Lynden , Washington shines! This jewel of a city is found in the northwestern tip of the state. Located twelve miles north of the bustling seaport of Bellingham, and one hundred miles from Seattle, Lynden is a tiny community committed to retaining its small-town charm and tradition.

Originally settled by the Dutch, and still Washington's largest Dutch community, windmills grace the historic downtown area and the residents have a strong resolve to keep their city beautiful. Lynden is known as one of the cleanest cities in the state. Many tourists love to visit this unique place, during the many festivals and celebrations held here, or just as a quick escape from the city.

According to the Census 2000 data, Lynden's population stood at just over 9,000. The main industries of the town are dairy and agriculture, and many farms surround the city. The largest of these is Darigold , one of the most prominent dairy producers in the state, and the chief supplier of dairy products to the famous coffee chain Starbucks .

Lynden residents know how to celebrate. People come from Canada and all over Whatcom County to experience Lynden festivals. July's Raspberry Festival delights all the senses, displaying the rich red berries along with fine music and crafts. Sixty-five percent of the nation's red raspberry crop grows here. Lynden plays host to the giant Northwest Washington Fair . More than a county fair, this event highlights the talents and traditions of the entire Pacific Northwest . The Holland Days Festival highlights the Dutch ancestry of the town and the beautiful historic buildings along the downtown district are dressed with gorgeous bouquets of tulips, Lynden's signature flower. Residents dressed in traditional Dutch clothing carry baskets of multi-colored tulips, and the Klompen Dancers perform their lively dances while wearing their traditional wooden shoes.

Children delight in celebrating both the usual Christmas season, with the phenomenal light display and Christmas Parade , and the Dutch Sinterklaas custom, where their version of Santa Claus arrives in town on December 6. He rides a white horse and his helper is Zwart Piet (Black Peter) who passes out small gifts and toys to the waiting children. Tradition has it that if a child has been bad that year, he might find a bag of salt in his wooden shoe, and if very bad, a lump of coal.

Being agriculturally inclined, Lynden also hosts the annual Puget Sound Antique Tractor Show and Threshing bee. While attending the show, many visitors stop at the Lynden Pioneer Museum , full of artifacts from the past, including 44 horse-drawn buggies and many vintage automobiles. The town's hard-working residents know how to play, too. The Mushball Tournament exemplifies that - the town turns out to play volleyball in pits filled with fourteen inches of mud.