It’s December and time to gear up for the inevitable. You know, time for holiday cards and Christmas carols, gaudy sweaters and 10-piece sets of nonstick cookware. Time for that undeniable holiday rush that is almost impossible to avoid—and it shows up earlier and faster, every year. Like a tsunami, it can wipe you out.
Even for the many folks who love this time of year, the holidays can still feel repetitive, exhausting, and even a bit hollow. The fake tree, the senseless songs, the endless 50% off sales. The same hyper-commercialized, overly hyped traditions that can be more sad than joyful.
“Not this year, Baby,” says Goodtime Girls owner Kolby LaBree. “This holiday season, it’s not about presents—it’s about the experience.”
On Friday, December 13, 2024, The Spark Museum of Electrical Invention proudly presents The Holiday History & Hi-Jinks Show, featuring Bellingham’s favorite walking historians, The Goodtime Girls.
“We’ve decided to bring our holiday tour indoors this year,” says Kolby. “SPARK is the perfect venue for our cozy holiday variety show!”
It all began in 2011, when Goodtime Girls founders Marissa McGrath and Sara Holodnick started a downtown caroling pub crawl, raising funds for a worthy cause while spreading holiday cheer. By 2017 new owner Kolby LaBree and fellow Goodtime Girl, Wren Rivers, gave it a local history twist. “We kept the fun and the carols,” says Kolby, “but added a healthy dose of local history, which is what we’re truly enthusiastic about.”
Known for their love of local history and storytelling, Goodtime Girls are much more than just tour guides, and known for their colorful, well-researched facts, and signature sass.
“My degree is in anthropology, and my background is in historic preservation,” says Kolby. “For me, the stories are what make our history come alive and make the experience more fun and memorable than one might think.”
The Goodtime Girls are beloved for their entertaining, history-packed walking tours of Bellingham. “We think history is fascinating—and often hilarious,” writes Kolby. “Our goal is to share that joy with others while having fun.” Goodtime Girls tours and events are year-round, with public tours running spring through fall, and additional events throughout the year.
Given the sometimes-unpredictable Bellingham weather, they decided to bring their holiday tour indoors, turning it into a full-on party at the SPARK Museum.
“We’re thrilled to host The Goodtime Girls at our museum,” says Charlie Bryan, SPARK’s Museum Manager. “They’re the best at sharing local history with humor and heart.”
This 21+ event will feature lots of carols, trivia, and prizes, along with tons of local holiday history.
“Festive dress is strongly encouraged!” says Sarah Fenstemacher, Goodtime Girl guide, designer & hair maestro extraordinaire. “Wait until you see Sarah’s signature Christmas tree hairdo,” urges Kolby. “It’s a towering showstopper!”
“People love to dress up for the holidays, and we’re all about those costumes,” says Sarah. “And yes—there will be prizes for the best holiday outfits!”
What to Expect:
- Festive libations!
- A holiday photo booth!
- A song along with lyrics on the big screen!
- Museum interactive Gallery access!
- Surprise demonstrations!
- Above average snacks!
- Audience participation!
- Trivia, trivia, and more trivia!
Seating is limited, and it first come, first served—cabaret style—so be sure to arrive early! Costumes strongly encouraged (mid-century vibe is always a favorite).
“Yule have a great time!” says president & CEO John Jenkins. “A perfect blend of Bellingham history, holiday cheer, and good-natured fun.”
Tickets and information: https://bellinghistory.com/holidayhistoryhi-jinks
This is the second collaboration between Goodtime Girls and SPARK, and certainly not the last.
“We’re already thinking ahead to Valentine’s Day, 2025,” says Abby Whatley, Director of Programs. “We have always wanted to recreate the Bride of Frankenstein hookup, but this time have the couple meet on an electrified Dating Game, complete with electro-kissing booth.”
Until next year, do all you can to stay grounded.