Annual Summer Party

Join the pre-party festivities (at 11:30 a.m.) in celebration of the Co-op’s completed downtown improvement projects. We’ll celebrate and then parade down Holly Street in grand fashion from the Downtown store parking lot to Maritime Heritage Park.

This year we are especially pleased to welcome The New Old Time Chautauqua—a perennial crowd favorite and America’s only traveling Chautauqua—back to the party.

Chautauquas are based on the idea that learning continues throughout life. The Chautauqua Movement began in 1874, bringing a mix of education and entertainment to communities throughout the nation. When a Chautauqua came to town, all normal activity stopped while citizens dedicated a week of their lives to learn, be entertained and join with their community.

The Flying Karamazov Brothers will headline the variety show, along with The New Old Time Chautauqua! After the show, members from the troupe will host circus arts workshops.

Local up-and-coming talent in the Bellingham Youth Jazz Summer Band opens the party at high noon, and powerhouse old-school rock-and-roller Jasmine Green will close it down from 3:30 to 5 p.m.!

Community Party schedule of events
–11:30 am Parade down Holly Street, from the Co-op’s downtown store parking lot to the park, with The Fighting Instruments of Karma Marching Band (and more)
–noon–12:45 pm Bellingham Youth Jazz Summer Band
–1–2:30 pm The New Old Time Chautauqua featuring The Flying Karamazov Brothers
–3:30 pm Jasmine Green Band: free-range rockabilly, rock, soul, blues, pop and country

Free fun
–Chautauqua workshops: learn and practice circus arts
–Face painting: a perennial favorite at the party
–Fun crafts: make a fun craft project to take home
–Nonprofit info fair: representation from our best community groups

Food and fun for purchase
–$3 Co-op Deli burrito: best deal in town—a vegetarian burrito with all the fixin’s (gluten-free option available)
–Mallard Ice Cream: super premium ice cream. “It’s darn good!”
–Arctic Fox: local ice cream sandwiches
–BHAM Bike N’ Blend: pedal-powered smoothies
–Henna Art by Amy Lee: embellish and adorn your body with this ancient art form