Harvest Happens at Bellewood Acres: Through October. Apples, cider, corn maze, duck run, farm tours, distillery tastings, Country Café. Weekend fun includes apple bin train rides, corn cannons, and facepainting. Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. BelleWood Acres, 6140 Guide Meridian, Lynden. 360-318-7720, www.bellewoodfarms.com.

 

Doctober: Each October, Pickford Film Center presents Doctober, a month long celebration of the art of the documentary featuring 55 films. 1318 Bay Street, Bellingham. See www.pickfordfilmcenter.org for full schedule.

 

Savor the San Juans: Celebration of agriculture, food and community in the San Juan islands. Farmers, winemakers, distillers, brewers and chefs from around the San Juan Islands will come together for a range of offerings. For schedule, see www.visitsanjuans.com/savor.

 

Garlic 101: How We Grows the Stinking Rose with the Co-op’s Garden Jay & Great Northern Garlic: Monday, Oct. 1. Back by popular demand, our special guest presenter Noah Burnell, owner/farmer at Great Northern Garlic and Okanogan Organics, will talk about everything garlic from planting and harvesting to curing and storing. Taste several varieties of GNG’s garlic and discuss the flavors. 6:30 p.m. Free. Skagit Valley Food Co-op, Mount Vernon. See http://www.skagitfoodcoop.com and click on workshops.

 

Digging & Dividing Dahlias 101: Monday, Oct. 1. Whatcom County Dahlia Society invites you to this evening with a Q&A panel of experienced dahlia growers. Laurel Grange, 6172 Guide Meridian (next to Bellewood and across from Z’s Recycle). 7 p.m. Coffee and refreshments provided. Free event.

 

Worm Your Way into Composting! with Callie Martin: Tuesday, Oct. 2. Learn how easy it is to compost your food scraps with worm, including the basics of worm bin design, care and feeding. Callie Martin is the Waste Reduction Community Education/Outreach Specialist for Skagit County. 6:30 p.m. Free. Skagit Valley Food Co-op, Mount Vernon. See http://www.skagitfoodcoop.com and click on workshops.

 

Taste Washington Day: Wednesday, Oct. 3. Taste Washington Day is a day for school districts around the state to celebrate Farm to School and local agriculture. Nutrition services staff, school gardeners, teachers, administrators, and volunteers all over Washington celebrate farm to school, serve school meals with local ingredients, and do activities to learn about the farms that feed us. For more information, contact Chris Iberle, WSDA Farm to School coordinator, at ciberle@agr.wa.gov or 206-256-1874.

 

Autumn Soups for the Body and Soul: Thursday, Oct. 4. As the chill of the season sets in, it’s time for soup! Karina Davidson leads this class. 6:30 p.m. Downtown Co-op Connections Building. $39. https://communityfood.coop/events/

 

Anacortes Oktoberfest – Bier on the Pier:  Friday and Saturday, Oct. 5-6. A two-day extravaganza of beer, ciders, food and music. Enter the event beginning Friday evening from 5-9 p.m. and return Saturday noon to 6 p.m. Held at the Historic Port Warehouse located at 1st & Commercial, in downtown Anacortes allowing for spectacular views overlooking the Guemes Channel and Mount Baker. At least 30 Pacific Northwest breweries, as well as 10 cideries, will be on hand as guests work their way through the six tasting tickets that come with each day’s pass. Designated drivers get in free. For more information call (360) 293-7911 or see https://anacortes.org/bier-on-the-pier/.

 

Cloud Mountain’s Fall Fruit Festival: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 6-7. Over 200 varieties of fruit and fruit products available to taste and enjoy. Julia’s Pumpkin Patch is open for u-pick or we-pick pumpkins and gourds. Live music on site. Admission supports educational programs at Cloud Mountain Farm Center. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cloud Mountain Farm Center, 6906 Goodwin Road, Everson. See www.cloudmountainfarm.com.

 

20th Annual Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 6-7. See what it takes to run a farm, from growing crops to feeding animals. Fun-filled festival activities for everyone including: educational exhibits, farm tours, harvest markets, gardening demonstrations, free samples, kids activities, corn and hay mazes, animal exhibits, pumpkin patches and more. For a complete list of participating farms and more, see www.festivaloffamilyfarms.com.

 

Mamas Garden Harvest Festival: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 6-7. Lots of family fun including pumpkins, produce, hay rides, activities, photos, and more. Mama’s Garden, Highway 9, Acme.

 

The Glory Of Japanese Maples: Saturday, Oct. 6. Meet Chris Harling, grower and  horticulturist from Eshraghi Nursery in Portland, Oregon. Chris will bring a truck load of his favorite Japanese Maples. Learn how to select, prune and care for your Japanese Maples. Free. 9 a.m. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. 360-676-5480, garden-spot.com.

 

How to Make HOT Compost for your gardens: Saturday, Oct. 6. Hosted by Chuckanut Center. WSU Master Composter Jim Fonte will do a hands-on demonstration on hot composting, and discuss differences between hot and cold compost. Come learn how to make your own great compost for your gardens that will reach up to 140 degrees to kill weed seeds and pathogens. Pre-registration requested. 11 a.m. Chuckanut Center, 103 Chuckanut Dr N, Bellingham.

 

Whatcom Studio Artist Tour: Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 6-7 and 13-14. Visit the studios of various artists around the county. Self-guided tour. Maps available at studiotour.net.

 

Rocktoberfest: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 6-7. The Marysville Rock and Gem Club’s annual show features rocks and fossils from all over the world. See dealers, demonstrators, jewelry artists, club displays, and youth games. Also door prizes, silent auctions, raffle prizes and food service. Free admission, free parking. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Marysville’s Totem Middle School Cafeteria, 7th Street and State Ave., Marysville.

 

Grow a Homestead-Style Food Garden: Saturday, Oct. 6. Interested in planting a sustainable food garden for greater self-reliance? Join Susan Colleen Browne, author of Little Farm Homegrown, a new Whatcom County-set homesteading book, for a fun and practical class focusing on backyard farming essentials. $45, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Whatcom Community College, (360) 383-3200. See www.whatcomcommunityed.com.

 

Rome Grange Community Pancake Breakfast: Sunday, Oct. 7. Featuring made from scratch pancakes, french toast, sausage, scrambled eggs, juice and coffee, and biscuits and gravy. Meet and greet local politicians, as they serve you coffee and breakfast.  Tickets are $5 per adult, $2 per kids (ages 6-10) and free for 5 and under. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rome Grange, 2821 Mt. Baker Highway, about 1/2 mile east of the “Y” Road, Bellingham. (360) 739-9605.

 

Japanese Favorites with Robert Fong:  Tuesday, Oct. 9. Learn how to make and enjoy three dishes often featured in izakayas, the informal gathering places popular in Japan. $49. Downtown Bellingham Co-op, 6:30 p.m. https://communityfood.coop/events/

 

Whidbey Island Grown Week: Through Oct. 7. Celebrate the farmers, growers and producers of Whidbey Island. See https://whidbeyislandgrown.com/event.

 

Preserving Local Herbs with Natasha Clarke: Thursday, Oct. 11. Discuss the ins and outs of the various preservation techniques and medicinal values of using alcohol, vinegar, and honey. Also, tricks and aids in drying, brining, canning, and fermenting our herbs. 6:30 p.m. Cordata Coop, Bellingham. $10. https://communityfood.coop/events/

 

Holiday Appetizers with Cindy McKinney: Thursday, Oct. 11. Make your holiday celebration a smash with Cindy McKinney’s fantastic appetizer recipes. 6:30 p.m. Downtown Coop, Bellingham. $39. https://communityfood.coop/events/

 

2018 Quilt & Fiber Art Festival: Friday through Sunday, Oct. 12-14. Exhibition of traditional quilts, art quilts, wearable art, and fiber art. A number of workshops available. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Edward D. Hansen Conference Center, Everett.  (360) 466-4288, www.qfamuseum.org.

 

Fall “Make It And Take It” Planter Party: Saturday, Oct. 13. Designer Nancy Elvebak will inspire you in our ‘Make It and Take It’ Fall and Winter Design planting party. You bring your own container, or purchase one from our huge collection. Nancy will help you select the perfect plants for your container. You pay only for the soil and plants, with special discounts on all plants used. 9 a.m. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. 360-676-5480, garden-spot.com.

 

Fibers and Beyond Show and Sale: Saturday, Oct. 13. Shop for one-of-a-kind fashion and home décor items handcrafted by local fiber artists. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St., Lynden. Whatcom Weavers Guild juries submissions from weavers, felters, spinners, tapestry artists and jewelers to select for this one-day sale and the ongoing exhibit. The sale culminates the Fibers & Beyond Conference – a week of fiber workshops at the Jansen, highlighted by the keynote address, Warping the Fabric of Time by renowned weaver John Mullarkey on Wednesday, Oct. 10.  A juried fiber art exhibit is on display through November.  For more information about the Fibers & Beyond Conference, visit www.jansenartcenter.org.

 

Apple and Pear Harvest Field Day: Saturday, Oct. 13. This day is a chance to try out the later apples and pears, hear educational talks and watch demonstrations about pruning and cider. Cider tastings, garden tours, and sample apples and pears. Presented by the Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation at WSU Washington Research and Extension Center, 16650 State Route 536, Mount Vernon. Registration begins at 10:30 am. Event begins at 11 a.m. The WWFRF Fruit Display Garden contains one of the largest and most varied collections of antique apple trees in western Washington. Free to members of WWFRF; non-members $15 single or $30 family. See www.nwfruit.org for more information.

 

Orchard Care and High Value Fruit Production Workshop: Sunday, Oct. 14. Join Tom Thornton, Director of Cloud Mountain Farm Center for a morning discussion of varieties, disease management, general orchard care and develop hands on skills. The afternoon will be a discussion of developing innovative high production fruit growing systems suitable for San Juan County. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. Warm Valley Farm, 7483 Orcas Road, Orcas Island. Dress for the weather and bring lunch. RSVP to angie.freeman@wsu.edu or 360-370-7664.

 

Learn to Grow Your Own Groceries: Healthy Soil = Healthy Plants #1: Wednesday, Oct. 17. As part of the Growing Groceries Education Series, these classes are designed to help you learn how to grow your own food. Discuss proper soil and fertility management, soil testing, and more. 7-9:30 p.m. WSU Snohomish County Extension’s Cougar Auditorium, 600 128th St SE Everett, WA inside McCollum Park. Series runs through April. 10. $20 per class or $175 for all 10 classes. Register online at GrowingGroceries.Eventbrite.com.  For more information about all classes in the series or download a form for mail-in registration, visit extension.wsu.edu/snohomish/growing-groceries. For more information about the program, contact Kate Ryan, (425) 357-6024, kate.ryan@wsu.edu.

 

Fermentation! Part 2: Pear Chutney & Kraut: Wednesday, Oct. 17. Learn how to make fermented pear chutney’s and cabbage sauerkraut. You will go home with your own fermented food. Hosted by Chuckanut Center, 103 Chuckanut Dr N, Bellingham. Ages: 13 and up, or with an adult. $5 materials fee, $12 per person. Pre-registration by 10/15 is required for class prep and planning. 6:30 p.m. Sign up through www.chuckanutcenter.org.

 

29th annual Fall Craft & Antique Show: Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 18-20. More than 100 crafters and vendors on site, including handcrafted gifts, home decor, vintage treasures, and gourmet delights. Northwest Washington Fairgrounds Expo Building, 1775 Front Street, Lynden. Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission $6, $5 Senior 60+, 12 and under free. Return privileges. See www.lyndencraftantiqueshow.com.

 

8th annual Fiber Fusion: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18-19. Two days of fiber, education and fun. Free admission. Fabulous fleeces – alpaca, wool, mohair, llama and angora – at our fleece shows and sales, as well as free demonstrations, variety of classes, over 60 fiber-related vendors, a live fiber animal exhibit, a fiber arts show, a spin-in and much more. Evergreen State Fairgrounds, Commercial Building and Display Hall, 14405 179th Avenue SE, Monroe. Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. See www.fiberfusion.net.

 

Squash Celebration with Kate MacKenzie: Thursday, Oct. 18. Join Wellness Chef Kate MacKenzie for an evening of delicious seasonal squash dishes. 6:30 p.m.  Downtown Food Coop, Bellingham. $39. https://communityfood.coop/events/

 

The Best Shrubs for Creating Hedges:  Saturday, Oct. 20. Today’s hedges are living walls that create privacy and define garden spaces. Ginger Smith, manager of the Garden Spot, has years of experience designing gardens and private spaces.  Bring your garden plans,  property measurements and  photos. Special discounts for this class.  Class is free. 9 a.m. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. 360-676-5480, garden-spot.com.

 

Washington Native Plant Society-Salal Chapter’s  Native Plant Sale: Saturday, Oct. 20. Expect to find a good selection of native trees, shrubs, ground covers and ferns. Time is from 10 am to noon, in the Native Plant Garden area of the Skagit Display Gardens, at WSU’s NW Research and Extension Center (16650 State Highway 536) in Mount Vernon. NO PRESALE. For a list of plants available contact Brenda at nativegarden@fidalgo.net.

 

Putting Your Garden to Bed (or NOT!):  Saturday, Oct. 20. There are some things that you can do now to prepare your garden for next year that will help build good soil and prevent weeds. This workshop will provide guidelines for creating a healthier garden next year, as well as the benefits of starting a winter garden. Learn about how to plant fruit trees/bushes, divide perennials, and provide winter protection. Presented by Blaine C.O.R.E. (Community Orchards for Resources and Education). 10 a.m. Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street, (360) 305-3637.

 

San Juan County Master Gardeners Annual Gardening Workshop: Saturday, Oct. 20. “Operating Instructions For a Garden That Fits YOU” is keynote speaker Lorene Edwards Forkner’s focus at the Annual Gardening Workshop. This day-long event features noted authorities speaking on a wide variety of topics of interest to PNW coastal gardeners. Multiple choices allow you to plan your day to attend sessions of  interest to you. Returning this year is Dr. Linda Gilkeson, last year’s highly regarded keynote speaker. Tickets are $40 in advance, or $45 at the door. Visit GardenWorkshop.org for complete descriptions of each session, our speaker’s biographies, and to purchase tickets.

 

Wellness Day at the Coop: Saturday, Oct. 20. 1-4 p.m. Skagit Valley Coop, Mount Vernon.

 

29th Annual Wild Mushroom Show: Sunday, Oct. 21. Presented by the Northwest Mushroomers Association. 200-300 varieties of mushrooms growing in our area will be on display, identified to genus and species, and with edibility recommendations. Learn how to tell species apart, focus on look-alikes, and new this year, see information on some mushrooms’ medicinal properties. Book sales, an ecology and conservation table, children’s activities, hourly presentations, and mushroom identification help. Mushroom club membership, should you choose to join, will allow you to register for identification classes and attend forays and meetings in the coming year. Bloedel Donovan Park, Bellingham. Noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for students and seniors, children free. Visit www.northwestmushroomers.org.

 

Northwest Paella with Jesse Otero: Monday, Oct. 22. The class will discuss the ancestral beginnings and development of paella, as Chef Jesse Otero creates two versions which draw on the bounty of the Northwest. 6:30 p.m. $39. Downtown Community Food Coop, Bellingham. https://communityfood.coop/events/

 

Farm Walk: Recovering From a Loss & Building Up the “Community Good Will Credit Card”: Monday, Oct. 22. Find out how Willowood Farm of Ebey’s Prairie overcame losing their barn in a fire early last spring by involving their community to support them through the season. There will also be a demo and discussion about the benefits of walk behind tractors in diversified vegetable production. Hosted by WSU Food Systems Program and Tilth Alliance at Willowood Farm of Ebey’s Prairie on Whidbey Island. Noon to 4 p.m. Questions or concerns? Contact Erin Murphy: erinmurphy@tilthalliance.org or (206) 633-0451 ext. 116.

 

Simply Sauerkraut: Wednesday, Oct. 24. With simple, everyday supplies plus 4-7 days, you can have probiotic-packed homemade sauerkraut to enjoy for just pennies per serving. Handouts and samples will be available. Presented by Blaine C.O.R.E. (Community Orchards for Resources and Education). 4 p.m. Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street, (360) 305-3637.

 

Common Threads School Garden Harvest Dinner: Thursday, Oct. 25. Join Common Threads for a celebration of healthy kids and healthy food. The Harvest Dinner features a seasonal menu of foods grown and prepared by kids, plus garden tours, crafts, games and entertainment! 5-7 p.m. at the  Whatcom Middle School Cafeteria. Tickets are $10. See https://commonthreadsfarm.org/harvestdinner/.

 

“Make It And Take It” Lasagna Bulb Planter: Saturday, Oct. 27. Back (yet again!) by popular demand, Marcy will teach you how to layer spring bulbs, from early snowdrops to daffodils to late tulips. Sixty days of color await you with the first signs of spring! Workshop fee is $39 and includes all supplies. 9 a.m. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. 360-676-5480, garden-spot.com.

 

7th Annual Women in Agriculture Conference: Saturday, Oct. 27. “Pump Up Your Financial Fitness” is the theme for the seventh annual Women in Agriculture Conference. Interactive day full of inspiration, learning and networking with other women farmers. The 2018 conference is a one-day event held simultaneously at locations throughout Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana and Oregon. The day includes learning how to use your “financial numbers” to establish a cash flow and a local panel of women farmers who will talk about the different ways they balance their lives. Visit the website for more information and locations: www.WomenInAg.wsu.edu.

 

Snohomish County Mycological Society Mushroom Show: Sunday, Oct. 28. Sponsored by the Snohomish County Mycological Society in cooperation with Everett Parks & Recreation. Mushrooms are collected in season and placed on display. The public is welcome to bring their own discoveries for possible identification by an expert. Learn to identify more than 100 different types of mushrooms. Visit with vendors, attend lectures and watch demonstrations. Free admission. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Floral Hall at Forest Park, 802 E. Mukilteo Blvd., Everett. For more information, visit www.scmsfungi.org.

 

Eat Island Grown: Sunday, Oct. 28. The best tastes of the San Juan Islands showcasing chefs, and the farmers that make that food possible! Using fresh, quality products from San Juan County farms, local chefs will prepare delicious samples for you to enjoy. Come for a bite or make a meal of it. Locally produced soft and alcoholic beverages will make it a full gourmet adventure. Tickets start at $3 with proceeds benefiting San Juan County farming initiatives. A mouthwatering event celebrating the islands’ unique cuisine at the historic Brickworks on San Juan Island, October 28th from 12:00 to 4 p.m. Historic Brickworks: Proceeds benefit programs of the San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. For more information visit www.islandgrownsj.com or email EIG@sjiagguild.com.

 

African Cooking with Assefa Kebede: Monday, Oct. 29. Assefa Kebede, former owner and chef at Vancouver’s award-winning Nyala African Cuisine, demonstrates favorite recipes. 6:30 p.m. $39. Downtown Food Coop, Bellingham. https://communityfood.coop/events/

 

NOVEMBER

Tangled Tinsel Vintage Christmas: Friday and Saturday, Nov. 2-3. Hosted by The Lavender House. Vintage, antique, repurposed and creative handmade vendors. Ornament, soap, clothing, and more. Early shopping party Friday night, $12 admission, 5-8 p.m. Free return on Saturday. Saturday admission $7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is a food drive for  Ferndale Food Bank – bring at least two cans of food. $2 discount at door. Senior or Military receive $2 discount. 5715 Barrett Rd, Ferndale. Tickets on Brown Paper Tickets. See Facebook event for more details.

 

Amaryllis Bulb Planting Party: Saturday, Nov. 3. Plant this season’s Amaryllis with a European flair. A representative from Netherlander Bulb Company will be at the Garden Spot for this special event.  Planting  tables will be set up in the greenhouse all day. Reserve your time and number of guests. 9 a.m. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. 360-676-5480, garden-spot.com.

 

Topics @ The School: Seeds of Hope with Growing Veterans: Saturday, Nov. 3.  Presentation by Growing Veterans, a non profit organzation working to connect millitary veterans to the legacy of agriculture in the Skagit Valley. 1-3 p.m. Skagit City School, 17508 Moore Road, Mt Vernon. 360-466-4778, http://www.skagitcounty.net/museum.

 

Birchwood Garden Club’s November Meeting: Dave Hunter of Crown Bees: Wednesday, Nov. 7. Dave Hunter is the owner of Crown Bees. He’s teaching people how to raise Mason Bees, and showing that you, the backyard gardener has a vital role to play in protecting our pollination services. 7 p.m. Whatcom Museum Rotunda Room, 121 Prospect Street, Bellingham. www.birchwoodgardenclub.org. For more details about Crown Bees, contact Info@CrownBees.com. BGC membership is open to anyone in Whatcom or Skagit County.

 

Bellingham Farmers Market: Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Depot Market Square, through mid-December. See bellinghamfarmers.org.

 

Rome Grange Community Pancake Breakfast: Sunday, Nov. 2. Featuring made from scratch pancakes, french toast, sausage, scrambled eggs, juice and coffee, and biscuits and gravy. Meet and greet local politicians, as they serve you coffee and breakfast.  Tickets are $6 per adult, $2 per kids (ages 6-10) and free for 5 and under. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rome Grange, 2821 Mt. Baker Highway, about 1/2 mile east of the “Y” Road, Bellingham. (360) 739-9605.

 

Learn to Grow Your Own Groceries: Healthy Soil = Healthy Plants #2: Wednesday, Nov. 7. As part of the Growing Groceries Education Series, these classes are designed to help you learn how to grow your own food. Discuss  how to interpret soil tests, and making and using compost. 7-9:30 p.m. WSU Snohomish County Extension’s Cougar Auditorium, 600 128th St SE Everett, inside McCollum Park. Series runs through April. 10. $20 per class. Register online at GrowingGroceries.Eventbrite.com.  Contact Kate Ryan (425) 357-6024, kate.ryan@wsu.edu.

 

Focus on Farming and Focus on Forestry Conference: Thursday, Nov. 8. Local and national farmers, researchers and experts share ideas. 24 workshop classes in six industry tracks, keynote speakers, lunch and more. For registration and conference details, see www.focusonfarming.org.

 

Hellebore Event: Saturday, Nov. 10. Gorgeous cold weather plants, evergreen and winter blooming for Hellebore collectors and newbies alike. Katie from Skagit Gardens brings her years of experience and will introduce what is special. Discounts on our collection for this free event. 9 a.m. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. 360-676-5480, garden-spot.com.

 

Lynden High School’s 13th Annual Christmas Craft Fair: Saturday, Nov. 10. With over 100 amazing vendors supporting the Lynden High School Art Department. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lynden High School, 1201 Bradley Rd, Lynden. Hosted by LHS Christmas Craft Fair. See the Facebook event page for more details.

 

Coldstream Farms Tour: New Regenis System: Saturday, Nov. 10. Acme-based Coldstream Farms, a family-owned dairy operating since 1978, is currently installing a clean water membrane technology system that will transform cow manure into chemical-free fertilizer and clean water. The innovative system was designed by Regenis, an agricultural waste solutions company based in Ferndale, and completed with a $930,305 grant from the Washington State Conservation Commission. This project will act as a pilot for prospective use on other Whatcom County farms. A free tour the new system will be open 10 a.m. to noon. Space is limited and pre-registration is required by contacting the Whatcom Land Trust at 360-650-9470 or amanda@whatcomlandtrust.org.

 

Ciderfest: Saturday, Nov. 10. Home cider brewing competition, cider workshop, community carboy fill, great music, pumpkin smash. 1-5 p.m. BelleWood Acres, Lynden.  See bellewoodfarms.com.

 

Community Free Day at Children’s Museum of Skagit County: Tuesday, Nov. 13. Free admission for everybody all day.  10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Children’s Museum is located inside the Cascade Mall at the south end, Burlington. http://SkagitChildrensMuseum.net

 

Whatcom Food Network Fall Forum: The People That Make the Food System Work: Wednesday, Nov. 14. The Fall Forum will include a presentation by Michelle Stelovich from the Northwest Washington Central Labor Council. She will share current employment and labor data from the region, and facilitate a panel of workers from different food system sectors including processing, distribution, farming, and consumption (grocery). Employees will have time to share stories and experiences from their day-to-day work. Laura McWilliams from Industry Health will shine a light on the unique challenges faced by chefs, cooks, dishwashers and others working in the “back of house.” In addition, Sara Southerland from Sustainable Connections will share perspectives. The Fall Forum is free, but attendees must RSVP as space is limited. Special thanks to the Whatcom Community Foundation, which makes these Forums possible. 2-5 p.m. BelleWood Acres, Distillery Room, 6140 Guide Meridian, Lynden. To RSVP: https://whatcomfoodnetwork.org/forums/

 

Whatcom County Goat Farmers Workshop: Thursday, Nov. 15. Organized by the Whatcom Conservation District, this workshop will have veterinary experts as well as a panel of local farm managing peers to talk about commercial goat dairying in Whatcom County, as well as commercial meat goat production. This workshop will provide fundamental information relevant to all goats in the Pacific Northwest, especially about feeding, reproduction, health, and resource best management practices. Our Brand Ambassador and owner of Pollen Folly Farm, Kelly Uusitalo, will be at the event to answer questions too. Hosted by Scratch and Peck Feeds and Whatcom Conservation District. 6-8 p.m. Rome Community Bible Church, 2720 Mt Baker Hwy, Bellingham. See the Facebook event for more details, or call the WDC at (360) 526-2381 with questions.

 

Home for the Holidays: Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 15-17. Selection of holiday gifts, crafts, food and more. Ferndale Events Center, 5715 Barrett Road, Ferndale. Thursday hours 5-9 p.m. Friday 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission and free parking. See homefortheholidaysbellingham.com.

 

A Taste of Skagit: Schuh Farms: Friday, Nov. 16. Pumpkins from Schuh Farms serve as inspiration for a pie baking demonstration, with plenty of samples, and recipes to take home. 5-7 p.m. The Bread Lab, Burlington, 11768 Westar Lane, Burlington. $45 per adult, $22.50 per child. See https://www.kingarthurflour.com/baking-school/calendar/.

 

The Lavender House Handmade Holidays: Nov. 16-18. Hosted by The Lavender House, 779 E Pole Rd, Lynden. All products are handmade my local artists and crafters. Enjoy a cookie and hot cider while you shop. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (360) 296-1854, karen@thelavenderhouse.net.

 

Red Barn Holiday Market: Friday and Saturday, Nov. 16-17. Hosted by Red Barn Market Events. Local vendors including  craft, boutique, vintage, and more. Friday noon to 9 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $4 general, $3 senior and gives you access to the market both days.  Kids 13 and younger are free. The Northwest Washington Fair and Event Center, 1775 Front St, Lynden. See the Facebook event page for more details.

 

Open House  ‘Christmas In The Woods’ All Day: Saturday, Nov. 17. Garden Spot is decked out for the season. Step into the beautiful winter garden for ‘Treats in The Trees’. Expect surprises and fun throughout the day. 9 a.m. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. 360-676-5480, garden-spot.com.

 

Mount Vernon Harvest Market: Saturday, Nov. 17. Come pick up fresh, local ingredients to prepare your Thanksgiving meal and do some early gift shopping for the holidays. See mountvernonfarmersmarket.org.

 

Gardenview   Montessori   Presents   the   12th   Annual Holiday   Bazaar: Saturday, Nov. 17. Featuring   local   artist   and   crafts vendors,  a  silent  auction,  bake  sale  and  activities  for  children. Food from Pizzazza between   11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Free   admission. Free   ticket   at   the   door   for   each   child   to   use   for   a   kid’s   craft,   kid’s game   or   kid’s   raffle   entry.  9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hillcrest Chapel, 1400   Larrabee   Avenue,   Bellingham. Visit   www.gardenviewbazaar.com   for   more   information.

 

Skagit Wine & Beer Festival: Saturday, Nov. 17. Wineries, breweries, ciders, distilleries, and gourmet food from across Washington. VIP Hour 3 p.m. General admission 4-8 p.m. Eaglemont, 4800 Eaglemont Drive, Mount Vernon. For tickets, see www.mountvernonchamber.com/events/annual-chamber-events/skagit-wine-festival/.

 

South Fork Winterfest: Saturday, Nov. 17. Hosted by South Fork Valley Community Association. Arts and crafts from local artisans, unique holiday gifts for everyone, refreshments, and holiday fun for the entire family! Admission is free. Donations appreciated. Proceeds will help provide for the maintenance and renovation the historic Van Zandt Community Hall. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Van Zandt Community Hall, 4106 Valley Highway, Deming.  Contacts Matthew Thuney, southforkvalley@aol.com, 360-305-6939 (voice/text), or Tina Bixby, tina.bixby595@gmail.com, 360-595-0973.

 

Pie for the Holiday Table: Saturday, Nov. 17. We’ll guide you through making flaky crust and a seasonal filling, and teach you presentation tricks of the trade. 9 a.m. to noon. $75. The Bread Lab, Burlington, 11768 Westar Lane, Burlington. $45 per adult, $22.50 per child. See https://www.kingarthurflour.com/baking-school/calendar/.

 

Holiday Pie & Rolls: Saturday, Nov. 17. Ready to dive into holiday baking, but not sure where to start? In this class you’ll make a pie and yeasted rolls from scratch, and gain the confidence to recreate them at home. 1-5 p.m. $100. The Bread Lab, Burlington, 11768 Westar Lane, Burlington. $45 per adult, $22.50 per child. See https://www.kingarthurflour.com/baking-school/calendar/.

 

Skagit County Historical Museum: Happy Christmas, Happy New Year! Exhibit opens: Saturday, Nov. 23. As the Beatles sang in 1968 “we’d like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and Happy New Year!”. Enjoy this specal exhibit of toys and gifts from the 60s. Running through March 1, 2019. http://www.skagitcounty.net/museum.

 

Evergreen Wreaths: Saturday, Nov. 24. Come have a ball decorating Northwest evergreen wreaths adorned with holly, twigs, and berries, topped off with a gorgeous bow. Workshop fee is $39 and includes all supplies. 9 a.m. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. 360-676-5480, garden-spot.com.