Play Whatcom

July 26 & 27, 2024 | 2007 Cherry St, Ferndale

Pioneer Park Main Stage Entertainment

Friday, July 26 Saturday, July 27 Mt Baker Toppers 1pm The Jaded Lovers 1:30-3:30pm BELLINGHAM DIXIELAND ALL-STARS 4-7pm

Pioneer Beer Garden Daily 1PM-1:30AM Friday Adult Dance Blindfate Band 8:30pm Saturday Adult Dance Chris Eger Band 8:30pm

Friday, July 26

Elvis 2-3:30pm Wally & the Beaves 6-7:30pm Saturday, July 27

• Grand Parade Downtown Ferndale 11am

• Pioneer Classic Car Show 1st Ave. 9-2pm

• Huge Used Book Sale by Whatcom Genealogical Society Daily

• Crafts & Food Vendors

• Kids Activities 1-5pm

• Log Cabin Museum 12-6pm courtesy of Ferndale Heritage Society

• Mt Baker Rock & Gem Club in Pioneer Pavilion Community Center

• Oldest Whatcom senior recognition 4:15pm on Pioneer Park Main Stage FREE All Ages Event in Pioneer Park Main Gates Open Daily At 11 am

All-Comers Track and Field hosts all-ages events

Newcomers as well as Olympic athletes alike come to participate in Whatcom County tradition

By Ava Ronning For the Tribune

At All-Comers track and field meets, anyone from toddler to elderly and novice to professional can come together to practice, set records or just enjoy the sport.

Monday evenings from June 17 until Aug 26, Civic Field Stadium will host all ages track and field events, which often draws families to participate together.

Sometimes, 80-year-olds and 2-year-olds will compete in the same event.

“There are some people out there that are a lot more serious than I am and that are a lot better than I am,” said Jared Blum, a season pass holder. “I’m just out there to have fun and see if I can kind of prevent old age from setting in.”

Blum has participated in All-Comers since the early 1980s when he was a child, and he has participated with his kids since 2013. Blum’s kids are now 9, 13, 15 and 18.

The event organizer, Billy Reeves’ favorite moments are when the youngest participants get to take part in the events.

Reeves said it is “so fun to watch children who are just learning how to walk make their way over these hurdles, [and] to watch the parents see their little toddlers running the actual competitive event.”

Teams and professionals

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Dick Henrie started All-Comers in 1976 to make track and field more affordable and accessible, also to include all ages and backgrounds. Henrie also created many of Bellingham’s prominent track events such as the Lake Padden Triathlon and the Youth Triathlon. (Photos courtesy Jon Brunk)

come to train and participate at All-Comers as well, including many from Seattle, Canada and some international successes.

Last year, Chinese Olympic jumper Zhang Guowei came to All-Comers and set a record for the high jump.

“He jumped over seven feet,” said Blum. “I’d never seen anything like it.”

This year, the events have an expected 300 participants, which is about twice as much as the year before, and the audience is usually almost four times the number of participants.

All-Comers hosts the 50-meter hurdles, 50-meter dash, 100-, 200- or 400-meter dash, 800-meter run, 4x100-meter relay, 1500m, 5k run and a jogger’s mile for track events.

For field events, All-Comers hosts discus, javelin, mini javelin long jump, triple jump, shot put and high jump.

In the uniquely structured jogger’s mile, participants guess their time, run without a watch,

and those who predicted their time within three seconds win a prize, such as a gift card to a local restaurant.

Dick Henrie started All-Comers in 1976 to make track and field more affordable and accessible, also to include all ages and backgrounds. Henrie also created many of Bellingham’s prominent track events such as the Lake Padden Triathlon and the Youth Triathlon.

“Under his supervision the department grew by leaps and bounds to include sports leagues, youth/teen/ family/adult enrichment, an adaptive recreation program and much more. Our entire Recreation Division and staff owes a lot of credit and thanks to [Henrie],” said Lauren Woodmansee, Bellingham’s Community Recreation and Enrichment Supervisor.

All-Comers track and field will be at Civic Field Stadium, 1355 Civic Field Way, Bellingham. The first events start at 6 p.m. Check in is at 5:30 p.m. Individual and family season passes for participants are available now, and coming to spectate is free.

Visit cob.org/services/recreation/ race/all-comer-track for more information.

From Hovander Park to the river

By Rachael J. Maddalena For the Tribune

If you don’t like to leave Whatcom County during the summertime, consider blending a North County outing to the river with a classic children’s book from the turn of the century.

Kenneth Grahame wrote “Wind in the Willows” in 1908 England, a time when that country was experiencing a transition in major industry along with its architectural styles.

The early 1900s marked the tail end of the Victorian era and the beginning of the Edwardian period.

This transition is reflected right here in the architecture of Hovander Homestead Park, where this farmstead was first established in 1898, and purchased by the Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Department in 1969.

“Wind in the Willows” is a timeless story with endearing characters. The book follows the adventures of four animal friends — Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad — who live in an idyllic countryside along a riverbank.

The story begins with Mole, who decides to leave his burrow and explore the world above ground. We listen to his impressions of his newfound love for his above-ground life. He meets Ratty, a water-loving water vole. Together, they embark on leisurely boating trips and picnics along the river.

Their peaceful existence is interrupted when they encounter the eccentric Toad of Toad Hall, a wealthy but reckless and impulsive creature who has a weakness for motorcars.

This classic book is for all ages and reminds us about friendship, loyalty, self-reliance and navigating through nature. It also emphasizes the importance of friendship, responsibility, and the joys to be found from life’s simple pleasures.

Reading the Wind in the Willows the evening before an outing to the river will not only will help you focus on the trip, but also stimulate your imagination and deepen the appreciation of spending hours riverside.

As you stroll through the park, you may find yourself surrounded by structures that exude a sense of nostalgia for this bygone era.

If you are a kid like me and like to squirrel through the brush down to the riverbank, the allure of Grahame’s work is alive and well down on the Nooksack River.

Add this book to your Whatcom staycation reads and make a day or two of immersion into a timeless piece of literature.

Pack a blanket for a picnic and pay homage to our beautiful countryside, to friendship and to the art of letting the day flow by.

If you don’t like to leave Whatcom County during the summertime, consider a trip to Hovander Homestead Park, where this farmstead was first established in 1898, and purchased by the Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Department in 1969. (Photos by Rachael J. Maddalena)

Lummi Island only 7 minutes away by ferry

By Elisa Claassen For the Tribune

While access to most of the San Juan Islands require a plane ride or a planned lengthy ferry ride, Lummi Island is only seven minutes on a small ferry from shore to island.

For Whatcom County residents who haven’t been to the island, they’re missing out.

From Interstate 5, take the Slater Road exit, No. 260, to the west. Then turn left after several miles at the Silver Reef Casino and follow Haxton Way through Lummi Island Reservation lands to the ferry, which is marked by small signs at Gooseberry Point.

The current ferry can carry up to 100 passengers and 16 standard-sized vehicles.

For more information

about Lummi Island, such as ferry fares, visit Lummiisland.com. The site includes history and stories.

During holiday weekends, with potentially more traffic, the ferry operates more frequently than the published schedule displays.

Get in line and patiently wait your turn and don’t be squeamish when ferry staff indicate to park inches from other cars before proceeding to get your fare out as quickly as possible as the ride is short for staff to collect it on the ride over.

What is on the island?

The island, originally called Skallaham by the Lummi, was charted for the first time in 1792 by Spanish explorers who called it Isla de Pacheco.

Records, noted on Lummi-island.com, mention the island also being called McLaughlin’s Island or a time before it became Lummi Island in 1853 by the U.S. Geodetic Survey.

The first permanent settler was Captain Christian Tuttle who came by canoe in 1871.

A road in the middle of the island bears the family name and many tombstones also have that name in the island’s small cemetery in the middle of the island.

For anyone traveling to the island today, it is rural with no shopping malls, movie theaters or larger employers.

The population of 905 in a 2019 count lives on the north end. The southern half of the island has a mountain and what was once a rock quarry. The island has a small school

for elementary grades, a corner grocery store, a branch of the Whatcom County Library System, a post office, small eatery and  beach access. A few trails can also be accessed to the public who know where to look.

The Lummi Island Heritage Trust has purchased a 120acre parcel on Lummi Mountain near the Aiston Preserve and creates an increased focus on protecting the wooded areas of the island’s southern mountainous region. A new trail is explained at liht.org.

On one attempt to climb the main trail at the Otto Preserve’s Baker Preserve, it was a bit steeper than anticipated. It can be easy to miss the small parking lot, so drive slowly. It has a small parking lot on Seacrest Road, which require looking at a map. No

Island is part of Whatcom County and yet a world away. It is a seven-minute ferry ride from Gooseberry Point on Lummi tribal land on the mainland to the north end of the island. A good time to visit is during the artist studio tours. (Elisa Claassen for the Tribune)

Lummi

dogs are allowed at this preserve.

On the north end of the island, the Curry Preserve has easier trails through fields and forest. The groups maintaining these areas request visitors come during daylight hours, stay on the trails, not litter, and only have dogs on leash. The access point is at 3560 Sunrise Road.

Note: Some of the roadway around the island’s western edge are quite close to the water with barriers nearby so drive cautiously and watch for locals who are walking and biking – or pulling their boats in from fishing.

Artist studio tour

For decades, the island’s artists have opened up their studio spaces to the public to visit and possibly purchase some art in the process. The events are

usually timed along with Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, with another weekend or two as well.

A downloadable flyer showing the participants is on the group’s website, lummi-island. com, and paper copies of the maps are available at the community store near the door.

Artists usually have paintings, notecards, jewelry, photography, sculpture, glass work, wooden crafts, pottery, quilts, knitted items or any number of other things.

While some of the artists may sell their works locally, some focus on national marketplaces or museums. The website also includes photos of the work to be more selective of where to visit if time is limited.

In addition to the regular tours, Sculpture Woods was gifted from

local resident sculptor Ann Morris and her family to be open to the public on the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at 3851 Legoe Bay Road adjacent to the island’s main fire station. The wooded site, used by Morris to create large mythological work contains 16 larger-than-life bronze sculptures.

The space is also used by Western Washington University from time to time for student and faculty events.

For anyone with questions about the space, email donorrelations@wwu.edu.

What about food?

The island has somewhat limited food options. However, the pizza is an easy and affordable option in an older farmhouse walking distance from the ferry landing at Beach Store Cafe which has limited hours of operation at 2200 N. Nugent Road. Spring hours are 4-8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, according to its website beachstorecafe. com. Across the island, in another former farmhouse facing Orcas Island, The Willows Inn.

Under former Chef Blaine Wetzel a pricey

tasting menu was developed with a waiting list of several weeks. A Russian Billionaire parked his yacht nearby to catch a dinner during that stint.

Presently the famed restaurant, which fell under negative scrutiny with lawsuits, is closed and seeking a buyer. It’s possible another restaurateur will see potential in this site which has garden/ farming space and some space for lodging and parking.

In the meantime, grab a snack or a beverage from the store’s cooler, or make a snack lunch to take with you before you venture out.

Expect the unexpected

While waiting for the ferry, explore the beach on the mainland. Get in the wet sand.

On the island, some areas offer beach ac-

cess to the public. Primary access is by the community church with a trail from the parking lot.

Residents include a number of farmers and artists as well as those who commute to work in Bellingham. Late movie director Irvin Kershner used to spend time on the island as well.

While crossing on the ferry it is not unheard of to see whales happily swimming in pods in nearby waters and bobbing up and down – or jumping out of the water – to the thrill of delighted ferry travelers.

In the past year, while making a visit to see art friends, the whales made a call and prompted the ferry captain to stop for them to continue on.

The whales are greatly loved and respected by the Lummi people.

Discover movie magic at Pickford

By Merrick Parnell For the Tribune

Ever experience movie magic at the Pickford Film Center?

Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Bellingham, this twoscreen (soon to be fivescreen) gem is more than just a venue for watching movies. It’s a gathering place as a cultural hub, a community space and goto for cinephiles and casual film fans alike.

A glimpse into Pickford history

The Pickford Film Center’s history goes back to 1998, when a group of local film aficionados, known as the Whatcom Film Association, set out to grow Bellingham’s cultural landscape. In the early days, the Pickford was originally housed in the Limelight Cinema on Cornwall Street. The center moved to its current location at 1318 Bay St. in 2011 where it continues to be a bastion of independent cinema.

What sets the Pickford apart?

The Pickford has popcorn and concessions like any movie theater. Or sip on local beer or wine while discussing your favorite films with fellow enthusiasts. It’s an atmosphere that corporate theaters simply can’t match. All around you are people who love movies and treasure them.

In addition, before the movie starts, a friendly projectionist

Now at 1318 Bay Street, the Pickford Film Center’s history goes back to 1998, when a group of local film aficionados, known as the Whatcom Film Association, set out to grow Bellingham’s cultural landscape. In the early days, the Pickford was originally housed in the Limelight Cinema on Cornwall Street. (Photo courtesy Pickford Film Center)

might introduce the film. Or even better, you might find yourself face-to-face with the director, as was the case with a recent screening of Twilight (2008).

The Pickford experience: How to make the most of it

The Pickford offers a wide array of films to enjoy. Whether you’re into kid-friendly flicks, late-night cult classics, or thought-provoking documentaries, the Pickford has something for everyone.

For the full Pickford experience, check out their special events and film series. These

carefully selected curated screenings.

“We strive to reach a wide range of audiences — from the cinephile to the casual movie fan — and encourage explorations of new, lesser known films and re-experiencing familiar classics in new ways,” said Gray Gordon, Pickford Film Center’s marketing manager.

Many take their love of cinema to new levels as they join as a member or volunteer.

“Once you get plugged in, it’s so easy to make friends and the cinema becomes something more than a great place to see

films," Gordon said.

Crowds near and far

While the Pickford Film Center calls Bellingham home, its reach extends farther into the county and region.

“We get folks from across Whatcom, Skagit, sometimes even British Columbia or down in King County,” Gray said. “It depends on the film or event. But sometimes we’re the only theater playing something that folks will travel for and want to see — especially something like our month-long documentary film festival, Doctober, which is the

largest festival of its kind in the PNW.”

The Pickford Film Center isn’t just a place to watch movies. It’s also a symbol of how cinema can bring people together and make a difference in their lives.

If you’re ever in Bellingham, why not visit the Pickford and see for yourself? You might discover that it’s more than just a theater. It’s a place where film lovers create community.

Visit pickfordfilmcenter.org for more information or call the office at 360-647-1300. Or call the movie line at 360-738-0735.

J U LY 1 2 14 , 202 4

Bikes , bands and the bes t beer s from around the PNW are on ta p for Bellingham’s third annual Nor thwest Tune -Up fes tival, July 12–14. Three days of r iding wor ld- class mountain bike trails and catching an all-s tar lineu p—Yonder Mountain Str ing Band, Lu pe Fiasco, RJD2 and more—all set agains t the s tunning backdrop of the Puget S ound.

See the full lineu p and grab your pass at NWTuneUp.com.

Since 1967 L FS Marine & Outdoor has served the Pacific Northwest community. Now, with several stores in Western Washington and Alaska , L FS maintains its roots in W hatcom County with our flagship store and corporate office at Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham. T he secret to our 50+ year success story has been dependable and reliable ser vice through the most challenging times We understand that our customers rely on us to help them navigate a successful boating and outdoor experience. T hat is why we’re here for you , and that is why we’re here to stay.

BAAY presents a fresh, modern take on Twelfth Night

Shakespeare in the Park

Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth in a recent production of Fiddler on the Roof. June 14-16, see BAAY perform Shakespeare in the Park. (Photos courtesy Juliette Machado)

Cast, crew feel empowered, excited for opportunity to perform Shakespeare outdoors in mid-June

By Ava Ronning For the Tribune

Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth’s upcoming production of Twelfth Night marks the organization’s first Shakespeare in the Park event and executive director Juliette Machado said it will not be its last.

The production may be the organization’s first foray into Shakespeare plays, but it is not the first time BAAY has done outdoor theater. In 2021, the organization did a production of Fiddler on the Roof at Larrabee State Park.

This year, BAAY has a new partnership with Bellingham’s parks and recreation department to secure the use of Maritime Heritage Park for the play, while the city helps

BAAY promote the performances.

Director Tonya Ingersoll said Twelfth Night is an exciting opportunity because it’s a way for middle and high school students to be part of the process behind theater.

“In most performing arts circles at this age, students end up doing a lot of shows where they’re the medium for someone else’s creativity,” Ingersoll said. “Especially in musical theater, there often isn’t much of an opportunity to curate the story in a way that’s super unique to the people involved in a specific production. My actors have gotten really excited about some of the conceptual choices we’ve made in the process already and it’s been awesome to see that

continue to evolve.”

The play will be modernized in several ways, with different settings depending on the location. The current idea is that the daytime plays outside will be re-interpreted as a camping setting, and the evening plays at BAAY will be set in a different era, likely the ‘80s, but staff are still workshopping these ideas.

The students are “excited about Shakespeare and digging their teeth into some classical work that’s very different from the contemporary musical theater that we do most often,” Machado said.

Ingersoll said when Shakespeare and theater in general "is done like this, actors come alive in such an exciting and authentic way because their characters are informed by

the best parts of their real selves.

“Students become invested and excited to share their version of the story, and when they as actors and storytellers care, their characters care too,” said Ingersoll.

The show will include a cast of almost 20 teenage students. Isabela-Sage Thomas, 14, will play Viola Cesario, one of the leading roles, which she said inspires her to aim for big roles in the future as well. Thomas said she has enjoyed how well the cast gets along, and the friendships she’s made and strengthened in the process.

“[In] acting, you’re not yourself, but it feels like the most real thing I’ve ever

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done,” she said.

Maritime Heritage Park is at 500 W. Holly St. The play will take place around the corner of the amphitheater on the grass where attendees can lay out a blanket and pack a picnic.

Daytime showings at the amphitheater will be held on June 15-16 at 2 p.m. Evening showings will be at BAAY Theatre on June 14-15 at 7 p.m.

BAAY will also present A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the summer, for which the organization is currently scouting an outdoor location and taking actor registrations.

Spring marks the official start of racing and motorsports season in the area, and Whatcom County has two unique venues for spectators to enjoy the action: Deming Speedway and Hannegan Speedway. (Deming Speedway photos, above, courtesy Jimenez A Photography. Hannegan Speedway photos, on pages 17 and 18, courtesy Robert Rinas/C-Sharp Photography LLC)

Racing and motorsports in North Whatcom County

By Merrick Parnell

For the Tribune

Spring marks the official start of racing and motorsports season in the area, and Whatcom County has two unique venues for spectators to enjoy the action: Deming Speedway and Hannegan Speedway.

Ron Errien, a former Sumas and current Sandy Point resident, said he has enjoyed attending both tracks and taking in all of the motorsports options Whatcom County has to offer.

“Both [tracks] provide good entertainment and excitement that whole family can enjoy with affordable entry and concessions,” he said. “The positive about Deming is a short dirt track and good starting point into the motorsports world. Hannegan is a good motocross track with good weekend fun.”

Here’s more about Deming and Hannegan speedways:

Deming Speedway

Deming Speedway sits just east of Bellingham along Mount Baker Highway.

For readers in the area, the track is just about a 25-minute drive, making it a fun racing getaway for an evening during the spring and summer.

The track in Deming features a one-sixth mile clay surface that plays host to sprint

car racing, which whiz around the banked oval at high speeds from Friday nights in April until September, in addition to some weekend series in early fall and late summer.

For regular season racing, cost is $15 for adults, $12 for juniors (ages 8-17) and senior citizens. Children age 7 and younger are free.

Fans can enjoy a solid menu of concessions and

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beverages while they watch the races.

Fans also can purchase pit passes to get an up close and personal look at the cars and teams while meeting some drivers and talent.

Each season, Deming Speedway’s premiere event is the Clay Cup Nationals. This year it's July 18-20.

Race fans can see the best

drivers in the county.

Deming Speedway is at 4605 Deming Road, Everson. Call 360-592-5025 or visit demingspeedway.com for more information.

Hannegan Speedway

Since opening in 1948, Hannegan Speedway is one place for people in North Whatcom County to take in some exciting motocross and off-road racing. The track fea-

tures Thursday Night Motocross (TNMX), a series that runs April through August, featuring pro, general and short track youth racing. The weekly racing event starts at 5 p.m. unless it’s rained out.

In addition to watching racing, motocross riders can also participate in the racing themselves across the pro, general and short track levels.

However, riders must

fill out entry forms and other registrations, which along with more information are available at the Hannegan Speedway website, hanneganspeedway.us.

Tickets can be bought to watch the racing for $10, with free admission for children under six and military members.

Hannegan Speedway is at 4212 Hannegan Road, Bellingham.

Farmers Day Parade* 10:30 a.m. ............... JUNE 1

Northwest Raspberry Festival* ...... JULY 19-20

Vintage Farming Days & Antique Tractor Show.......JULY 31-AUGUST 3

Northwest Washington Fair & Lynden PRCA Rodeo................ AUGUST 8-17

Lynden Lions Club International

Model Train & Circus Builders Show........OCT. 5-6

Lynden Music Festival ................... OCTOBER 9-13

Lighted Christmas Parade* 6:00 p.m. DECEMBER 7

*Produced by the Lynden Chamber of Commerce www.lynden.org

Mount Baker is a breath of fresh air

By Racquel Muncy

For the Tribune

WHATCOM — A trip up Mount Baker isn’t only something to be done during ski season, and Artist Point is far from the only view. In fact, you don’t need to drive that far up the mountain to catch a view or a relaxing hike to help clear the mind and lighten the soul.

Here are three stops, among many, on the way up to the top of Baker that are worth a brief detour:

Maple Creek Park

Maple Creek Park is in Maple Falls, right off Silver Lake Road, a mere 25 minutes from Everson.

It is a 73-acre park that serves as the trailhead for the Maple Falls to Glacier section of the Bay to Baker Trail. It also includes Maple Creek Loop Trail and the Maple Creek Falls.

In 2015 the Bay to Baker Trail section was wiped out by flooding before Warnick Bridge. There is no timeline for repairs,

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Sometimes a trip up Mount Baker is needed to help clear the mind and lighten the soul, but you don’t need to make it to Artist Point or wait until ski season to get a nice view. (Racquel Muncy for the Tribune)

Originally its own city, Fairhaven Village became a part of Bellingham on October 27, 1903. Best known for its Victorian-era charm, its stunning views of Bellingham Bay and its many shopping venues, Fairhaven has become a popular tourist destination. To the left are just a sampling of the sort of unique shops you will nd.

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according to the Whatcom County Parks and Recreation website.

However, the Maple Creek Loop Trail remains. The loop is only 1.3 miles with a short trail offshoot to get a view of Maple Creek Falls and is a popular spot for dog walks due to its brevity.

As soon as you get to the trailhead you can hear the gurgling of the creek as it runs just ahead. Upon entering the park there is a boot brush to help hikers, dog-walkers and those out for a stroll in the sun to not track invasive species seeds into the park.

After a quick boot brush and stroll over the bridge, one can choose to go clockwise and proceed a march uphill. Those who choose to start counterclockwise do not have to go far before a short trail appears taking those who walk to a view of Maple Creek Falls.

Horseshoe Bend Trail

Across the highway from Douglas Fir Campground, those looking for some peace and quiet in an easy forest hike have found exactly that with

Horseshoe Bend Trail.

The 2.4-mile trail is popular for the views that are available year round and the minimal elevation gain, making it doable for the whole family.

Hikers begin by descending through the trees and can enjoy views of Church Mountain and the North Fork of the Nooksack River. Hikers may even see an occasional kayaker go by.

Those who venture from the parking lot will start the trail at the river’s edge and walk along to the beat of the roaring Nooksack River before climbing a few steps into the sereneness of the old growth forest. On rainy days, the giant firs covered in moss almost block the rain, making it easy to forget it was a dreary day at all.

For those who want to truly take in the view of the river, or the sounds of the forest, or just need a second of rest there is a perfectly placed bench overlooking the river.

There are a couple of streams over the trail at certain points, but all are easily walked over except after periods of heavy rain.

The trail eventually tapers out and hikers

get to take in the sights and sounds in reverse as they head back to the parking lot.

Nooksack Falls

Although the view of Nooksack Falls is hidden behind a chain link fence due to its treacherous history, the history alone makes it worth stopping for at least once.

Nooksack Falls resides off Wells Creek Road and it is a short stroll to the view of the 125-foot falls. Drivers be prepared for a badly potholed, but rather short section of road after leaving the Mount

Highway until reaching the parking area for the falls.

While visitors cannot get close to the falls due to the steep drop and the slippery rocks, the roaring of the water cascading down cannot be ignored.

During the 1890s, a group of wealthy businessmen from California believed that Bellingham Bay would become an urban center and thus created the Bellingham Bay Improvement Company. This company, among many things, provided electricity to the town of Whatcom.

The company, led by Pierre B. Cornwall, decided to locate and develop a hydroelectric generating plant, so in 1902 the group staked mining claims on the federal land in the area surrounding Nooksack Falls. This deceptive practice proved far less costly than acquiring the land for a hydroelectric facility.

A hydroelectric facility was built on Nooksack Falls in 1906 through deceptive business practices and suspicious land acquisitions and has not been in operation since about 1997.

Baker

AUGU 8-17, 2024 8-17,