News In Brief

Pageant at Semiahmoo
The cast of the Easter Sunrise Service pageant on Semiahmoo Spit are putting the finishing touches on what is expected to be the biggest and best pageant in the event’s 18-year history. “We’ve put a lot of effort into making it better this year,” said pastor Charles Gibson of the Northwood Alliance Church, a member of the Peace Arch Ministerial Association which sponsors the event. He said raised stages would make it easier to see the action, which tells the story of the passion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and that an improved sound system would make it easy for everyone to hear. The service and pageant is Easter morning, April 11 at Semiahmoo Park. Coffee is served at 5:45 a.m. and the service begins at 6 a.m.

Flare demonstration planned
West Marine and the local Coast Guard auxiliary are co-sponsoring a flare demonstration next weekend to teach boaters the best way to signal for help on the water. Auxiliary members will demonstrate the different kinds of flares available and in what conditions each one is more appropriate. They will also show the proper way to load and fire different flares. From a Coast Guard boat standing offshore several kinds of flares will be fired so boaters can learn how they each look from a distance. Boaters are invited to bring their own expired flares for a “practice run.” Bellingham Lock and Safe will round out the event with a fire extinguisher demonstration. West Marine will provide hot dogs during the event, which runs from 1 to 3 p.m. April 17 on the north side of Marine Drive in Blaine.

Birch Bay Cleanup
Birch Bay will start dressing up for summer with a good cleaning. The Birch Bay Spring Community Cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, April 17. Cleanup volunteers should gather at the C Shop at 9a.m. for coffee, hot chocolate, donuts. Each group will get area assignments and litter bags to rid the beach and roadsides of unnatural objects. Organizers recommend you bring gloves and wear good walking shoes. The cleanup wraps up with a hot dog roast in the upper picnic area of Birch Bay State Park from noon to 2p.m. The event is sponsored by the Friends of Birch Bay State Park and the Whatcom County Solid Waste Division.