Families in Bellingham have a free outdoor activity to look forward to this Friday, August 14, when the Lunchtime at Maritime series returns to Maritime Heritage Park with a performance by Natale Luma and Hoop, Hoop Hurray! The show runs from noon to 1 p.m. and is open to all ages.
The performance centers on the magic of hula hoops, with a mix of creative play, audience participation, and hands-on fun. After the main show, children of all ages will have the opportunity to dance, learn tricks, and experiment with hoops themselves. It is the kind of event where kids come for the performance and end up staying twice as long once the hoops come out.
What to Expect at the Park
Maritime Heritage Park sits along the Bellingham waterfront near the Cornwall Beach area, offering views of Bellingham Bay and easy access from downtown. The park is a natural gathering spot for families, and the Lunchtime at Maritime series takes advantage of that setting by turning the noon hour into a mini-festival rather than just a concert.
In addition to the performance by Natale Luma, the Whatcom Museum will be on hand with kids' activities, giving families additional things to explore before and after the show. Kona Ice will also be at the park, serving shaved ice treats during the event. Between the performance, the museum activities, and the refreshments, it shapes up to be a full outing for families spending a lunch hour outdoors.
The Lunchtime at Maritime series is described as a brand-new program from Bellingham Parks and Recreation, designed to give families and friends a reason to experience both Maritime Heritage Park and the nearby Bellingham Waterfront district. The waterfront has been the focus of significant development and programming attention in recent years as the city works to activate the former industrial shoreline for public use.
One More Show After This One
Friday's performance is the second of three scheduled Lunchtime at Maritime dates this summer. The third and final installment is set for Thursday, August 21, also at Maritime Heritage Park from noon to 1 p.m. The specific performer and theme for that final date were not announced in the event listing, but families who enjoy Friday's show will want to mark their calendars.
Natale Luma is a fire and flow arts performer who brings an energetic, participatory style to family-friendly events. Hoop, Hoop Hurray is a fitting theme for an outdoor summer audience, giving kids a physical, tactile experience that goes well beyond passively watching a stage show.
Admission is free. Maritime Heritage Park is located at 1600 C Street in Bellingham. Street parking is available nearby, and the park is accessible via the South Bay Trail for those arriving on foot or by bike. The Bellingham waterfront area is also served by the Whatcom Transportation Authority, making it reachable by bus for families without a car. For additional details on Bellingham Parks events this summer, check the City of Bellingham's website.
