Sustainable Connections in Bellingham, Wash. announces a new open-air summer market series beginning with the Birchwood International Market which will take place the last Friday of the month June through September in the commercial heart of the Birchwood Neighborhood. This is a free event, located in the old Alberson's parking lot at 1650 Birchwood Ave., Bellingham.
The first market will be held Friday, June 29th from 6-10pm. The market will celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the Birchwood neighborhood, Bellingham and the greater Pacific Northwest. Comprised of local vendors selling merchandise, art, and food and featuring small-scale performances and entertainment. It will be a fun outing for both family and friends! The market is the first small step in a vision to create a vibrant cultural retail district for the neighborhood, increase food security, and strengthen Birchwood’s sense of place.
June vendors and entertainment include LuChrist African Clothing and Accessories, who will also be putting on a Miss Africa Whatcom Fashion Show during the first market. Miksi Goods, Que Rico, Simmering Tava, and the Latino Summit Dancers. Each market will be different, with new vendors and entertainment added throughout the summer with fun surprises and giveaways.
“We are invested in placemaking and strengthening our local economy from downtown Bellingham to Birchwood, and out across the county. There has been a resurgence of international markets across the US that have catalyzed economic development, equity, and community connection – all important factors for healthy, resilient and strong places,” said Rose Lathrop, Green Building & Smart Growth Manager for Sustainable Connections. “We hope everyone shows up to help celebrate the rich cultural diversity of Birchwood and come to build community at this new market series!”
Sustainable Connections would like to acknowledge the Whatcom Community Foundation, whose generous donation helped launch this placemaking effort in 2017 and has made the market possible. The Birchwood Neighborhood Association, Bellingham School District, City of Bellingham, local area businesses, the Birchwood Food Desert Fighters among others, were also there to support in order to ensure the market helps meet neighborhood goals.
