Olde Fashioned Christmas 2024! Be sure to come on in through the barn door even though it looks closed. Bring the kids inside to enjoy. Maybe give a pat on the nose to the two North American Spotted draft horses on display. Roger Edmonds, has organized with Craig Wilder and Gail Nelson to have the barn aglow with Christmas bling including a complete draft horse harness collection.
Once again, the north lean-to photo booth will be set up for the annual Christmas picture of you, your family and your guests. The south side lean-to has the nativity scene.
Mountain View Schoolhouse
Tucked in behind the Barr Barn is the Mt. View Schoolhouse. Marie Honrud has recently taken over the lead role for this amazing piece of local history. Notice the beautifully decorated tree and all the handmade colored pictures from some of our youngest community members. Add your link to the festive chain. There are two allowable hands-on bookcases filled with children’s books they can look through. Take a turn using fabric to dress the wooden doll toys. The research library was recently catalogued and arranged properly by Marie and friends. Also in the library is an extensive collection of Ferndale and other Whatcom County school yearbooks. Check out the list, maybe you have one to donate that we are missing.
Built in 1916 as a teacher’s cottage on the West Mountain View School campus, the building was located at Lake Terrell and Douglas Road in Ferndale. It later became a classroom to house additional students. In 1945, the building became a library and community meeting center. Intalco took charge in 1989, moving the schoolhouse to their property to protect it. Pioneer Village acquired the building in 2017 and relocated it to Pioneer Village.
Pioneer Park’s Outhouse
Stop by the Outhouse, oh wait, there’s someone in there… Is that Jedidiah and what is he saying? Peek inside for a look at restroom facilities in pioneer times. You will really appreciate today's indoor plumbing! Back in pioneer days, people collected their old Sears & Roebuck and Montgomery Ward catalogs for use in the outhouse! Every Pioneer homestead had one of these critical and necessary buildings in its day.
The Jenni House
The majestic Jenni House is a true example of what a hospitable house was like in the late 1800’s. There’s been a “changing of the guards” recently, Mark and Louann Peery have taken over the role of leadspersons from Baerbel Marquart. Baerbel had done a great job of leading for many years. This year the cabin is showcasing Angels, and you will enjoy seeing so many of them. There is a hands-on craft for young visitors in the back room and you can climb up the stairs to enjoy the sights on display up there.
Jenni House was built in 1873 near Laurel on the old Northwest Diagonal Road. The house was used as a stagecoach stop where travelers could refresh themselves with a meal or an overnight stay. At one time a community dance hall was located on the second floor.
The Holeman House - School House
Visit the Holeman house and experience what it was like to attend a one-room school. Children can sit at a desk and write a letter to Santa Claus. If you need help with spelling, the schoolmarm will be there to help. While there, look around the old school house which was built in 1890, and notice at all the school supplies. There are many differences from what you see in a modern-day classroom, but do you see any similarities? Cabin host Juanita Coolidge and her helpers have decorated the starry cabin for Christmas.
Barrett Post Office
Don’t forget to visit the Barrett House known as the Trudder Post Office, built in 1874. This is where kids can bring the letters they wrote to Santa to mail in the special Santa mailbox.
Amongst the starry lights and the star map of the Northern Hemisphere, visitors will see a collection of original rubber postal stamps along with other post office memorabilia, which includes a horse-drawn postal carrier’s wagon right in the center of the cabin. This cabin is hosted by Linda Cline and Jim Carr.
Lopas House, the Print Shop
Cabin hosts James Burgess and Zack Wopat welcome you to the Print Shop at Pioneer Village. Be careful not to get any ink on your fancy clothes, their starry snowmen helpers aren’t very tidy. The Lopas House was built in 1879 by Edwin Lopas. It now houses a full array of printing industry memorabilia including the Linotype; Model 1914, typesetting machine. Visitors can get a glimpse of how a working print shop was run many years ago.
Pioneer Pavilion
Star Light, Star Bright, Visit Pioneer Village Tonight. Cabins to tour, Letters to Write, See it all, a Spectacular sight!
Have some cocoa, cookies too, we are glad to welcome you!
End your visit to Olde Fashioned Christmas by joining us in the Pavilion for cocoa or coffee that have been donated by our local WECU (Whatcom Education Credit Union). There are also cookies donated by local merchants. While you eat, listen to the wonderful musicians that donate their time and talents to add to our holiday spirit. Check out the Christmas tree beautifully decorated by John Hansen.
Also going on in the Pavilion are the craft tables, children’s ice “fishing” and a chance to visit and take your picture with Santa.
Be sure to thank those businesses listed on the display boards and tabletop notices, without their help and hundreds of volunteer hours this event wouldn’t happen.
We hope you enjoy Olde Fashioned Christmas as much as we enjoy putting it on. If you’ve ever thought you might like to help with this wonderful family-friendly event, please let us know.
Acknowledgements
The Ferndale Heritage Society would like to sincerely thank the following businesses and individuals for their contributions to the 2024 Olde Fashioned Christmas event. Without contributions such as these, it would be difficult for us to continue to provide this non-commercial community event at such a minimal cost to our visitors.
We thank these local businesses for their continued support.
• For Refreshments: Whatcom Educational Credit Union, donation of all hot beverages and cups.
• Ferndale Businesses: Asian Bistro, Banner Bank, Barb’s Pies & Pastries, Ferndale Pharmacy, Grocery Outlet, Haggen, Rite
Aid, and Monisha Brandt CFP Edward Jones
• VanWingerden Garden Center on Portal Way for poinsettias.
• McDonalds Restaurants Barb Johnson for ice fishing toys.
• Walton Beverage in Ferndale for lots of copies of the “to Santa” letters.
• City of Ferndale for use of the Park, the Pavilion, and Tourism grant money for advertising, printing and postage.
We would also like to thank all the businesses and individuals who advertised and supported our program through purchasing advertising in this program book. Thanks to the Ferndale Record and staff for their energy to make this program book a keepsake.
Olde Fashioned Recipes
Caramel Corn Classic Candy Pecans
Ingredients:
16 cups popped corn (1/2 cup unpopped)
1 cup butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup light corn syrup
½ tsp baking soda
Salt to taste
Instructions:
Pop corn your using favorite method (I use a Whirly-Pop). Place popcorn in a deep baking dish and preheat oven to 275°F.
In a stove-top pan, melt butter, add sugar and syrup. Stir until mixture comes to a boil. Continue boiling without stirring until candy thermometer reaches 250°F (soft ball). Remove from heat and stir in baking soda. Drizzle over popcorn and stir to distribute, sprinkle with salt. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Pour caramel corn onto parchment paper and break apart as it cools. Store cooled in air tight container.
Ingredients:
1 Tablespoon water
½ teaspoon vanilla
1 egg white
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
8 oz pecan halves
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 250°F
Whisk together water, egg white and vanilla. Add pecans and toss to coat. In a separate bowl, mix sugars, salt and cinnamon until thoroughly combined. Add coated pecans to dry mixture and toss to coat. Spread nuts onto a cookie sheet and bake until sugar has dried, approximately 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
Celebrate Christmas in Whatcom County
FERNDALE
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dec. 6
Ferndale’s annual tree lighting ceremony will take place on Friday, Dec. 6 from 6-8 p.m. at the Riverwalk.
The Ferndale Downtown Association will debut a brand-new 30-foot Christmas tree adorned with a stunning, fourfoot, crystal-topped star, which will illuminate the Riverwalk in festive light.
With expanded decorations and upgraded LED pole lights extending from 3rd Avenue to the Library, downtown Ferndale will truly be transformed into a holiday wonderland.
Santa Claus will make a special appearance.
LYNDEN
Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Dec. 7
From 2-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, have your photograph made with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Lynden Heritage Museum, 217 Front St. Bring the family and enjoy some Christmas cheer and take home a free photograph.
Elf on the Shelf
Dec. 7
Join Downtown Lynden’s Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. for fun and prizes.
Win one of three prizes valued at more than $300 each. First 500 participants get free antlers.
Pick up your card at Elf’s Headquarters, next to the big red mailbox at the corner of 5th and Front streets.
Northwest Lighted Christmas Parade Dec. 7
Come join us with for Lynden’s annual kick-off to Christmas holiday season celebration, the Northwest Lighted Christmas Parade, at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7.
Visitors and locals will be treated to holiday carolers and a dazzling display of lighted trucks, cars, floats, wagons, farm equipment and more.
The procession starts at the Fairway Center and travels along Front Street from 17th Street through downtown Lynden to 3rd Street.
Front Street will be closed to traffic in downtown at 3rd Street starting at 4:30, and closing at 19th Street at 5 p.m.
On-street parking is best north of Grover Street.
Call the Lynden Chamber of Commerce at 360-354-5995 for more information.
BELLINGHAM
• Nov. 22–Dec. 24: Holiday Festival of the Arts, 1331 Commercial St. alliedarts.org. A Whatcom County holiday tradition for 43 years. The Holiday Festival of the Arts is an indoor and online, five-week festival featuring over 100 artisans from the region. Aside from vendors selling their wares, the festival boasts live music, workshops for children and artists demonstrating their craft.
• Nov. 29-Jan. 5: Deck the Old City Hall, noon-5 p.m, 121 Prospect St. Get into the holiday spirit by visiting historic Old City Hall, all decked out for the season. View a variety of themed, decorated holiday trees in the Rotunda Room, participate in weekly holiday craft making, and enjoy the dazzling décor. Admission is by donation with proceeds going to support Museum exhibitions and programming.
• Dec. 7: Downtown Bellingham Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting. Join us at 5:30 p.m. for free cocoa and cookies, free photo booth, craft tables where you can create your own masterpieces to take home, treats and more. Then, join the countdown to 6 p.m. when the tree comes to life in a burst of lights.
• Dec. 7-8: Holiday Port Festival & Gingerbread House Contest, 11 a.m. un-
til 5 p.m. at the at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. The Holiday Port Festival is a free, family-friendly event that includes live performances, visits and photos with Santa, gingerbread house displays and more.
• Dec. 14: Children’s Holiday Market, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Bloedel Donovan Community Building, 2114 Electric Ave. Join us for a day of festive fun and creativity as little artisans and entrepreneurs show-case their delightful gifts and goodies. This heartwarming event celebrates the joy of giving and the ingenuity of young minds while featuring tons of unique gifts for friends and family. Free to browse.
• Dec. 21: Santa 5K, 11 a.m. at Cordata Park, 4510 Cordata Parkway. Run, skip or walk this Santa themed run. Participants are welcome to run as fast as humanly possible or take an hour while enjoying a coffee and chat with friends. Costumes are not a requirement, but they do enhance the experience. All participants will receive a one size fits most Santa hat. Register by Dec. 18 at cob. org. No day-of registration.
SUMAS
Sumas Christmas in the Park Dec. 2
From 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2, the City of Sumas will hold its annual Sumas Christmas in the Park.
The event will be held at Sumas City Park, 135 3rd St., off Cherry Street.
Sumas City Park will be decorated with lights, and folks in attendance will be able to ride in horse-drawn carriages.
Santa Claus will also be on hand to pose for free photographs, and the Nooksack Valley High School choir will sing carols.
There will also be hot chocolate and cider, as well as goodie bags.
