Fairs and Broadway hits are in the forecast for this week, along with a poetry reading benefit and a theater camp show. And don’t forget the Subdued Stringband Jamboree.
“Stirrup” some fun at the “mane” event of the summer
The Skagit County Fair runs Wednesday, Aug. 10, through Saturday, Aug. 13, at the fairgrounds in Mount Vernon. A carnival, plenty of farm animals, live entertainment on a variety of stages, exhibits, classes, a livestock sale and much more will take place throughout the week. Entry is $10–$12. Family passes are available, and children ages 5 and younger can attend for free. For the full schedule and more details, go to skagitcounty.net/fair.
Jammin’ in Deming
The Subdued Stringband Jamboree takes place Thursday through Saturday, Aug. 11–13, at the Deming Logging Show grounds, 3295 Cedarville Rd. The 22nd annual event is dedicated to nurturing a strong local music community while connecting national and international folk, roots and emerging musicians with supportive audiences year-round, culminating in this three-day event.
Weekend passes for ages 14 and older are $170. Single-day passes are $60; those younger than 14 get in free with an adult, and parents older than 80 get in free with a child. Paper tickets are available in advance at Phoebe Wall & Co./Bison Bookbinding & Letterpress.
Tickets at the gate are $65 for a day pass, $190 for a weekend pass. Gate sales are cash only. (An ATM is available on site.) Car camping is not included in the weekend pass. Reservable car and RV campsites are available for a fee. Walk-in camping is free. Get tix at stringbandjamboree.com.
Nighttime jams are among the highlights of the Subdued Stringband Jamboree, which takes place Aug. 11–13 at the Deming Logging Show grounds. The annual event is dedicated to nurturing a strong local music community while connecting national and international folk, roots and emerging musicians with supportive audiences. (Photo courtesy of Robert Sarazin Blake)
Camp LarraBAAY: Broadway hits
Enjoy outdoor performances at Larrabee State Park’s amphitheater performed by students in Camp LarraBAAY. This showcase will include a variety of Broadway favorites performed by Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth students ages 9 through 14 — singing, dancing and all-around summer fun for the whole family.
Performers are split into two casts — each day will feature a performance by both casts, one after the other, so you can watch double the fun. Shows take place at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Aug. 12–13, outdoors at the Larrabee State Park Amphitheater. Admission is by donation. Find out more at baay.org.
Poetry and song
Award-winning local poet Robert Lashley is raising money for Bellingham’s Planned Parenthood from 8–10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12, at Honey Moon Mead and Cider, 1053 N. State St. (in the alley behind Pepper Sisters). Sarah Goodin is joining him, playing guitar and singing her (mostly) original songs. Details: honeymoonmeads.com/calendar.
Drink up at BrewFest
Skagit’s longest-running craft brew festival is set from 3–8:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, at Edgewater Park along the banks of the Skagit River in Mount Vernon. This year’s BrewFest will feature 35 local craft brews, three of the region’s most popular bands, leisure games, tie-dye courtesy of Tri-Dee Arts, vendors and local food trucks.
A cornhole tournament will be hosted by Upper Left Cornhole. Upper bracket winner: First-place cash prize is $250. Lower bracket winners: gift cards. Cornhole players get entry at 2 p.m.
Advance tickets are $30, $50 VIP Section; $15 “designated driver” (no beer scrip), plus applicable fees. All prices are an additional $10 at the gate. Lincoln Theatre members receive $2 off all ticket tiers. Glean details at lincolntheatre.org.
San Juan County Fair
This fair in Friday Harbor runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily from Aug. 17–20. The carnival opens at noon and closes by midnight or before. Season passes are $30 for adults, $20 for active military, seniors and ages 6–17. Daily passes are $15 for adults, $10 for active military, seniors and ages 6–17. Kids 5 and younger get in free.
If you’re traveling to the San Juans by car, Washington State Ferries has a new reservation system at wsdot.gov/ferries. Reservations are advised for all summer travel. Walk-on ferry passengers attending the San Juan County Fair should be aware a San Juan Transit shuttle van will meet each Washington state ferry at the Friday Harbor landing to transport passengers to the main gate. The shuttle returns to the ferry landing from the main gate for connection to departing ferries. This service is free to fair-goers and is provided by the San Juan County Fair. For more info: sjcfair.org.
Get your art on the walls
Allied Arts of Whatcom County is seeking multimedia and multidisciplinary artists to fill its exhibits in 2023, and no previous gallery or exhibition experience is required. The gallery has the ability to display a wide range of work in the space — from large ceramic sculptures to glass cases for handmade jewelry. This is an excellent opportunity for emerging artists to gain experience for CVs and artist resumes, interact with the local art community, build a portfolio and sell work.
The application period is open now through 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 25. Membership in Allied Arts is required for this series at the business level, but there are no additional jury, application or exhibit fees. Memberships can also be filled out online or are available in the Allied Arts Gallery at 1418 Cornwall Ave. Details are at alliedarts.org.
Before attending an in-person event, check with individual venues to make sure it is taking place as scheduled.
Margaret Bikman’s column runs every Wednesday. Reach her at margaret.bikman@gmail.com.
