BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – On a chilly Monday evening, business owners, community members and leaders alike gathered in downtown Bellingham to celebrate at the Downtown Bellingham Partnership’s 2024 Scepter Awards.

The Downtown Bellingham Partnership (DBP) honored 12 individuals, organizations and spaces that have significantly contributed to the vibrancy and vitality of downtown Bellingham. This year’s award recipients were celebrated at The Wild Buffalo, where over 130 people attended.

The 2024 Scepter Award recipients include:

  • Oddfellows Temple Room – Transformative Space
  • Wonderz Market – Standout Commercial Activation
  • Paper Whale and Noisy Waters Mural Fest – Creative Contribution
  • Rhiannon Troutman – Organizational Leadership
  • Ben Meyer and Jacob Hacker – Behind the Scenes Superheroes
  • Whatcom Museum – Power of Partnership
  • Pride IN Bellingham – Community Catalyst
  • Pace Rubadeau – Streetside Livelihood
  • Cheba Hut – Community Collaborators
  • Mindport Exhibits – Longstanding Contribution
  • Eyes on Fremont – People’s Choice

The event also featured an array of lip-sync performances from people in the community the DBP calls “Bellebrities.” Kevin Coleman of SeaFeast and Chris Evans were among the group of performers who braved the stage.

“This year’s honorees represent the heart and soul of our downtown community,” remarks DBP Executive Director Lindsey Payne Johnstone. “Their contributions ensure that Downtown Bellingham remains a vibrant and inspiring place to live, work and gather.”

Photos from the event by Sam Kristofferson: 

Rubadeau receives an award at the 2024 Downtown Bellingham Partnership’s Scepter Awards ceremony at the Wild Buffalo. Photo by Sam Kristofferson