Bellingham Weekend Buzz: Cultural Fest, Runnin' O' the Green, St. Patrick's Parade, and More

Good morning, this is your Bellingham Local Frequency for March 15, 2025. The city is buzzing with excitement as we head into a weekend packed with events and activities. First up, the annual Whatcom Cultural Arts Festival kicks off today at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. This three-day celebration showcases the diverse cultures of our area through art, craft, food, music, and dance. Be sure to catch performances by local artists and participate in free youth art activities throughout the weekend. For those looking to get active, the Runnin' O' the Green event is happening this morning. Participants can choose between a 5k or 8k route, starting at 10 a.m. and finishing with a festive drink at Boundary Bay Brewery. Don't forget to wear your favorite green attire or kilt for this St. Patrick's Day-themed run. Speaking of St. Patrick's Day, the 15th annual Bellingham St. Patrick's Day Parade is set for today, honoring our local police and fire departments. The parade promises to be a lively affair, with plenty of green and Irish spirit on display. Nature enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that registration is now open for the Native Plant Stewardship Course, starting in mid-April. This six-week program, offered by the Washington Native Plant Society and the City of Bellingham, provides an excellent opportunity to learn about Pacific Northwest native plants and their conservation. In local news, the Bellingham Police Department reports an increase in DUI arrests this year compared to last. They're reminding everyone to plan for a safe ride home if celebrating this weekend, especially with additional patrols planned for St. Patrick's Day on Monday. For those interested in local politics, state legislators from the 40th and 42nd districts are holding town halls today. These events offer a chance to hear updates from the ongoing legislative session and ask questions directly to your representatives. Looking ahead, boating enthusiasts should note that 2025 Aquatic Invasive Species permits for Whatcom County lakes are now on sale. Boat inspections will begin in late April, but all boats require a valid permit when on Lake Whatcom or Lake Samish. Finally, a reminder that Daylight Saving Time begins tomorrow, so don't forget to set your clocks forward tonight. As we spring forward, wildlife experts advise extra caution on the roads, especially during dawn and dusk, as animals may be more active during these transitional times. This has been Bellingham Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.