Bellingham Farmers Market: Saturdays through Dec. 22. Vendors offering produce, crafts, foods, products, and more. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Depot Market Square, Bellingham. See bellinghamfarmers.org.

 

38th annual Holiday Festival of the Arts: Open daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 100 artists from the region, live music, and workshops for children on the weekends. Admission is free. Bellingham Public Market space, Cornwall Avenue, Bellingham.

 

Bow Farmers Market Holiday Festival: Saturday, Dec. 1. Browse and buy the goods of local crafters, artists and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Edison Elementary School, Edison. See bowlittlemarket.com.

 

Holiday Market at Everson Elementary: Saturday, Dec. 1. Lots of vendors from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pictures with Santa from noon to 2 p.m. Lunch available, Nooksack spirit wear, and silent auction. Proceeds benefit the students of Everson Elementary with STEM activities, sensory play options and recess improvements. Everson Elementary, 216 Everson-Goshen Rd, Everson.

 

Olde Fashioned Christmas at Pioneer Park: Saturday and Sunday, Dec. Cabin tours, horse drawn wagon rides, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus (bring your own camera), arts and crafts, refreshments, and children’s activities. Volunteers are donned in Christmas 1880s style. 1-2. Saturday 1-9 p.m. Sunday 1-5 p.m. Tickets are $4 for adults and $3 for children. Pioneer Park, Ferndale.

 

Meridian Class of 2020 Winter Wonderland: Saturday, Dec. 1. Booster Club presents the Winter Wonderland Craft Show. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Meridian High School Gym. See the Facebook event for more information.

 

Holiday Tea: Saturday, Dec. 1. Enjoy delicious home baked treats and tea while being entertained by local performers at this annual holiday tea hosted by the Friends of the Deming Library. Event sponsored by the Friends of the Deming Library.1 – 5 p.m. Deming Library, 5044 Mt. Baker Highway, (360) 592-2422.

 

Lighted Christmas Parade: Saturday, Dec. 1. Lynden’s  annual holiday celebration begins at 6 p.m. with the Lighted Christmas Parade. Lighted trucks, cars, floats, wagons, farm equipment, and more. The procession starts at Fairway Center and travels along Front Street throughout downtown Lynden. In addition, take a tour of unique light displays and decorated storefronts throughout the city during Lynden in Lights. See www.lynden.org.

 

Bellingham Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony: Saturday, Dec. 1. Photo opportunities with Santa, hot cocoa and cookies, ornament makings, and carolers. 5:30-7 p.m. Hosted by Downtown Bellingham. Depot Market Square, 1100 Railroad Ave., Bellingham.

 

Sewing Bootcamp: Saturdays, Dec. 1 and 8.  Start with the basics, taking time to get familiar with the care and use of a sewing machine and learning to solve basic sewing problems. Learn upcycling techniques, then jump right into sewing! $76 per person. Ragfinery, Bellingham. See ragfinery.com to register.

 

Scarf Weaving: Saturdays, Dec. 1, 8 and 15. Learn to weave a lovely scarf on our floor looms. Beginning weaving students welcome, intermediate students can try out more complex patterns and designs. $88 per person. Ragfinery, Bellingham. See ragfinery.com to register.

 

The Stocking Project: Saturday, Dec. 1 and Wednesday, Dec. 5. Bring material and sewing supplies (or shop before class for deals at Ragfinery) to sew a stocking to be donated to a child or family in need. Patterns and assistance will be provided, though familiarity with a sewing machine is necessary. Stockings will be displayed at Ragfinery and the Firehouse Cafe in Fairhaven, then filled and donated to those in need by Northwest Youth Services, Interfaith Coalition and Opportunity Council. Saturday workshop meets at 2 p.m.; Wednesday at 6 p.m. Register at www.ragfinery.com.

 

Swans of Skagit: Saturday, Dec. 1. At this highly informational presentation from wildlife biologist and Executive Director of the Northwest Swan Conservation Association, Martha Jordan, you will learn about these amazing birds – the largest waterfowl in the world – and discover the best places to view them in Skagit Valley. 11 a.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. $8, reservations required. 360-466-3821, ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Light Up Your Holidays: Saturday, Dec. 1. Kick off the holiday season. Hosted by Discover Stanwood Camano. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Old Fashioned Christmas at the Floyd.  Enjoy free photos with Santa, kids crafts, treats, and gift bag of toys for each child. 3-5 p.m. Downtown Tree Lighting. Festivities include horse drawn carriage rides, live music, Santa sightings and more. 5-8 p.m. Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl, 21+. See the Facebook event for more information.

 

Skagit Christmas 2018: Through Dec. 31. See the annual decorations of the North and South wings of the Museum and festive treasures from the collection. Skagit Museum, www.skagitcounty.net/museum.

 

Sleigh Bells Ring at Bellewood Acres: Weekends, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s family fun at Bellewood. Bonfire s’mores bar, fresh cut Christmas trees and wreaths, kids ornament making/cookie decorating, hot cider and pumpkin spice liquer sippers. Bellewood Acres, 6140 Guide Meridian Road, Lynden, www.bellewoodfarms.com.

 

Rome Grange Community Pancake Breakfast: Sunday, Dec. 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 $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.

 

Silver Tea:  Sunday, Dec. 2. The Friends of the Everson Library invite you to enjoy refreshments and musical entertainment at this beloved annual event. Specialty teas served by Laurie and Charles Dawson, founders of the Whatcom Tea Enthusiasts Association. Also, craft making for kids. Bring your camera to take a picture with Santa! 2-5 p.m. Everson Library, 104 Kirsch Drive, (360) 966-5100.

 

Old Fashioned Holiday Kick Off: Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting: Sunday, Dec. 2. Hosted by Mount Vernon Downtown Association. Old fashioned holiday kick-cff Christmas parade, tree lighting and visits with Santa along First Street, Mount Vernon. Starting at 5 p.m. The Tree Lighting Ceremony will follow after the parade, around 6 p.m. For more information, contact the Mount Vernon Downtown Association at (360) 336-3801 or info@mountvernondowntown.org.

 

Christmas Open House: Monday through Saturday, Dec. 3-8. Van Wingerden Home and Garden grows over 200,000 poinsettias for the holidays including many new and interesting varieties! Visit during the annual Christmas Shoppe Open House,  kick-off to the holiday season featuring free refreshments, a kids craft table, daily deals  and great photo opportunities for your family holiday card. Colorful and festive holiday plants available, and selection of Christmas decor. Sign up at https://www.vwhomeandgarden.com/event-directory/.

 

Worm Your Way into Composting! with Callie Martin: Tuesday, Dec. 4. Learn how easy it is to compost your food scraps by harnessing the work of worms in our upcoming vermicomposting class. Class participants will learn the basics of worm bin design, care and feeding. 6:30 p.m. Free. Skagit Valley Food Co-op, Mount Vernon. Callie Martin is the Waste Reduction Community Education/Outreach Specialist for Skagit County. Register at http://www.skagitfoodcoop.com/event/.

 

Marketing & Market Research for Farmers: Tuesday, Dec. 4. Look at some of the market research tools available to the modern farm business along with a discussion on how to capture the interest – and purchasing dollars – of potential customers. Emily Felt, from Sno-Isle Libraries Business Services, will demo some of the new resources they have available for conducting market research and identifying potential new customers. In addition, writer, photographer, and farm-to-table documentarian Audra Mulker, founder of The Female Farmer Project, will share her experiences. 7-9 p.m. WSU Snohomish County Extension’s Cougar Auditorium, 600 128th St SE Everett, WA inside McCollum Park. Sponsored by WSU Snohomish County Extension and the Snohomish Conservation District. $15 per person per workshop. Visit GrowYourFarm.eventbrite.com to register. For more information, contact Kate Ryan at kate.ryan@wsu.edu or (425) 357-6024.

 

Birchwood Garden Club’s December Meeting: Wednesday, Dec. 5. Rebecca Morse of Osborne Seeds in Mt Vernon will be our December guest speaker. She will cover seed catalog choices, good varieties, and common issues which reduce yields/germination in our area. Osborne Seeds works with WSU on vegetable trials and primarily services the commercial growers in our area. They do not sell retail. Birchwood Garden Club membership open to anyone in Whatcom or Skagit County. 7 p.m. Whatcom Museum Rotunda Room, 121 Prospect Street, Bellingham. See birchwoodgardenclub.org.

 

Essential Remedies: Pain & Anxiety relief with Michelle Mahler: Wednesday, Dec. 5. Learn how to apply essential oils diluted in carrier oils to your body for healing and emotional balance can lead to prevention of pain and disease. Free; class optional supply fee $5-10 to make and take a roll-on. 6:30 p.m. Free. Skagit Valley Food Co-op, Mount Vernon. Register at http://www.skagitfoodcoop.com/event/.

 

Burlington Annual Tree Lighting: Thursday, Dec. 6. Hosted by Visit Burlington, WA and Burlington Chamber of Commerce. Join us for our annual tree lighting at 6 p.m. Followed by the arrival of Santa Claus. Enjoy hot cocoa, coffee, and cookies. Burlington Chamber of Commerce, 520 E Fairhaven Ave, Burlington.

 

Holiday Party: Time Capsule Opening: Thursday, Dec. 6. Join the Skagit Museum for the annual holiday celebration – with an added bonus of  opening the Time Capsule that was placed in the wall of the Museum in 1969! Witness the opening – and see what treasures might be included. Learn how you can help as we continue to preserve Skagit history ‘for all people for all time’! Appetizers catered by La Conner Seafood and Prime Rib. No host bar. 6-8 p.m.  Skagit County Historical Museum is located at 501 S. 4th Street, at the top of the hill in La Conner. Please RSVP to 360-466-3365 or museum@co.skagit.wa.us. Thank you to the 50th Anniversary sponsors: Skagit Bank, Dunlap Towing, Coldwell Banker Bain, La Conner Seafood & Prime Rib, Baird, Bay Baby Produce and The Farmhouse Restaurant.

 

Drop-in Knitting: Fridays, Dec. 7, 14 and 21. Drop-in for an hour of free beginner knitting instruction. Bring yarn and needles with you or supplies are available for purchase at our store. If you already know how to knit but have question, feel free to stop by at this time as well. Ragfinery, Bellingham. Register at ragfinery.com.

 

Port of Bellingham Holiday Festival and Gingerbread House Display: Friday, through Sunday, Dec. 7-9.  Gingerbread house contest, visit with Santa, music, crafts, food, horse-drawn wagon rides and more. Free cookies, hot cider. Performances by local choirs, bands, and dancers. Friday from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Gingerbread auction benefits Toys for Tots. See www.portofbellingham.com/141/Holiday-Port.

 

Crab Pot Community Tree Lighting: Friday, Dec. 7. Hosted by Anacortes Chamber of Commerce. Come down to 819 Commercial Avenue in Anacortes to celebrate the lighting of the Community Crab Pot Christmas Tree. The town crier, Santa Claus, and students from local Anacortes schools will enrich this celebration with performances. Free pictures with Santa after the lighting. Starts at 6 p.m.

 

Country Partners Live Nativity: Friday, Dec. 7. The Country Partners 4H club puts on a Live Nativity scene, 4:30-6:30 p.m. outside the Elenbaas store in Everson. See animals, sing some carols, sip on cocoa and have a treat. Elenbaas Country Store, 302 W Main Street, Everson.

 

Gingerbread Party: Saturday, Dec. 8. Enjoy gingerbread with Launching Success Learning Store. Decorate all things gingerbread. Frosting and all the decorations provided, you bring the creativity! Free, drop in, while supplies last. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 133 Prince Ave, Bellingham.

 

Photos with Santa at Mt. Baker: Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 8-9. Young, old, and everyone in between can have a unique photo with Santa. Real mountains, real snow, real trees. See mtbaker.us.

 

Handmade Ornaments for Kids: Saturday, Dec. 8. This will be an open house format, come and go as you please. No pre-registration required. By donation with all proceeds to benefit Chuckanut Center. For kids 6-10 years old (approximately); parents will be expected to help their child as needed. We will use yarn, twigs and wood pieces to make ornaments for holiday tree decorations. Facilitated by Steve and Kathie Wilson, retired preschool teachers from Childlife Montessori School. 9 a.m. to noon. Chuckanut Center, 103 Chuckanut Drive N., adjacent to Fairhaven Park.

 

Snow Geese of Skagit: Saturday, Dec. 8. Vast numbers of snow geese migrate to Skagit Valley farmlands from Alaska and Wrangell Island, Russia. Learn more about their fascinating migratory history and current challenges from wildlife biologist and Executive Director of the Northwest Swan Conservation Association, Martha Jordan. 11 a.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. $8, reservations required. 360-466-3821, ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Whatcom Creamery Crawl: Saturday, Dec. 8. Appel Farms, Ferndale Farmstead, Pleasant Valley, and Twin Sisters Creamery are teaming up to bring you the Second Annual Creamery Crawl! Drawings for prizes, samples, giveaways, complimentary food and beverages, great discounts, and shopping made easy as well as delicious. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appel Farms Cheese, 6605 Northwest Dr, Ferndale. Pleasant Valley Dairy, 6804 Kickerville Rd, Ferndale. Twin Sisters Creamery, 6202 Portal Way, Ferndale. Ferndale Farmstead will be joining Twin Sisters Creamery at their store. See the Facebook event page for more information.

 

FNFCL Holiday Tea & Crafts: Saturday, Dec. 8.  Join the Friends of the North Fork Community Library for cookies, hot beverages and seasonal music. Assortment of coloring pages and utensils for all ages, plus supplies to make DIY holiday cards. 1-3 p.m. North Fork Library, 7506 Kendall Road, Maple Falls, (360) 599-2020.

 

Macrame Wreath: Saturday, Dec. 8. Learn to artfully tie knots to produce this lovely, holiday wreath. 2 p.m. $29 per person. Ragfinery, Bellingham. See ragfinery.com.

 

Holiday Faire: Saturday, Dec. 8. Live music, magical lands, delicious food, local craft vendors and hands-on workshops so families can make simple, lovely crafts for others. Visit the Snow Queen in her castle, mine for treasures in Gnome Village, watch an enchanting puppet play or warm up with delicious homemade soup, baked goods and live music in the Wooden Spoon Cafe. Everyone welcome. Prices of activities varies from $1 – $4. Parking is available at The Firs at 4605 Cable St. A free van shuttle brings people to and from the school. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Whatcom Hills Waldorf School, 941 Austin St, Bellingham. (360) 733-3164, www.whws.org.

 

Blaine Holiday Craft Bazaar: Saturday, Dec. 8. Buy or sell homemade crafts and treats made by kids and teens at this exciting event! Everything is priced $5 or less. Kids ages 5-13 may sell; everyone can shop. Space to sell your items is limited; registration required. Call the Blaine Library for more information. Contact: Whitney Motley. 12 to 2 p.m. Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street, (360) 305-3637.

 

Art Jingle: Saturday, Dec. 8. Enjoy live Christmas music in the Piano Lounge, Northwest Ballet’s Nutcracker Suite, Studio Sales, as well as gift making classes brought to you by our Kids Do Art! program. Sign your child up for one of our four classes, at only $25 per class. Free gift wrapping in the Gallery Shop for studio sale and gift shop items. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St, Lynden. Learn more at jansenartcenter.org/ArtJingle.

 

Jan Brett at the Bellingham High School, The Snowy Nap: Sunday, Dec. 9.

Jan Brett is coming back to Bellingham and this time, she is presenting her latest book, The Snowy Nap. This is the prequel to the all-time classic and bestseller, The Hat. 10 a.m. at Bellingham High School. Tickets are $5 and are available at Village Books and on brownpapertickets.com. Each ticket is a $5 voucher towards the purchase of The Snowy Nap. Kids six and under are free. For more information, see the Facebook page.

 

Book, Bake and Gift Sale: Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 11-12. Presented by the Friends of the Arlington Library. Books, baked goods, and more to benefit the library. Tuesday hours 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Every purchaser also receives a free raffle ticket, with the winner receiving a lovely Christmas item! Arlington Library.

 

The Joy of Farming with Spreadsheets: Wednesday, Dec. 12. Join us for an evening with Becky Zaneski as she brings The Joy of Farming with Spreadsheets to life. From season planning and field mapping to tracking labor costs and sales data, Becky’s common-sense approach helps you make sense of the data. 6 p.m. WSU Snohomish County Extension’s Cougar Auditorium, 600 128th St SE Everett, WA inside McCollum Park. Sponsored by WSU Snohomish County Extension and the Snohomish Conservation District. $15 per person per workshop. Visit GrowYourFarm.eventbrite.com to register. For more information, contact Kate Ryan at kate.ryan@wsu.edu or (425) 357-6024.

 

Gifts from Our Gardens: Thursday, Dec. 13. A panel of Whatcom County Master Gardeners will share how they use their personal gardens to make unique and attractive gifts for family, friends, and the holidays. Noon – 1:30 p.m. Healthy Connections Room, 4015 E. Holly, Bellingham (across the street from the downtown Food Coop). Brown bags welcome. Parking on the street or south of the main Coop.

 

Building Relationship with Healing: Getting to Know Local Herbs with Natasha Clarke: Thursday, Dec. 13. Explore the wonders of infused oils and lotion making – from masks, oils, lotions and scrubs, you’ll learn about the benefits of each, which herbs work with which method, and how to best tailor the results for your skin. Free workshop, with optional $5 supply fee to take lotion home. 6:30 p.m. Skagit Valley Food Co-op, Mount Vernon. Register at http://www.skagitfoodcoop.com/event/.

 

Teen Gingerbread House Contest: Friday, Dec. 14. Teens are invited to join us at the Ferndale Library for a gingerbread-house making contest! Planned and organized by the Teen Library Council, this program is designed by teens, for teens. Materials will be provided – just bring your creative flair and holiday spirit! Grades 6-12. 3-5 p.m. Ferndale Library, 2125 Main Street, (360) 384-3647.

 

Deming Holiday Craft Bazaar: Saturday, Dec. 15.  Buy or sell homemade crafts and treats made by kids and teens at this exciting event! Everything priced $5 or less. Kids ages 5-18 may sell; everyone can shop. Space for selling your items is limited; registration required. Call the Deming Library for more information. Contact: Angelina Kuchar. Saturday, December 15, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Deming Library, 5044 Mt. Baker Highway, (360) 592-2422.

 

Upcycled Gift Embellishments: Saturday, Dec. 15. Using scrap fabric you’ll learn this technique to produce beautiful recycled twine and colorful pom poms. 2 p.m. Ragfinery, Bellingham. $25 per person. Register at www.ragfinery.com.

 

Seasonal Side Dishes: Winter Edition: Saturday, Dec. 15. Facilitated by Kamea Black, participants will start the afternoon with a decedent sugar free holiday mocktail and mixing demonstration, followed by an interactive cooking session that will result in three local side dishes that the group will devour together. Complimentary mocktail and generous samples of the demonstration items. Leave with a set of recipes from the class. Chuckanut Center, 103 Chuckanut Drive N., adjacent to Fairhaven Park. 1-3:30 p.m. $25 suggested donation. Pre-registration requested. Register here: chuckanutcenter@gmail.com.

 

Plant Pathology Workshop: Thursday, Dec. 20. Join Viva Farms in Burlington as Lindsey Dutoit from WSU NW Research and Extension Center shares her knowledge on identifying and managing plant diseases on diversified farms. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Viva Farms New Property, 16470 State Route 20, Mount Vernon. Contact  Kate Smith at 360-428-4270 ext 223.

 

Candle Dipping: Wednesday, Dec. 19 and Saturday, Dec. 22. Experience the simple pleasure of hand dipping candles to bring light into this season of darkness. All materials provided; refreshments available. Open house format, come and go as you please. By donation. All proceeds benefit Chuckanut Center. All ages! Parents will assist their young children. Wednesday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday noon to 3 p.m. Facilitated by Steve & Kathie Wilson, retired preschool teachers from Childlife Montessori School. Chuckanut Center, 103 Chuckanut Drive N., adjacent to Fairhaven Park. Please see the Facebook event page for more information.

 

Lease Literacy for Farmers & Landowners: Wednesday, Dec. 19. This informal workshop is designed to help address some of the challenges landowners and tenants have related to developing and maintain good land lease arrangements.  We’ll have a lawyer familiar with land leases on hand to explain the legal details and answer questions. In addition, much of the evening will be devoted to a panel of experts on the topic: farmers, landowners, and farm incubator managers willing to share their experiences regarding what works, what doesn’t, and how to create good lease relationships. 7 p.m. WSU Snohomish County Extension’s Cougar Auditorium, 600 128th St SE Everett, WA inside McCollum Park. Sponsored by WSU Snohomish County Extension and the Snohomish Conservation District. $15 per person per workshop. Visit GrowYourFarm.eventbrite.com to register. For more information, contact Kate Ryan at kate.ryan@wsu.edu or (425) 357-6024.

 

Fairhaven Fa La La Caroling Competition: Saturday, Dec. 22. Local judges and festival-goers take to the streets of Fairhaven Village lined with carolers that come to sing and raise money for the Historic Fairhaven Association and NW Youth Services. 3-5:30 p.m. Hosted by Historic Fairhaven.

 

It’s A Wonderful Life: Saturday, Dec. 22. Free screening at Lincoln Theatre, 712 S 1st St, Mount Vernon. 6:30 p.m. Made possible by a generous grant from the Theater Arts Guild (TAG). See www.lincolntheatre.org.

 

Annual Ring of Fire and Hope: Dec. 31. Ring in the new year with lighting road flares along the Birch Bay shoreline – a spectacular sight as the bay becomes a ring of fire, signifying hope for the coming year. For a small donation, flares are usually available at the Birch Bay Visitor’s Center. All welcome.

 

 

 

JANUARY

Polar Bear Plunge at Birch Bay: Tuesday, Jan. 1. This local tradition has been ongoing since 1982 and has become an international destination on New Year’s Day. Be sure to bring towels, a blanket and an extra set of warm clothes! 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. See https://birchbaywa.org/birch-bay-polar-bear-plunge.

 

Winter Open Barn at New Moon Farm Goat Rescue: Saturday, Jan. 5. Visit the farm and meet the adoptable goats and permanent sanctuary herd. Free admission but donations are always appreciated. 1-3 p.m. See https://www.newmoonfarm.org/openbarn.

 

Cultivating Success Agricultural Entrepreneurship and Business Planning: Starting Thursday, Jan. 10. Thursdays 6-8:30 p.m. through March 21. This 12-week course offers a combination of guest speakers, in class discussion and assignments, and dives into the business side of running a farm, from sales and marketing to financial management. At the end of the course, you will have the core elements of a business plan to guide your farm forward. Course fee is $260 per farm (scholarships available). WSU Skagit County Extension Office 11768 Westar Lane, Suite A Burlington. More information is available at skagit.small.farms@wsu.edu.

 

Anacortes Monthly Winter Farmers Market: Saturday, Jan. 12. Held the second Saturday of each month through March. Inside the Depot building. For more details, see www.anacortesfarmersmarket.org.

 

Western Washington Seed Workshop: Saturday, Jan. 12. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, 16650 State Route 536, Mount Vernon. The day’s agenda is available at https://extension.wsu.edu/skagit/event/western-washington-seed-workshop-2/. Contact: Don McMoran, WSU Skagit Co. Extension Director, (360) 428-4270 ext. 225 or dmcmoran@wsu.edu.

 

2019 Manure Nutrient Management Training: Thursday, Jan. 17. This year’s topics include: the state of the science, new technologies for improved manure management, panel of your farming peers share tips about successful water quality practices and funding sources, project updates, and more. Lynden Dutch Bakery sandwiches, cookies, and Darigold milk will be provided. 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the NW Washington Fairgrounds, Lynden. For more information on this free event or to RSVP, see https://www.eventbrite.com. Also see http://wadairyplan.org/special-events for more information and updates on topics and speakers.

 

Whatcom County Pastured Poultry Workshop: Thursday, Jan. 17. Hosted by Whatcom Conservation District. Visit with poultry processing experts and a panel of local commercial pastured poultry producers. Get resources and information relevant to any size flock. Topics will include flock health and nutrition, and marketing practices. 6-8 p.m. 322 N Commercial St, Bellingham. RSVP (encouraged):  Corina Cheever, ccheever@whatcomcd.org or 360-526-2381 ext. 104. For more information: https://whatcomcd.org/node/257.

 

Bellingham Winter Saturday Farmers Market: Saturday, Jan. 19. Held the third Saturday of each month through March. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Depot Market Square, with over 100 vendors. See bellinghamfarmers.org.

 

2019 Cattlemen’s Winterschool and Country Living Expo: Saturday, Jan. 26. Check out 180 classes to choose from focused on skills and practical living, including 60 new classes this year. Featured keynote speaker is Temple Grandin, who will also be speaking on Friday evening, Jan. 25 on autism. Check out the Chicken and Duck Egg Weigh Off sponsored by Conway Feed, and the Fiber Palooza, with awards given in all fiber categories. Registration costs $75 (early bird special $70) for adults and $40 for youth (discounted rate of $10 for youth ages 12-18 needing scholarship help). Registration includes six workshops per person, large trade show to meet with local and regional agricultural and business vendors, prime rib or vegetarian lunch, and snacks. The Expo is hosted by Stanwood FFA, and presented by WSU Livestock Master Foundation, WSU Extension and the Cattlemen’s Association. To register and view classes, visit http://skagit.wsu.edu/CountryLivingExpo. For more information, call Skagit County Extension at (360) 428-4270 ext 0.

 

 

 

FEBRUARY

San Juan Islands Agricultural Summit: Friday and Saturday, Feb. 2-3. This year San Juan Island will host the annual San Juan Islands Agricultural Summit Gather with more than 150 local farmers, food producers, businesses, and advocates for a weekend filled with education, inspiration and community. Dr. Heidi Roop, of the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group, is this year’s Keynote Speaker. Scholarship or a work-trade available. Applications due Dec. 18. Hosted by WSU San Juan County Extension, Suite LL, 221 Weber Way, Friday Harbor. Tickets at www.eventbrite.com. Save 30% on Sunday Session Registration when you buy your ticket before Jan. 1. Early bird registration through Dec. 31.

 

Skagit Ag Summit: Friday, Feb. 8. The day focuses on the issues of water, labor, economic viability, innovation, pain points, and leadership. A local food and farm mixer will follow. See the agenda at https://extension.wsu.edu/skagit/event/skagit-ag-summit-4/. WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, 16650 State Route 536, Mount Vernon. Contact: Don McMoran, WSU Skagit Co. Extension Director, (360) 428-4270 ext. 225 or dmcmoran@wsu.edu.

 

Anacortes Monthly Winter Farmers Market: Saturday, Feb. 9. Held the second Saturday of each month through March. Inside the Depot building. For more details, see www.anacortesfarmersmarket.org.

 

Bellingham Winter Saturday Farmers Market: Saturday, Feb. 16. Held the third Saturday of each month through March. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Depot Market Square, with over 100 vendors. See bellinghamfarmers.org.

 

NW Washington Farm-to-Table Trade Meeting: Tuesday, Feb. 19. This annual event organizes 180+ farmers, fishermen, food artisans, restaurants, grocers, and others interested in sourcing local. Keynote speaker, sessions, and lunch included. Early bird registration: Sustainable Connections members $45, non-members $55. For 2019 event info, see www.sustainableconnections.org/events.

 

Western Washington Potato Workshop: Friday, Feb. 22. WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, 16650 State Route 536, Mount Vernon, WA 98273-4768. Contact: Don McMoran, WSU Skagit Co. Extension Director, (360) 428-4270 ext. 225 or dmcmoran@wsu.edu.

 

 

MARCH

Western WA Berry Workshop: Friday, March 8. The full agenda is available at https://extension.wsu.edu/skagit/event/western-washington-berry-workshop-3/. WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, 16650 State Route 536, Mount Vernon. Contact: Don McMoran, WSU Skagit Co. Extension Director, (360) 428-4270 ext. 225 or dmcmoran@wsu.edu.

 

Whatcom Small Farm Expo: Saturday, March 9. The Whatcom Conservation District presents the 4th annual Expo. Whether you are trying to grow your own food, making the transition from hobby to business or operating a small farm business, this event offers something for everyone. Hands-on exhibits demonstrating the latest in agricultural innovations, products and services, and seminars by local veterinarians, financial advisors, and horticulturists. Meet with vendors and local resources. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Northwest Washington Fairgrounds, 1775 Front Street, Lynden. See the Facebook event page for more information.

 

Anacortes Monthly Winter Farmers Market: Saturday, March 9. Held the second Saturday of each month through March. Inside the Depot building. For more details, see www.anacortesfarmersmarket.org.

 

Bellingham Winter Saturday Farmers Market: Saturday, March 16. Held the third Saturday of each month through March. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Depot Market Square, with over 100 vendors. See bellinghamfarmers.org.

 

Additional events and updates are posted online at www.grownorthwest.com. Send your event information to editor@grownorthwest.com.