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    It’s true: Lynden to create world’s longest strawberry shortcake at Farmers Day Parade!

    By
    Joel VanderHoek
    -

    1,250 feet — that’s all the way through downtown Lynden.

    From the Dutch Village Mall on 7th & Front all the way to Colony House Furniture on 3rd & Front near the museum, a world-record berry shortcake will block the road on Saturday, June 4th during this year’s Farmers Day Parade.

    “Since we have the world’s sweetest strawberries and shortcake is such a wonderful way to enjoy them, this will be a fun way to celebrate Lynden’s 125th anniversary”

    Lynden is known for its berries, dairies, and a love of food — so the giant treat seemed like a great way to gather and celebrate as a community. Gary Vis, executive director of the Lynden Chamber of Commerce, explains that the shortcake will be topped with locally grown strawberries, plus local ice cream and whipped cream. The community will then be invited to eat free servings of the strawberry shortcake.

    A mini strawberry shortcake, which pales in comparison to Lyndens record-setting attempt this summer!
    A mini strawberry shortcake, which pales in comparison to Lynden’s record-setting attempt this summer!

    Plenty of people should be around to help eat the shortcake, since it will be built immediately following the popular Farmers Day Parade, which draws up to 10,000 people annually. The parade, which celebrates our local agricultural heritage, will start at 10:30 a.m. and conclude around 12 noon.

    “Once we’ve built the 1,250-foot shortcake, photographers and a drone will produce the documentation we need to submit to Guiness World Records,” Vis said. “Then volunteers will begin serving free strawberry shortcake to everyone who stays.”

    Downtown Lynden during last year's Farmers Day Parade.
    Downtown Lynden during last year’s Farmers Day Parade.

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    When we need each other most: farmers, neighbors help out during Lynden storm

    By
    Joel VanderHoek
    -
    Tractor helps pull a semi from the ditch (photo credit: Berk's Towing)

    It was Lynden’s biggest winter storm in decades.

    For a week straight, snowfall pounded Lynden area like no other in the state. Freezing rain layered dangerous ice on nearly everything. Strong winds brought bone-chilling cold that piled snow in large drifts and took down ice-laden power lines and trees.

    And the Lynden community responded in a big way.

    As conditions worsened, residents stayed home when possible. City crews plowed roads around the clock, but it wasn’t enough. But seemingly every tractor in the area — large and small, new and old — was re-purposed to clear snow from roads and driveways.

    Nick Snydar worked around the clock in Snydar Farms’ tractor to clear roads and pull drivers from the ditch.

    Nick Snydar of Snydar Farms Custom Farming, pictured in the John Deere tractor above, was very active all week volunteering his time and resources. “Just did what I could to help the local farmers and neighbors we serve in the county.”

    With his large tractor, Snydar focused mainly on county roads surrounding Lynden. “I know what a struggle it is for milk trucks and feed trucks to get around to the farms and the county snowplow trucks couldn’t keep up!” He even pulled out a stuck snowplow, in addition to Sheriff’s vehicle, other large farming equipment, and around a dozen cars.

    An LTI snowplow and John Deere tractor plow as weather improves Thursday afternoon. (photo: Nick Snydar)

    Inside city limits and out, farmers could be seen day and night helping their neighbors out. The ourLynden Facebook page was filled with these stories:

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    Independence Day in Lynden: Everything You Need to Know

    By
    Bailee Mulder
    -
    Fireworks Stand on the Guide Meridian in Lynden

    Editor’s Note: Bailee Mulder is a Lynden native and journalism student at the University of Oregon. You’ll see posts from her throughout the summer on ourLynden, and we’ll soon post an article to fully introduce our readers to Bailee. Welcome, Bailee!

    The Fourth of July is a holiday loved by Lyndenites, where we celebrate America’s independence and our freedoms with family and friends in our community. Some go on camping trips, others enjoy backyard barbeques, many do fireworks, but however you decide to celebrate, a holiday spent with the ones we love on a beautiful day is always something special.

    Wondering where to buy fireworks, the regulations on fireworks or where to celebrate on the Fourth of July holiday? Here’s your full guide to Independence Day in Lynden.

    Fireworks: Where to buy

    Lynden has four fireworks stands that will be open through the Fourth of July holiday, all on the west side of town.

    The first stand can be found just past Safeway heading south on the Guide Meridian. Another stand is set up next to O’Reilly’s on Kok Road – a fundraiser for the Lynden Pioneer Museum that’s been going for about 15 years.

    Lynden Pioneer Museum fundraiser fireworks stand on Kok Road
    Lynden Pioneer Museum fundraiser fireworks stand on Kok Road
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    “Dear Lynden” — An Outsider’s Perspective (from Jesse Nelson, CEO of Overflow Taps)

    By
    Joel VanderHoek
    -
    Overflow Taps co-owners Adam Stacey, Josh Libolt and Jesse Nelson at an outdoor event.

    Editor’s Note: ourLynden was started with a vision to connect and sustain community in Lynden by sharing inspiring and positive stories happening around us. We’re encouraged to hear of Jesse’s experience of being welcomed with open arms, despite his worry about connecting to a new community. We know others who feel that Lynden is a hard place to be a newcomer. Our hope is that you’ll be encouraged to meet new Lyndenites and be intentional in welcoming them to town. If you’re wondering where to start, Overflow Taps may be just the spot to meet someone new! Here’s your letter from Jesse:

    Dear Lynden,

    About eight years ago I met my beautiful wife Kristen on a birthday run. She is from Lynden and is the sole reason I came to know you. At that point in my life, I was pretty confident I would never marry. I realize now that the decision was not mine to make. It was made for me via some master plan. I believe Overflow Taps and ultimately solving the global water crisis is a part of that plan as well.

    “When I first moved here, I was a bit worried about whether or not I’d fit in… You welcomed me with open arms.”

    When I first moved here, I was a bit worried about whether or not I’d fit in. That it might be difficult to feel connected with a community I’ve never been a part of. Without you, I would have never met my business partners and friends, Adam Stacey and Josh Libolt. You welcomed me with open arms. You invited me into your home and showed me so much love and kindness. In very much the same way, you have extended this generosity to Overflow.

    Josh Libolt and Adam Stacey
    Kristen and Jesse Nelson
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    The wait is over… The Mill by Perfectly Paired opens this week!

    By
    Joel VanderHoek
    -

    The crowds will soon be milling around in downtown Lynden’s iconic windmill once again.

    The Mill by Perfectly Paired will have their long-anticipated opening this Wednesday, March 9th followed by a grand opening on Friday the 11th. The wine-and-cheese infused bistro and bar fill the ground floor of the rennovated windmill on the corner of Front and 7th Streets.

    HOEKPhotography_TheMill-5

    Lyndenites Robin and Matt Hungerford, who also own and operate Fairhaven’s Perfectly Paired, have eagerly prepared their menu, space and team for their new Lynden shop. Born and raised in Lynden, Matt explained that while wine and cheese offerings will be similar to their Fairhaven location, The Mill offers a full bar and bistro-style restaurant seating designed with Lynden in mind.

    Old world feel makes iconic downtown windmill new again.

    The team at Lynden-based Elements Hospitality worked with The Mill to craft a warm environment that hearkens back to the European roots evidenced on the menu. “We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Elements,” the Hungerfords explained as they shared how the Lynden location came into being.

    Friends from their church at North County Christ the King — Elements co-owner Tim Broersma and Pastor Sean Taylor — approached them with the belief that they were the right tenant for the space. Now, many months later the rest of Lynden will have opportunity to enjoy a new fare in an old world setting within a local landmark.

    HOEKPhotography_TheMill-15

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    Lynden in Lights 2015: don’t miss these neighborhoods and homes!

    By
    Joel VanderHoek
    -
    Brightly-lit home on S. 17th Street in Lynden

    Each year as we near Christmas, families around the country celebrate by decorating their homes in bright, cherry Christmas lights. In Lynden, we seem to be blessed with an extra dose of that Christmas cheer — as so many families decorate their homes in anticipation of Christmas. With strong Christian roots in our community, this time of year is for many a very joyful anticipation of the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ more than two thousand years ago. For others, the Christmas spirit has flowed over into their lives and they celebrate each year as a means of gathering family, sharing in generosity and letting kids use their imagination.

    Either way, an evening drive through Lynden this time of year is a must-do for families and adults too! It really is ‘Lynden in Lights’! There are a few great spots we’ll recommend — but so much is spread out around town that it’s fun to explore on your own. Maybe even try to ‘get lost’ a bit in the winding neighborhoods of Homestead area.

    an evening drive through Lynden this time of year is a must-do for families and adults TOO!

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    Aloha! Coconut Kenny’s is now in Lynden

    By
    Bailee Mulder
    -

    Lyndenites no longer have to leave town for “a taste of paradise” – Coconut Kenny’s opens this week in Lynden!

    “The customers brought us to Lynden,” area manager Pedro Lopez said. “We like to go where people want us to go.”

    “People have been asking for Lynden for years,” restaurant manager Sara Wallace, a Lynden native, added.

    coconutkinside

    The Lynden restaurant, located at 8122 Guide Meridian — the former site of the beloved Milt’s Pizza — is Coconut Kenny’s 5th location. They are excited for new customers and the opportunity to branch out.

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    Here it is: video footage of the World’s Longest Strawberry Shortcake for Lynden’s 125th!

    By
    Joel VanderHoek
    -
    photo by Rose Crabtree

    On Saturday June 4th, after the annual Farmer’s Day Parade, people from all around Lynden area came together to create a delicious 1,250 foot long (that’s 4 blocks!) strawberry shortcake.

    Enjoy the videos above with footage from the ground, the nearby rooftops and even the air to give some perspective on the World’s Longest Strawberry Shortcake!

    photo by Everlasting Photography
    photo by Everlasting Photography

    Check out some more great photos from the parade in Everlasting Photography’s Facebook album:

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    Thanksgiving in Lynden, 2015

    By
    Joel VanderHoek
    -

    Today is a holiday celebrated across the country with the main focus being Thankfulness. Families and friends will gather in Lynden today over tables with copious amounts of delicious food. Many with history in Lynden will make the trek home to join family here, while others will make the trek away to join family elsewhere.

    Regardless of your particular circumstance this Thanksgiving, it is our hope and prayer that you can find much to be thankful for this year. It may sound strange to focus on being thankful if you’re in a season of difficulty, but it is truly like medicine for the soul.

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    Lynden Day for Kids: Boys & Girls Club event is Saturday, September 17th

    By
    Joel VanderHoek
    -

    Inaugural event will be fun-filled for all ages

    The Lynden Clubhouse of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County is holding their inaugural Day for Kids event on Saturday, September 17th starting at 5:00 PM. The event is a gathering for Lynden-area families to have fun, get to know the Boys & Girls Club, and maybe even leave with a sweet raffle prize.

    Event tickets are $5 and can be purchased online in advance or at the door. Barbecue lunch is included, as well as a ticket to enter one of several raffles (one additional raffle ticket will be given for each $2 donated to the club at the event). Raffle prizes include an Edaleen Dairy punch card, Dave’s Sports Shop fishing gift basket, a beach house getaway, Nuthouse Grill gift card, E2 Fitness membership, Lynden Skateway $100 gift card, a vehicle detailing basket from S&H Auto parts, and a personalized t-shirt from Bellingham Baby Co.

    hoekphotography_bgclublynden-9
    A young Lynden club member does art during After School club recently.

    The Lynden Clubhouse is located at 8800 Bender Road, in the Sonlight Community Church building. The Day for Kids will feature fun games such as tug-of-war, giant jenga, dodgeball, 3-legged race, 4-square and more. Families with kids of all ages are welcome to the event, while the Clubhouse’s regular weekday hours are designed for students in 1st grade and higher.

    hoekphotography_bgclublynden-26
    Lynden Clubhouse members pause from active play to enjoy a moment of friendship.

    Boys & Girls Club throughout the year

    As another school year begins, it’s a great time to learn a bit about the Lynden Boys & Girls Club. The club hosts weekday ‘Early Bird’ hours from 7:00 A.M. until schools open (bus transportation is provided), and After School hours from 2:30 to 6:30 P.M. The goal is to provide a positive environment, quality programs and lifelong learning skills for school-age youth — a safe environment for kids to have fun and be themselves.

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