Music Festival on the Banks of the Mighty Terrell Creek: Birch Bay Snipfest 2

The WeSnip Booth at Snipfest 2

Snipfest 2, the Birch Bay Music Festival, was held on Saturday, August 4th. This year the festival was bigger and better than ever -- which means it was bigger and better than last year when it was first held. Snipfest 2 attracted a large crowd to an area by Terrell Creek next to the C shop and across the street from the Bay Cafe (both of whom hosted the event). The visitors browsed the booths of nearly 50 vendors, listened to a half dozen bands, and found plenty of things to eat and do.

Dog glances warily at WeSnip Booth

The second annual Birch Bay Music Festival was called Snipfest 2 because it raised funds for WeSnip, a Whatcom County group that helps reduce the number of stray animals in the county through a spay and neutering program. Several festival visitors brought their dogs along. The pets seemed happy to join the crowd, but seemed a bit apprehensive when they were close to the WeSnip booth.

The number of vendors was so large that some of them set up across Terrell Creek from the main music area. The booths sold a wide variety of items, ranging from tee shirts and sport memorabilia to exotic hand-made bird houses. Many of the booths offered arts and crafts made by the people operating the booths.

Mac Muncy of Mac's Critters

Several booths were inches from my carport (where I sell books), and they offered some unique hand-made items. One nearby booth, Mac's Critters, featured wooden puzzles, maps, and other handmade crafts made by Mac Munch, a Birch Bay resident. 

Next to him was a booth selling striking, colorful dog portraits. This booth had paintings, prints, and cards featuring some of the most interesting dogs around. The artist is Lila Schacht who has a business called Jessa Studios. Some of the portraits and information on the studio can be found at this site:  http://jessastudios.wix.com/jessastudios#!  Also, check out the studio's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessa-Studios/427094230635336

Some of the Dog Portraits by Lila Schacht of Jessa Studios

Close by these two booths was Birch Bay market regular Levi Montgomery, an author (see http://www.levimontgomery.com/ for information about his books and his blog) who sold his novels at the booth. The neighboring booth offered some striking jewelry made by his wife. 

Rail Road Car Whizzing By 

One of the new attractions at SnipFest 2 was a small railroad that offered rides for kids. The ride was gentle, which was probably for the best because the train was near the entrance to the part of the C Shop that sells ice cream, home made candy, snow cones and other delectables. The train ride was not a challenge to even the most unstable stomachs, but was a delight for smaller kids. 

The performers at the Birch Bay Music Festival were a varied lot. The first sets were by single singers, including Jenna Freeman, whose music was quite enjoyable. For a sample of her music, go to http://jennafreeman.bandcamp.com/track/sing-you-to-sleep

Jenna Freeman at SnipFest 2

Also, Brittany Myers was back this year with her good music. For some of her music, go to http://wn.com/daylight_of_the_moon_at_three_trees_in_bellingham

My favorite from SnipFest 1 also returned: Rebekah Ann Curtis with a powerful voice and some great songs. She was accompanied by a solid backup group with guitar, percussion, and keys. See her latest at http://www.reverbnation.com/RebekahAnnCurtis

Rebekah Ann Curtis

Some heavier rocking came from the Listers, a Bellingham band, (go to http://www.reverbnation.com/thelisters to hear them) and some more Southern music was heard from Jade Lovers (check them out here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Jaded-Lovers/136628266408493.) Both were in good tune.

Jaded Lovers Sing Country and Western

No doubt the last band was a favorite of the folks sitting in the Bay Cafe Beer Garden, and anyone with a tattoo, tongue stud, or lip ring. Reverend JD and the Blackouts woke up the neighborhood with some half naked rap, punk, and loud rock. If you like this sort of music, you can find some of theirs at: http://www.reverbnation.com/reverendjdandtheblackouts

Reverend JD Does His Thing 

Mercifully, the festival music ended exactly at 9:00 p.m. as the dusk settled in.

In all, it was a busy, fun day by Terrell Creek that enlivened this calm northwest corner of the United States. 

Meanwhile to the north, at the peak of the NW corner of the US, Godson Danielka enjoyed his advanced training as a pirate as part of the Drayton Harbor Days Festival in Blaine, WA. 

Danielka the 10-year-old Apprentice at Kid's Pirate Daze, Drayton Harbor Days Festival, Blaine 

He also had a very good day.