By Stacee Sledge
Craft beer is big in Bellingham — no one would deny it. In fact, Bellingham was recently ranked the Snobbiest Beer City in the United States.
But our area is known for other fantastic (alcoholic) beverages, which come from Whatcom County’s array of distilleries and wineries.
Combine the beer, wine and spirits, and then throw in a nod to our area’s bountiful agricultural industry, and you’ve got an inaugural event to celebrate them all: Hoppingham.
Hoppingham: A Hops and Harvest Festival is set to take place in the Bellis Fair Mall lot at Bakerview/Cordata on Saturday, September 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., offering local brews, wine, spirits, food and more.
“The idea originated from the Board of Directors of the Chamber,” says Guy Occhiogrosso, president and CEO of the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce. “One of them had organized a similar event in another location.”
Looking to launch an Oktoberfest-style event, the Chamber also wanted something uniquely Bellingham, just for the community.
“That’s where the name “Hoppingham” came from,” says Occhiogrosso. “And we thought it would be fun to throw the last big party of the summer, tying in the pieces that make our community unique — both hops and harvest.”
Bellingham has become synonymous with craft beer, but Whatcom County also has an amazing agricultural community that supports the other side of the spirits genre with wine and distilled spirits.
“We wanted to also acknowledge the agricultural portion of our community with a harvest-time celebration,” Occhiogrosso says.
Another popular thing that ties in perfectly with fall and Whatcom County? Football.
“We’re partnering with the Bellingham Sea Hawkers Booster Club to have an official rally at Hoppingham,” says Occhiogrosso. “They’ll be giving away tickets to the home opener and all kinds of fun stuff.”
As if that weren’t enough to celebrate the end of summer and the start of fall, Hoppingham will also feature a car show (with no cost of admission) and live music.
Vendors are still being confirmed, but expect to see Boundary Bay, Aslan Brewing Co., Masquerade Wine Company, Mount Baker Vineyards & Winery, Tulip Valley Vineyard and Orchard, and more.
Organizers want this to be a responsible event, so there will be a discounted designated driver admission fee.
Bellis Fair Mall is helping to make Hoppingham a hit. “They’ve been a great partner in this venture,” says Occhiogrosso, “really allowing us to establish a firm foundation for this event, with the opportunity to grow in the future.”
“Bellis Fair is proud to be a part of the first annual Hoppingham,” says René Morris, senior general manager of Bellis Fair Mall. “Attendees to this signature event will find the 150,000-square-foot area centrally located with easy access and hundreds of free parking spaces. We hope the community will come out in full force to show support for the Chamber of Commerce and our great local businesses.”
“We want this to be an iconic Bellingham event that people look forward to,” agrees Occhiogrosso, “where we can showcase some of our local products¾and our local spirit.”
Tickets can be purchased at www.bellingham.com.
Hoppingham: A Hops and Harvest Festival
Saturday, September 19
10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (beer garden opens at noon)
Admission: $20 (includes 10 tasting tickets; full pours $5); $10 for designated drivers
