From the newsroom

Holiday activities are in full swing in Whatcom and Skagit counties, starting with Festive First Friday in downtown Bellingham this evening (plus a tree lighting ceremony tomorrow).

As tradition requires, Whatcom Museum's Old City Hall will be decked to the nines through 2026. Downtown art spaces including Make.Shift and the FAB Studios have holiday maker's markets, and Mount Bakery is even hosting a pop-up version of the Lucky Monkey's former "The Wreath as an Art Form" show, which will remain on view through December.

Ferndale promises to be equally merry and bright this weekend; in addition to tonight's tree lighting ceremony, Olde Fashioned Christmas in Pioneer Village is open through Saturday. The Ferndale Heritage Society has transformed the park's historic log cabins into miniature winter wonderlands, complete with crafts, music and visits with Santa Claus himself.

Fairhaven Winterfest continues Saturday afternoon, with the free Holiday Port Festival (plus its annual gingerbread house contest) just down the road at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. Finally, Stones Throw Brewery is bringing back its Winterfest bonfire Saturday evening, with enough hot chocolate, mulled wine and winter ale to keep you toasty all night long.

Oh, and did I mention it's officially maker's market season? Notable events this weekend include Arts and Ales at Aslan Depot and Valley Made Market in Mount Vernon. Check my holiday activity roundup and craft market calendar for a more comprehensive roundup.

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Today's news

Traffic on Interstate 5 is backed up in November in the southbound lane near Meridian Street. (Finn Wendt/Cascadia Daily News)

Crashes and congestion: I-5 through Bellingham is known to be dysfunctional

Cloud Mountain to transfer to Whatcom Land Trust for interim period

Whatcom health department warns Custer gun range: Fix escaping fragments or face fines

PeaceHealth cut a cardiac rehab supervisor. Some patients worry about their care

Cozy new cafe opens in former Narrative Coffee space

Another immodest proposal: The scourge that is pickleball must be stopped

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Faces in the Crowd

Carl McDaniel stands outside the library in Kendall in September. McDaniel serves on multiple commissions, boards and committees and also plays Santa Claus at events when needed. (Finn Wendt/Cascadia Daily News)

Carl McDaniel: East Whatcom good samaritan

"Faces in the Crowd" is published weekly online on Fridays. Have a suggestion for a "Faces in the Crowd" subject? Email us at newstips@cascadiadaily.com.

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