Each year, the Fairhaven Association hosts a spectacular round of events to celebrate the season with Winterfest, from reading winter-themed tales to keeping holiday lights twinkling through February. It’s a cherished, nearly month-long festival steeped in Fairhaven’s historic traditions and unique ambiance. Executive Director Heather Carter recently sat down with WhatcomTalk to highlight one of Winterfest’s many events, Tales of the Season, while also spreading the word about “Sponsoring the Sparkle,” an initiative aimed at helping the association fund this year’s Winterfest lights.
Tales of the Season
Tales of the Season features winter-themed, locally written stories read aloud by their authors in December as a part of the annual Winterfest celebration.
“Locals can submit stories, and then we have a live reading event at Village Books,” says Carter. “In the past, it’s always been very much an adult-driven event where we get 15 to 25 stories, and it is fabulous. This year we’ve opened it up to kids as well — and it’s free for them; there’s a nominal charge of $5 for adults.”
Themes from past years include “Midwinter Night’s Dream” and “Snow Day.” This year, the theme for submitted tales is “My Favorite Holiday Meal Ever” for adults (13 and over), which includes short stories or poems penned by Whatcom residents. For kids 13 and under, the prompt is “Baking with Loved Ones.” Carter wanted a lighter theme from years prior and the current food fare-related topics were inspired by her love of food competition shows.
The Fairhaven Association encourages younger folks to participate and submit their entries. Stories or poems are required to be nonfictional with a length of up to 400 words. Currently, story readings take place December 12 at Village Books starting at 6 p.m. If needed, the remaining stories are scheduled for their readings on December 19 at the same location. For those who prefer not to read their stories out loud, Village Books Co-Owner Paul Hanson has volunteered for the job.
Interested writers may submit their stories up until November 22.
Vital Support for the Fairhaven Association
The Fairhaven Association works tirelessly to fund all of their many popular events throughout the year. Keeping the lights on in the Village for Winterfest and through February is no small feat.
“Funding has been challenging in 2024 and, for the lighting project, we invest about $15,000 a year to make sure that the lights all go on in the Village,” Carter says. “The Fairhaven Association covers that. So, this year, we’re doing something called ‘Sponsor the Sparkle,’ a kind of network telethon event.
Donors can purchase a “light” and the Association will put it up in Finnegan’s Alley with other donors’ bulbs. Each one is $100 and helps the Fairhaven Association keep the lights on for the holidays, literally.
“I have little die cut-outs of Christmas lights, and when someone purchases ‘the sparkle’ they get their name or business printed on the light,” says Carter. “It gets put on our door here at the Fairhaven Association, and they’ll be up all season long. Then, every month, we will highlight those people on social media.”
“We want to get the word out that this is something that the Fairhaven Association does do and provides for the community,” says Carter. “All of our events during Winterfest, are free.” The Fairhaven Association continues their traditions through sponsorships and much-appreciated donations.
Save the Dates for Winterfest
Tales of the Season and Sponsoring the Sparkle are all part of one of the most magical extravaganzas in Whatcom: Fairhaven’s Winterfest.
“Like most years, there will be visiting with Santa, carriage rides, the boat parade, the Luminary Walk, a big bonfire, a couple of holiday concerts happening at Firehouse and the Art Walk,” Carter says. “Scott Ward has once again painted our poster for us, and it is absolutely beautiful. It features the Firelight Stroll, which is always such a fan favorite for everybody.”
During Winterfest you can fill out a frequent shopper card while stocking up on holiday gifts and get the chance to win prizes. Stroll through the Village and experience festive carolers, holiday cheer, and gorgeous light displays — including the main tree — or write a letter to Santa.
The Village takes on the aesthetic of yesteryear and evokes a sense of timeless wonder, especially with the Luminary Forest and Walk. Supporting local businesses is not only vital to the community, but during Winterfest it’s an experience not to be missed!
Winterfest is presented by the Fairhaven Village Inn and runs from November 30 through December 21. Check the event page for a list of local sponsors and updated event dates.
Sponsored
