Lynden, A Little Bit of Holland
Lynden, A city in north of the Washington, near the border of Canada in Vancouver region, offers special events throughout the year, ranging from top-flight entertainment of the Northwest Washington Fair to the creativity of the Lighted Christmas Parade. Given the importance of agriculture in the area, one shouldn't be surprised to learn unique events such as the International Plowing Match, featuring majestic draft horses; a threshing bee highlighting antique tractors and a steam-powered sawmill; and a Harvest Festival.

Also one of the best golf courses in the Pacific Northwest is at Lynden's Homestead Farms Golf Resort & Convention Center, featuring an island green with waterfalls on its 18th hole. In fact, Lynden is within 30 minutes of 10 other courses presenting a wide range of options for golfers.

Lynden's Dutch heritage adds a unique touch to one of the jewels of Western Washington, ideally located between Mr. Baker and Puget Sound. The community of 10,000 will celebrate Holland Days on May1, featuring shopkeepers and Dutch "klompen" dancers in costume, plus authentic Dutch delicacies. A standing feature is a 72-feet-high windmill, featuring moving blades, that is a backdrop for many pictures in downtown Lynden and also in the anchor for unique shops, an indoor canal, and the community theatre.

A recent addition to Lynden is "Cascadia", the sculpture of twigs and saplings created by world-renowned environmental artists Patrick Dougherty. The artwork, a maze of tunnels and opening large enough for an adult to walk through, is located in downtown's Centennial Park.

Lynden offers a surprising number of choices: modern hotels, historic bed-and-breakfast, an RV park, and even a KOA are available.

Two of the world's most beautiful cities - Vancouver, BC (45 miles north), home of 2010 Winter Olympics, and Seattle (100 miles south)- are ideal day-trip destinations. If outdoor recreation is your pleasure, you'll have a tough time choosing from bicycling, fishing, and beachcombing. The base of 10,778-foot-high Mt. Baker - beckoning skiers, hikers, and picnickers - is just 90 minutes east of Lynden. You also can head west 20 minutes to saltwater beaches, while the exquisite San Juan Islands are easily accessible by ferries and other vessels.


Events:
Home Show & Garden Pavilion, March 5-7

Spring Craft & Antique Show, March 18-20

International Plowing Match, April 17

Holland Days Festival, May 1
Re-enacting a Dutch custom, costumed Lynden residents with broom and buckets scrub the streets of downtown Lynden to pass the inspection of the Burgermeister, just one of the unique aspects of a festival including a parade, klompen dancing and wooden shoe races.

Farmers Day Parade, June 5
A community highlight is the annual tribute to agriculture, filled with entertainment foe everybody.

Raspberry Festival & Sidewalk Sale, July 16-17
One of the top raspberry-producing regions in the world celebrates the harvest with numerous activities, including a 3-on-3 basketball tournament on downtown streets.

Threshing Bee & Antique Tractor Show, August 4-7

Northwest Washington Fair, August 16-21
One of the state's top fairs annually attracts 200,000 people, who come to see the best in agricultural displays and entertainment, including performers such as Willie Nelson, Loretto Lynn, Roy Clark, and the Beach Boys.

Toy Tractor Show, September 25

Model Railroad Show, October 2-3

Harvest Festival, October 14-16
Hay rides, a giant boy maze, and colorful scarecrows at the entrance of many businesses highlight this fall event.

Fall Craft & Antique Show, October 14-16

Lynden in Lights, November 26-January 3
Beautifully animated displays and numerous lighted tulips brighten the holiday season.

Lighted Christmas Parade, December 4
Get into the holiday spirit with the colorful entries in this parade! The day also includes the arrival of Sinterklaas, who is greeted by young "Klompen" dancers and many other children before they gather for a fun time of singing and storytelling.



The Lynden Museum:
The Lynden Museum features the priceless buggy collection of local pioneer Fred K. Polinder, many antique cars and tractors, agricultural displays, a gun collection, and a replica of downtown Lynden in the Early 20th century.