Think!

Friday, Dec 7, 7-8:30pm, American Museum of Radio and Electricity, ELIOT COLEMAN ON EATING LOCAL: As a community we have embraced the importance of local, authentic, sustainable food and agriculture. Our food culture is changing! It’s a great moment for Eliot Coleman to bring his unparalleled historical perspective and great contemporary vantage point to our community. Eliot Colman is the nationally recognized author of The New Organic Grower and Four Season Harvest. Tickets $5 advance, for sale at Village Books and Community Food Co-op.  Available at the door for sliding-scale $6-$10.  More info at www.SustainableConnections.org.

Friday, Dec 7, 7:00pm, Village Books, MARK SCHAPIRO, author of Exposed: The Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Products - Who's at Risk and What's at Stake for American Power: Exposed will open your eyes to a global economic power shift that could have dramatic repercussions for U.S. businesses and consumers. In contrast to what they tell U.S. consumers and regulators, corporations intent on thwarting stricter environmental and health guidelines here at home are profitably meeting new demands by the European Union to improve their products.

Be Entertained!

Wednesday, Dec 5, 6-8pm, The Leopold Ballroom: Take a break from the rush and enjoy BALLROOM DANCING at The Leopold in the historic and elegant Leopold Crystal Ballroom. Dance to the music of: Sentimental Journey. Admission is Free. www.leopoldretirement.com

Friday, Dec 7, 7-10pm, Downtown Bellingham, GALLERY WALK: Enjoy a festive evening as downtown owners, art galleries, and museums keep their doors open late to showcase an array of artwork by local and renowned visiting artists. Art lovers are invited to stroll through the streets of downtown, enjoying art, food, and community. Maps for the gallery walk will be available at the Downtown Renaissance Network, Allied Arts of Whatcom County, and at participating downtown venues.

Saturday, Dec 8, Boundary Bay Brewery: Legendary alt-country singer/songwriter GERALD COLLIER is making his return to Bellingham for the first time in over eight year for an intimate show at Boundary Bay. Just Gerald, his guitar and his soulful voice. Opening up is ex-Bellinghamsters, Cryin’ Shame. The show is co-sponsored by What’s Up! Magazine and the Cascadia Weekly.

Shop Local!

Nov 17 – Dec 24, 10am-7pm, 1310 Cornwall Ave., 28th ANNUAL HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS: Enjoy the Festivities and find unique handmade gifts for everyone on your list! Hear live music, see artist demonstrations, choose from thousands of original gifts created by local artisans.  Photos with Santa on weekends from noon-3pm.  Giving Tree gift opportunities benefiting local nonprofits.

Friday, Dec 7, shopping 6-9pm & fashion showcase 9:30-11pm, Downtown Bellingham & Fairhaven, Project Bham presents…SHOP HOP! & FASHION SHOWCASE: Project BHAM is melding all past events into one fabulous night of in-store shopping for three fun filled hours, culminating with a grand finale fashion show at the Depot Market Square. Free transportation between downtown and Fairhaven on the Red Line!  Courtesy of WTA.  Get your Free Ride Coupon at participating merchants. Venture to all sides of town to discover and re-discover shopping destinations and to ‘Buy Local’ this holiday season!

Friday, Dec 7, 5-11pm, The Gateway Building, Railroad + Holly, LEFT RIGHT LEFT and FRANK JAMES present: HO-HO-HOLLADAYZ! Where holiday shopping is naughty and nice!  Both stores will be celebrating the kick-off to a holiday sale weekend with their second annual HOLLADAYZ bash -- complete with Santa's sexy elves, goodie bags, and cocoa spiked with cheer. Don't end up with a lump of coal in your stocking! Buy one, get one half off all weekend long in both stores!

Dec 7-9, Dec 14-16, & Dec 21-24, 10am-6pm, 1522 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, 10th ANNUAL PACIFIC ARTS HOLIDAY MARKET: Shop local and handmade this holiday season. The Market features over 60 well-known local artists and crafters, with a variety of work including pottery, jewelry, fine art, textiles, clothing, bath & body, specialty foods, home décor, paper crafts, and much more. This fun family event also presents live music and a silent auction throughout all three weekends.  This year we’ll keep our doors open until 9pm on Friday, Dec. 7th, to celebrate opening day in our fantastic new location and the downtown Gallery Walk.

Sunday, Dec 9, noon-6pm, The Majestic, 1027 N Forest St., Bellingham, I HEART INDIE HOLIDAYS: A fun filled holiday shopping day that gets you away from the crowds at the mall and back to what DIY is all about. Fun gift ideas from indie artists and crafters.  Sponsored in part by the paperdoll.