This year’s 39th   parade, will have  92 entries ranging from floats to high school marching bands to horse-pulled carriages. There will be a 1930 White fire truck restored by Bellingham Firefighters Local 106. The truck was a working Bellingham firefighter unit  until the 1950s. It retired and spent several years on a county farm before being donated back to the City of Bellingham and restored in the 1970s and again 5 years ago. This years theme is Whatcom County 2010-2020: Imagine the Next Decade. The parade starts at Alabama Street and Cornwall Avenue, continues down Cornwall to East Champion Street to North State Street, ending at York Street. Looks like an umbrella might come in handy

The Race itself starts on Mt Baker with downhill and cross country skiing, then a series of runners, bikers, canoers, and finally ends up in Bellingham Bay on a kayak, with the finish line in Fairhaven. It draws people from around the world. The race has a colorful history that dates back to 1911.

“The Kulshan Chorus is Bellingham’s cross-cultural multi-generational singing group that celebrates America’s diverse musical heritage. Musical selections are drawn from world cultures spanning a range of styles from Gregorian chants to American pop, South African freedom songs, Polish carols, African-American gospel and the sounds of Brazil and Cuba. This eclectic mix brings an awareness and celebration of our place in the world and the family of humankind.”

Today is also Ski to Ski’s Equipment Swap! It’s basically a big garage sale with a bunch of outdoor gear. Find some great deals on skis for all ages among other items. Be there 10 am – 4 pm at Bloedel Donovan Park

Well, many of us here in Whatcom county find ourselves back here at some point in our lives. We move away, go to college or find our passion and then it happens.. We come back.

I have done this along with many people I know. With this process, the thought comes through your mind as to where your going to live in Bellingham. Do you choose the area where you went to high school? My answer…yes more often than not.

Living the dream myself where your children are gracing the hallways you once did. I have to say a miriad of emotions transpire. I will never forget the day I sat in the bleachers for my oldest daughters freshman orientation and everything hit me. The smell of the gym, the teachers who have remained(there are about 8 currently),the spirit fo the ASB president,and  the voice on the microphone, not Mr Goodman, but the message the same. Sehome tradition is alive.

Sitting there I started to recall the assemblies, the classes, teachers and little things like the Mariner Mile and Taylor Street stairs as part of your sports introduction. Turning to my freshman and thinking about all the things good and bad that she will experience was overwhelming and exciting.

It is now 4 years later and my freshman is now a senior ready to graduate. Senior culminating project completed, WASL passed and ready to move on the the next step. Looking back at her paticipation on the swim team, wearing the green and gold cheering for her final lap in the pool, her essays, artwork, drama practice,spanish classes and much more! Of course she choose her own way and with that, a cap and gown flowing and a final toss of the cap it’s over.

Some of her friends chose to paricipate in running start a program to recieve early college credits. There is a plus and minus for this I have observed. She wanted to experience high school, the good the bad and the challenging aspects. She said “you only get to experience high school once.” Many times she was sad that her friends missed out on little things and had a disconnect with activities. She was happy with the choice she made.

And so now the tradition continues with her little sister, Marching in the Ski 2 Sea Parade holding up the Sehome Banner as a newly chosen member of the Cheer Squad. With a smile from ear to ear and sporting the Green and Gold I want to say to both my girls I am so proud of all you have accomplished and all that you will be you are truly both amazing individuals.

                                                                             Ski to Sea Parade 2009

Go Sehome 110%

Katharine Carey

A sweet and simple approach to real estate

360-220-5915 or katharine@buyertours.com

The race is often traced back to the Mt. Baker Marathon held from 1911 to 1913. The marathon was a  foot race to the top of Mt. Baker conceived by the Mt. Baker Club as a publicity stunt aimed at focusing the government’s attention on the region to have the North Cascades area designated as part of the National Park System

To present Ski to Sea Race began in 1973.  Now a relay race, it was designed to showcase the recreational opportunities available in Whatcom County. The Race has evolved into the annual event it is today, attracting participants from all over the world.  It has been featured on national television several times.

Aside for the race Ski to Sea weekend has also evolved to include a grand parade, a junior race, a junior parade, a golf tournament, and a tremendous party and festival where it “all ends in Fairhaven” on race day.  If you happen to be anywhere near Bellingham come on down to Fairhaven enjoy the party atmosphere, the art, the food, the music, and watch the racers cross the finish line.