This year at the "Discover Bellingham VolksFest", September 11-13, we will have a very special "American Authors & Literary Landmarks" VolksWalk. The NW Tulip Trekkers will have a group VolksWalk at 2:00pm on Saturday, September 12, this 5km walk will be led by mystery writer Jo Dereske the author of the Miss Zukas Mystery series and other mysteries. Most of Miss Zukas mysteries take place in the city of Bellehaven which is Bellingham and Fairhaven. Jo will be walking to and talking about the many places and landmarks mentioned in her mysteries. She will also be available for a short Q&A after the walk and does plan on enjoying our special salmon dinner Saturday evening after the day of walking.

In addition to the above Special Event this walk also includes the following: Museums, Artistic Heritage, World Libraries, Native American Culture, Walkin' Waterfalls, Historic Churches, Firehouses, Railroad Heritage, Walking Courthouses, and Walking Europe in the U.S.

These other four walks also include many of the places mentioned in Jo's mysteries and more of the AVA Special Events.

For more information on the Miss Zukas Mystery Series and other books by Jo Dereske; www.jodereske.com

Discover Bellingham VolksFest - 2009

Printable Event Schedule (pdf) Registration Form (pdf) Accommodations (pdf)

Bellingham was founded in 1863 and is located midway between Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia. Nestled between Bellingham Bay and the North Cascade Mountains near Mount Baker, stunning views are abundant on a clear day. Bellingham is home to Western Washington University (WWU) located on Sehome Hill, from which there are sweeping views across the bay to the San Juan Islands. For more information on Bellingham go to www.bellingham.org.

A Multi-event, three-day festival of walks. An ice cream social, meet 'n' greet and a Salmon Dinner. Five walk routes plus four Year-Round events available for those who want even more walking and 1 bike event. We haven't forgotten the fourth F in Volkswalking-Food! Join us for the Senior Center Ice Cream Social on Friday afternoon, and, after the special Leaders' Group walk on Friday, come to a walkers' meet 'n' greet. On Saturday, the Senior Center is hosting Breakfast and a Salmon Dinner.

Whatcom Falls/Sculpture Garden, 10/15 km rated 2/3 - 10 km.
Walk on sidewalks and trails to Whatcom Falls Park. Take park trails to Whatcom Falls and Bellingham Fish Hatchery. 15 km option continues on park trails to Big Rock Sculpture Gardens with its many sculptures within the 2.5 acre garden set within a grove of evergreens. Return via greenway trails/sidewalks. Not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

NEW ROUTE: Lake Padden, 5/10 km rated 1 (Friday and Saturday only).
Walk on gravel trail around Lake Padden in long standing forest. 5 km is once around the lake. 10 km is twice around the lake. Drive to the start of the walk from the Senior Center. Not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

Bellingham City and Bay, 5/10 km. Rated 1.
FRIDAY'S 4PM LEADERS' WALK, SATURDAY & SUNDAY
Also special group walk lead by famous author Jo Dereske Sat 2 pm
Route is along the waterfront and harbor, through two parks and by the General George Picket House. You also walk on trails along Whatcom Creek and through downtown Bellingham and Farmer's Market (Saturday). On the 2 pm Miss Zukas walk, author Jo Dereske will point out landmarks described in the Miss Zukas mysteries. Suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

Western Washington University/Sehome Hill 6/10 km rated 3,4.
Route is on city streets to Western Washington University. Through the main campus and up trails to the top of Sehome Hill/Arboretum, a 700 feet elevation gain, and the lookout tower with great views of Bellingham Bay and the Canadian Coast Mountains. Return via the Farmer's Depot Market and downtown. 5 km goes to WWU campus and returns through downtown, 250 feet elevation gain. Not suitable for strollers/wheelch.

Ferry Route 10 km rated 1 (Saturday Only).
Walk 3 km along Whatcom Creek to Marina, and take a passenger ferry ($5.00 charge per person) across Bellingham Bay to the Fairhaven Ferry Terminal. Learn a little of Bellingham's history along the way. Return 7 km through Fairhaven Historical Community , along the Taylor Street dock and walkway, through Boulevard Park, and along the South Bay Trail through downtown Bellingham and Farmer's Depot Market. Not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs

NEW Bike Route, 25 km (Saturday and Sunday only).
Ride is within the city of Bellingham, mostly along Bellingham Bay, with views of the San Juan Islands, and at times Mount Baker.

AWARD: This award stands alone or you can build onto it at every Bellingham VolksFest. First year award is 1 1/4" cast metal relief of the Whatcom Museum. Second year is a metal Salmon to hang on the first year award and the third year is a metal Orca. $3 prior to Sept 1, $4 after.

Shirts: T-shirts, sweatshirts and hooded sweatshirts are available in red with a Discover Bellingham VolksFest silk-screened on the front and our famous footprints on the back. These shirts are sure to be a great reminder of a fun weekend. $15 for a t-shirt, $20 for a sweatshirt, $25 for a hooded sweatshirt. $1 discount if ordered when you pre-register. Sizes M-XL, Quantities limited.

Door Prizes: Special door prizes for pre-registered walkers: Largest group, farthest traveled plus others. All walkers eligible for lots of door prizes during the weekend.