COCOA’S PICKS

Father’s Day Car Show

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 16, Bellewood Farms, 6140 Guide Meridian Road, Lynden

Back in January, I sat down with Motown musician Checo Tohomaso ahead of the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship’s Martin Luther King Day event. The Motown legend is based in British Columbia, but he does make his way across the border for certain events — including the annual Father’s Day Car Show. If you missed the chance to catch him in January, he’ll be at Bellewood Farms for the event from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Despite being noteworthy, Tohomaso’s performance isn’t the day’s focal point. That honor belongs to the 200-plus vintage and modified cars on show. The event is presented by the Gear Heads of Whatcom County and is free to attend. Attendees can also enjoy tastings of the distillery’s applewood-smoked bourbon. 

In other words, if you’re stuck on how to spend Father’s Day, you can’t go wrong with vintage cars, spirits and soul music. Info: bellewoodfarms.com.

Father’s Day at Boundary Bay 

5 p.m. Sunday, June 16, Boundary Bay Brewery, 1107 Railroad Ave.

If the dad in your life prefers country music to cars, this event at Boundary Bay might be more his speed. But dads aren’t the only people worth honoring on Sunday, June 16: This performance — advertised as celebrating “the grads, the dads and the bubbly” — is timed perfectly for graduation season too. 

Whether you’re out and about for a holiday, a life milestone or simply to listen to some good, old-fashioned Americana, everyone is welcome at this all-ages event. Doors open at 5 p.m., and local country band County Rose will be playing from 6 p.m. on. The event has a $10 cover, though families can get in for a flat price of $25. Info: bbaybrewery.com.

Shakespeare in the Park: ‘Twelfth Night’

7 p.m. June 14–15 (BAAY Theatre) and 2 p.m. June 15–16 (Maritime Heritage Park), 1059 N. State St. and 500 W. Holly St.

Taylor Swift fans are known as Swifties, “Harry Potter” fans are Potterheads and Shakespeare lovers are … bardolators? In all seriousness, the act of idolizing the Bard is known as “bardolatry” — and the term is legit enough to merit its own Wikipedia page.

On a not-unrelated note — whether you’re a known bardolator or a casual enjoyer of fine arts al fresco, you’ll be pleased to know about the Shakespeare in the Park event from Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth (BAAY).

The series’ first installment, “Twelfth Night,” is a romantic comedy about mistaken identity. The plot focuses on twins Viola and Sebastian, who are separated in a shipwreck. The show, performed by a troupe of actors from BAAY, is open to audiences of all ages. In addition to performances at Maritime Heritage Park June 15–16, audiences can catch the play at BAAY Theatre June 14–15. Info: baay.org.

Berry Dairy Days

June 14–16, locations vary, Burlington

The North Sound farming community is known for two major exports — and as it happens, they just so happen to rhyme. Berry Dairy Days, an annual celebration of Burlington’s agricultural bounty, has been occurring for 87 years (and counting). What began as a volunteer firefighter fundraiser has grown into a full-fledged festival complete with food, entertainment, live music and more. 

Festivities run Friday through Sunday and include everything from a strawberry shortcake booth to a Kiwanis salmon barbecue, a car show, lawnmower races and a pie eating contest. Even if you can’t make it to every event, make sure to catch the grand parade as it marches through downtown Burlington 11 a.m. Saturday. Check online for a full schedule. Info: berrydairydays.com.

Whatcom This Whey and Choose Your Own Adventure Dairy Farm Tour

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 15, locations vary, Whatcom County

Whatcom County is known for its dairy — and if you’ve ever wanted a behind-the-scenes look at how your favorite cheese gets made, now’s your chance. On Saturday, June 15, various Whatcom County farms will give consumers an inside look at the nitty-gritty of dairy farming and cheesemaking. 

The event begins with a wagon tour at one of several participating local farms, where you’ll learn about practices such as soil management, water protection and wildlife habitat restoration. Next, step inside a creamery to learn the science (and art) behind products ranging from chocolate milk to cheese. As a bonus, you’ll spend an afternoon hanging out with some seriously cute cows.

Participating farms include Appel Farms Cheese, Twin Sisters Creamery, Grace Harbor Farms and more. Check online for a full list of farms and activities. Info: wadairy.com.

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ALL EVENTS

Calendar listings written by contributor Maya Heinselman.

Friday, June 7

‘An Iliad’

7:30–9 p.m., June 7–8, Idiom Theatre, 1417 Cornwall Ave.

A reimagining of Homer’s classic “Iliad,” Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare’s “An Iliad” gives a fresh take on the legend of the Trojan War and the heroes who played a part in it. Experience these tales in a new light with the performers at Idiom Theatre for just two nights. Info: idiomtheatre.org.

Saturday, June 8

Cloudscapes in the Skagit Valley

Noon to 1:30 p.m., Hillcrest Park, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon

Interested in learning how to paint landscape and sky scenes? This guided watercolor class is just the push you need to get started, and all the materials are provided. Participants are asked to bring a favorite sky picture for inspiration. Info: mountvernonwa.gov.

Drag-Prov!

8–9:30 p.m., The Upfront Theatre, 203 Prospect St.

Drag performers Pupusa, This Girl and Elle BP are all glammed up and ready for an unforgettable night of improv. Compete in lip sync battles, improv games and so much more as these artists captivate you with their ensembles and humor. Info: theupfront.com.

Pride Anthems 

7:30 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St.

With Pride month just beginning, you’re invited to celebrate (and perhaps sing along) at Mount Baker Theatre’s Pride Anthems event. As a delightful added surprise, the cast of performers now includes special guest John Cameron Mitchell. You might recognize him as the director, star and co-writer of the classic film “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” Info: mountbakertheatre.com.

‘My Word! Dragons’ Book Signings

3–5 p.m., Art and Happiness, 2004 James St.

Bellingham’s own Eduard Schwan recently published a book and is hosting a signing at a local art supply store. “My Word! Dragons” contains word searches, maze puzzles, cryptograms and more for individuals of all ages to enjoy. Info: schwansongs.com.

‘Remembering the Olympic Pipeline Tragedy’: Film Screening

9:30 a.m., Pickford Film Center, 1318 Bay St.

Pipeline Safety Trust is presenting an informational film detailing the events of the Olympic Pipeline Tragedy that occurred on June 10, 1999, what has happened in the 25 years since the disaster, and to commemorate the three lives lost as a result of it. Info: pickfordfilmcenter.org.

The Clairvoyants

8 p.m., Silver Reef Casino Resort, 4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale

Austrian duo Amélie van Tass and Thommy Ten are taking their Vegas headliner and current international show to Ferndale to share the wonders of their mind-reading act with Whatcom County audiences. Info: silverreefcasino.com.

Sunday, June 9

Bellingham Bike Swap

7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Boundary Bay Brewery Alley and Beer Garden, 1107 Railroad Ave.

Shifting Gears’s annual bike and gear sale is back, so if you need a new bike and/or bike parts, now’s the time to get them. For those who have extra bike materials, you’ll have the chance to drop off your gear for Shifting Gears to sell back to the community. Info: letsshiftgears.org.

Thursday, June 13

Bess Bronstein: ‘Tough Trees and Shrubs for Tough Times’

7:30 to 9 p.m., Whatcom Museum, 121 Prospect St.

Listen in on Bess Bronstein’s discussion about the woody plants that thrive in the Pacific Northwest, and get a feel for plants that might make great additions to your garden. Learn which plants are easiest to maintain, don’t house common pests and look great throughout all four seasons. Info: whatcomhortsociety.org.

National Theatre Live: ‘Nye’

6 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St.

Known as the “politician with the greatest influence over the U.K. without ever being Prime Minister,” Nye Bevan certainly accomplished many things throughout his life. Learn about this creator of the UK’s National Health Service through Michael Sheen’s insightful characterization of him. Info: lincolntheatre.org.

Friday, June 14

Tool Fair

8 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 14–15, Hardware Sales, 2034 James St.

This year’s Tool Fair at Hardware Sales not only includes deals and activities at the store itself, but organizations around the neighborhood are joining in as well. Enjoy the discounts at Hardware Sales; then, grab a Tool Fair shirt to show off at other businesses around town — including Kulshan Brewing and Avenue Bread — for even more deals. Info: hardwaresales.com.

‘Neverwonderland of Oz’

6:30 p.m., June 14–17, Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St.

The three heroines of Neverland, Wonderland and Oz are sisters who join forces to defeat the evil villains of their respective stories in this thrilling spin on classic tales. Watch Wendy, Alice and Dorothy save their worlds in this creative crossover. Info: mountbakertheatre.com.

‘The SpongeBob Musical’

June 7–8 and 14–15, New Prospect Theatre, 207 Prospect St.

The cast of kid performers at Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth (BAAY) will bring SpongeBob and his friends to life for two weekends this summer, transforming New Prospect Theatre into an above-water version of Bikini Bottom. Performers are between the ages of 13–17, and the production promises to “make a splash with audiences young and old.” Broadway fans, parents and nostalgic ’90s kids (like me) are sure to get a kick out of it. Info: baay.org.

Saturday, June 15

Shoestring Circus 

June 7–9, 13–16 and 20–23, times vary, Bellingham waterfront, Granary Ave.

Shoestring Circus was founded by four Bellingham residents and, in addition to performers from across the globe, features both artists and crew from Whatcom County. This year’s event is an all-new, medieval fantasy-themed performance featuring world-class circus artists, “high stakes absurdity” and the signature white-and-red tent. It’ll be posted up at Waypoint Park for three weekends, so reserve your spot while you still can. Info: shoestringcircus.com. 

‘Vaudevillingham’

7 p.m. and 9 p.m., Bellingham Circus Guild, 1401 6th St., Suite 102

It’s time once again for the Bellingham Circus Guild’s monthly open-stage show! Be prepared to witness anything from ax juggling to mad-lib sing-alongs from professional and new performers. Bring the whole family to the 7 p.m. show, or attend the 9 p.m. show for adult-friendly “anything goes” acts. Info: bellinghamcircusguild.com.

Sunday, June 16

Spring Craft Market

Noon to 5 p.m., Beach Cat Brewing Company, 7876 Birch Bay Drive

There’s one more craft market you won’t want to miss this spring: the Beach Cat Brewing Craft Market. This market supports the organization Animals as Natural Therapy as well as over 20 small businesses offering a variety of unique goods and prizes at each booth. Info: beachcatbrewing.com

Before heading out to attend in-person happenings, check with individual venues to make sure the event is still taking place as scheduled.

The A-List appears weekly. To submit an event for consideration, email calendar@cascadiadaily.com.

Cocoa Laney is CDN’s lifestyle editor; reach her at cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 128.