Come experience the true spirit of the holiday season with the gift of giving through song at the first annual Fairhaven Fa-La-La Caroling Competition and Fundraiser on Saturday, December 22, 2018, from 3:00 to 5:30. Fairhaven Fa-La-La is the finale of Fairhaven Winterfest, a month-long celebration of the holidays in one of Bellingham’s most storied and picturesque neighborhoods.

Winterfest-goers and local celebrity judges will take to the streets of Fairhaven Village to experience a holiday banquet of 20 or more caroling “groups,” performing for an hour on street corners and walkways of Harris Avenue, 11th and 10th Streets. In addition to the delightful music, the caroling groups will be engaging in “Fa-La-Lanthropy,” raising raising money for the Historic Fairhaven Association (HFA) and Northwest Youth Services (NWYS). Caroling groups are encouraged to raise donations before the event by gathering sponsors.  During the caroling event, the public will have the opportunity to give donations in “Fa-La-Lanthropy” boxes at each caroling group’s sidewalk site.

At 4:30, the esteemed judges will select six groups to compete in a “sing-off” on the Main Stage at the Fairhaven Village Green. Three winning groups will then be selected for recognition in the categories of Most Musical, Most Entertaining, and Most Creative. In addition, caroling groups will be celebrated for their significant donations raised in Fa-La-Lanthropy. Mayor Kelli Linville and Betty Desire are among the local celebrity judges.

Fairhaven’s newest festive musical holiday event is the HFA’s way of giving back to the community through partnership with NWYS. NWYS collaborates with at-risk, runaway and homeless youth to foster self-reliance. The HFA is dedicated to promoting Fairhaven as a community while preserving the historical character through events, beautification, advocation and outreach.

Sure to become a Bellingham holiday tradition, the Fairhaven Fa-La-La Caroling Competition is a zany, family friendly and delightful holiday event for everyone. We are anticipating caroling groups of families, neighbors, work colleagues, schools and churches. Come, revel in the merriest music of the season, and perhaps discover the next Von Trapp Family Singers!

For more information visit www.fairhavenwinterfest.com.