📰 What's Making News

158th Clark County Fair Rolls In With Agriculture, Rides, Live Entertainment

Summer's signature event is almost here — the 158th Clark County Fair returns to the Ridgefield fairgrounds as the region's largest showcase of agriculture, entertainment, and good old-fashioned amusements. This year's theme promises a full lineup of livestock competitions, carnival rides, live music, and enough fried food to fuel a week's worth of happy memories. If you've never been, this is your year; if you're a veteran fairgoer, you already know the drill. Full details from The Columbian.

Inspire Vancouver Now Accepting Arts Grant Applications

Vancouver's new arts and culture program, Inspire Vancouver, officially opened its grant applications Thursday, putting real dollars behind the city's creative community. The program is designed to fund local artists, cultural organizations, and community projects that bring art into everyday life across Vancouver. If you've been working on a project or know someone who has, this is the kind of opportunity worth spreading around. Applications are open now. Learn more and apply here.

Know a Clark County Senior Who Deserves Recognition?

The Clark County Commission on Aging is accepting nominations for its seventh annual Silver Citizen Award, honoring an older adult who has made a meaningful impact on the community. This is your chance to spotlight a neighbor, mentor, volunteer, or family member whose contributions often go unsung. Past winners have included tireless nonprofit volunteers and behind-the-scenes community builders. Nominations are open now. Nominate someone through The Columbian.

Sunflower Festival, Free Movies, Slo Pok Car Show Top This Weekend's Picks

Looking for weekend plans? The Columbian's latest roundup highlights a sunflower festival bursting with photo ops, free Friday Night Movies perfect for families, and the Slo Pok Car Show for anyone who appreciates chrome and horsepower. Events span Vancouver, Orchards, Ridgefield, and Brush Prairie, so there's something close to home no matter where you are in the county. See the full list here.

6 Volunteer Spots Open on Clark County's Public Health Advisory Council

The Clark County Board of Health is looking for six volunteers to serve on its Public Health Advisory Council, which helps shape how the county approaches community health priorities. It's a real seat at the table for residents who want to contribute beyond social media commentary. If you've got a passion for community wellness and a willingness to show up, this one's worth a closer look. Details and how to apply here.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Classical Stars Converge on Esther Short Park This Weekend

The fourth annual Vancouver USA Arts and Music Festival brings violinist Pinchas Zukerman, pianist Shelly Berg, and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra under Salvador Brotons to Esther Short Park — with family-friendly programming at Kiggins Theatre, too. Full lineup here.

16 Years of Mentorship: Matt Young's Mission on Fourth Plain

Matt Young founded Vancouver Elite Outreach 16 years ago, drawing on his own struggles with dyslexia to teach life skills to local youth. The nonprofit's annual Back-to-School Bash provides school supplies and mentorship connections along the Fourth Plain corridor. Read Matt's story.

Donate Blood in Vancouver, Get Free Comprehensive Testing

Bloodworks Northwest is offering free comprehensive blood testing to donors as the region's supply hits critically low levels. Walk-ins are welcome at the Vancouver location. Details and eligibility here.

Vancouver Tourism Numbers Keep Climbing

Tourism in Vancouver continues trending upward, with the Waterfront district helping drive visits — though growth has moderated from its post-pandemic surge. See the latest figures.

Hanford Empties 24th Leaking Radioactive Tank

The Department of Energy announced that crews have finished emptying the 24th leak-prone underground tank at the Hanford nuclear site near Kennewick — removing high-level radioactive and hazardous chemical waste. Read the update.

Washington Wildfires: Crews Gain Ground, but Heat Looms

Firefighters are making progress containing wildfires burning hundreds of square miles across the state, including the devastating trio near Spokane — but forecasted heat and wind could slow momentum. Latest conditions here.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Friday, August 7

• Enhance Fitness Classes – 8:30 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. Evidence-based group exercise for older adults (age 60+), with a second session from 10–11 AM. More info
• Volunteer Gleaning Opportunities: SWWA Victory Garden – 9:00 AM at 2311 NE 68th Street, Vancouver. Lend a hand at the community garden — harvested produce goes to neighbors across Clark County. More info
• Fintastic Fish at the Water Resources Education Center – 9:30 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Families with kids ages 6–10 can explore the lifecycles of salmon and lamprey through hands-on indoor and outdoor activities. Free; registration required. More info
• Family Mountain Bike Ride Days at Timberline Lodge – 9:30 AM at Mt. Hood, OR. Kids and teens 17 and under ride free with an adult day ticket or season pass. Bike and gear rentals available on-site. More info
• Vancouver USA Arts & Music Festival – 10:00 AM–9:00 PM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. Three days of live music on multiple stages, visual art, juried shows, pop-up galleries, dance performances, family activities and food vendors — all free. Runs Aug. 7–9. More info
• Adult & Teen Craft and Chat – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at La Center Community Library, La Center. Bring your current craft project for a relaxed, no-stakes session. Ages 13+. Free. More info
• Providence Academy Tours – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Free drop-in tours of the beautiful historic building. More info
• Clark County Fair – 10:00 AM at Clark County Fairgrounds, Ridgefield. "Blast Off to Fun" is the theme — rides, food, entertainment, barn exhibits and more. Carnival opens at noon. $8.50–$11.50 admission. More info
• Clark College Student Exhibit – 10:00 AM at the Esther Short Building, Vancouver. See ceramics, watercolors, photography, digital drawing and painting from Clark College students, on display in conjunction with the Arts & Music Festival. Free. More info
• Playing Favorites Art Show – 10:00 AM at the Esther Short Building, Vancouver. Last year's award-winning artwork from Stephanie Joy Mitchell, Janine Littrell, Lisa Raymer and Alison Berkey. Free. More info
• Vancouver Arts & Music Festival Juried Art Exhibit – 10:00 AM at the Hilton Vancouver, 301 W. Sixth St. Explore curated works from over 100 local artists and vote for the People's Choice Award. Free. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program – 12:00 PM–1:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver. Free lunch for seniors age 60+ sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• Lunchtime Walking Tour: The Big Fire & How Downtown Changed – 12:00 PM, meet at the Esther Short Park Waterfall Fountain. Historian Tracy Reilly-Kelly leads a free walk exploring how the 1910 fire and others shaped downtown Vancouver. More info
• NAMI Art Group – 1:00 PM–3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 NE 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. A weekly creative outlet hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Free. More info
• Kids Hero Quest for Young Adventurers – 1:30 PM–2:30 PM at Three Creeks Community Library. Kids ages 5–9 and their caregivers team up for a beginner-friendly tabletop adventure inspired by Dungeons & Dragons. Free. More info
• Teen DIY: Dino Trinket Dish – 2:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Teens (6th–12th grade) shape air-dry clay into a dinosaur trinket dish. Free; registration required. More info
• Arts & Community Vitality: A Conversation on Culture, Health, and Connection – 3:00 PM–5:00 PM at Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver. The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra hosts a chamber music performance featuring cellist Julian Schwarz, followed by a panel with OPB president Rachel Smolkin, composer Karen LeFrak and host Fred Child. Free. More info
• Kids Create – 3:30 PM–4:30 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop in for creative, hands-on art projects for ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Tween Hangout – 4:00 PM–5:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, chatting and snacks for ages 9–12. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Cruise-In – 4:00 PM–8:00 PM at Alderbrook Park, Brush Prairie. Hot rods, classic cars and fun for all ages — admission includes disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool access and more. $5–$10. More info
• Discover Downtown Ridgefield – 4:00 PM–8:00 PM in Downtown Ridgefield. Shop, dine and stroll as participating businesses stay open later with special sales and activities. Free. More info
• Adult Nature Lovers Book Group – 4:00 PM at the White Salmon Valley Library (also available online). Discuss Ocean by David Attenborough. Adults 18+. More info
• First Friday Art Walk – 5:00 PM in Downtown Vancouver. Galleries and art-centric businesses open their doors; most participating locations are open 5–8 PM. Free. More info
• Family and Friends Friday Climb – 5:00 PM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. Ages 4+ can tackle multiple difficulty levels for an hour and 45 minutes of unlimited climbing. All equipment provided. $33–$41. More info
• ZooNights – 5:00 PM at the Oregon Zoo, Portland. Live music, food carts, keeper chats, animal encounters and elephant ears — plus local beer and wine for adults. $13–$26. More info
• Free Friday Night Movies in the Parks – 5:00 PM at Esther Short Park. Activities start at 5 PM, with Fantasia (1940) screening at dusk. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Free. More info
• Columbia River Triathlon & Endurance Sports Festival – 5:00 PM at various Columbia River locations. A weekend festival with a Sunset 5K/10K, sprint and Olympic triathlons, a kids triathlon and more. More info
• Camas Comic Con – 5:00 PM–8:00 PM in Downtown Camas. A family-friendly fandom celebration on First Friday — comics, cosplay, anime, sci-fi and a "Fandom Fun" passport activity. Free. More info
• Lost and Found: Inner Light Photographic Society Exhibit – 5:00 PM–9:00 PM (opening reception) at Art at the Cave, 108 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Over 20 photographers celebrate the society's 40th anniversary with a darkroom installation and works shot on everything from vintage cameras to smartphones. Free. More info
• Attic Gallery: Masters of the Past — The Collector's Opportunity – 5:00 PM–8:00 PM at Attic Gallery, 419 NE Cedar St., Camas. Opening reception with live music and complimentary refreshments honoring timeless visionary artists. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle – 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try dragon boat paddling for free — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Community Art Night – 5:30 PM at Dandelion Teahouse and Apothecary, 109 W. Seventh St., Vancouver. Drop in, use provided materials and make whatever inspires you. Suggested donation $5–$10. More info
• Family Fun Night in Salmon Creek – 6:00 PM at Salmon Creek Grange, Vancouver. Games, light snacks and laughter on First Friday. Free; kids must be with an adult. More info
• Good Times and Wine at English Estate Winery – 6:00 PM–8:00 PM at English Estate Winery, Vancouver. Live music from local singer-songwriter Shiloh Mae, plus on-site food from Venue 1903. Free admission. More info
• First Friday Open Sculpting at Kilnfolk – 6:30 PM–8:00 PM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. No experience needed — an instructor guides you through sculpting up to two pounds of clay into mugs, vases, gnomes or animal sculptures. $50. More info
• Journey Theater Arts Presents: Into the Woods – 7:00 PM at Heritage High School, Vancouver. Sondheim and Lapine's beloved musical brings fairytale characters together for a timeless adventure. $22–$26. More info
• Midland at the Clark County Fair – 7:00 PM at Clark County Fairgrounds Toyota Grandstands, Ridgefield. Grammy Award-nominated Americana country band Midland performs live. Fair admission provides general concert access; reserved seating $38–$48. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro – 7:00 PM at Farrar's Bistro, 12514 NW 36th Ave., Vancouver. Enjoy food, cocktails and local wine on the pet-friendly patio. First come, first served seating. More info
• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – 7:30 PM at Keller Auditorium, Portland. Broadway's six-time Tony Award-winning spectacular brings the wizarding world to life on stage. More info

Saturday, August 8

• Mt. St. Helens Summit Climb with MSHI – 6:00 AM. A single-day non-technical scramble to the summit with professional mountain guides. Designed for novice hikers and experienced mountaineers alike. More info
• St. Johns Wood Neighborhood-Wide Garage Sale – 8:00 AM–3:00 PM in the St. Johns Wood neighborhood, Vancouver. Over 30 homes, all walkable — one day only. Use 5100 NE 85th Circle for GPS. Free to browse. More info
• Columbia River Triathlon with NW Association for Blind Athletes – 8:00 AM. Join the NW Association for Blind Athletes for a triathlon event along the Columbia River. More info
• Birding Walk at Ridgefield NWR – 8:00 AM at the Carty Unit. Robert Vanderkamp leads a Second Saturday birding walk at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. All experience levels welcome. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park. The flagship Saturday market with fresh produce, artisan goods and local vendors. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Become a Nature Detective – 9:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Kids ages 3–5 and families explore hands-on STEM challenges. $22.50–$30.50. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Parkrun – 9:00 AM at Salmon Creek Trail, Vancouver. A free, friendly weekly 5K — walk, jog, run or volunteer. Register online first at parkrun.us. More info
• Animal Tracking Workshop – 9:00 AM–11:30 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Learn to read footprints, scat and feeding signs on a 2.5-mile walk. Ages 14+. Free. More info
• Second Saturday at Jane Weber Arboretum – 9:00 AM–12:00 PM at 9215 SE Evergreen Highway, Vancouver. Join fellow garden volunteers for bigger projects, with refreshments after. Free. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play – 9:15 AM–10:30 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club. Free bridge lesson followed by assisted play — great for newcomers. More info
• Fruit Jar Workshop at Kilnfolk – 9:30 AM–11:30 AM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Ages 8+ learn pinch pot and coil techniques to create a lidded vessel. $75. More info
• Multorpor Mountain Loop with the Dirt Divas – 9:30 AM at Mt. Hood, OR. All are welcome for this 5-mile mountain bike loop at Mazama Sno Park, with optional Timberline Bike Park riding after. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM in Vancouver. Flight simulators, a vertical wind table, historic airplanes and hands-on STEAM activities. Free. More info
• Sunflower Festival at O'Keefe Farms – 10:00 AM–7:00 PM at O'Keefe Farms, 17604 NE 182nd Ave., Brush Prairie. Sixty varieties of sunflowers, live music from Fortunate Gold, Kiley Jean and the Lewis River Blues Band, 30+ craft vendors, food trucks and gorgeous photo ops. $5–$10. More info
• Smokey Bear's 82nd Birthday Celebration – 10:00 AM at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center. Free family event with fun activities, wildfire prevention education and a chance to wish Smokey a happy birthday in person. More info
• Slo Poks Show and Shine – 10:00 AM–4:00 PM in Uptown Village at McLoughlin and Main, Vancouver. Hot rods, custom cars, motorcycles and collector cars, plus raffle drawings and the famous Poks Pik trophies. Free for spectators. More info
• Molly Coston Community Garden Celebration – 10:00 AM–1:00 PM at 2036 Main St., Washougal. Ribbon-cutting, garden swap and stewardship activities. Bring plants, seeds or starts to exchange — or just come explore. Free. More info
• Battle Ground Lake Hike – 10:00 AM–11:30 AM at Battle Ground Lake State Park. Interpretive guide Ellen M. Wilson leads a one-mile hike exploring how the lake was formed and the native plants and animals of the park. Free; RSVP by email. More info
• The Stuff of Legends at AQUA Gallery – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at 403 Quayside Place, Vancouver waterfront. See Abby Ketcham's expressive stuffies and Carson Legree's vibrant paintings of mythological characters. Free. More info
• Pressure Canner Gauge Testing – 10:00 AM–11:30 AM at Second Mile Marketplace and Food Hub, Vancouver. Get your pressure canner dial gauge tested for accuracy before canning season. Free. More info
• 78th Street Heritage Farm Walking Tours – 10:00 AM at 78th St., Hazel Dell. A Master Gardener docent leads a tour of the historic poor-farm-turned-demonstration-garden, on the Washington Historic Register since 2012. More info
• Spanish Storytime – 10:30 AM at Camas Public Library. Bilingual stories and songs in Spanish and English for children and families. Free; no registration required. More info
• Kids & Tweens Build It – 10:30 AM–12:00 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Build with LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes and more. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Creature Teachers – 11:00 AM–12:30 PM at Vancouver Mall Library. Meet reptiles and creepy crawlies and learn about the wild, weird world of animals. Free. More info
• Gravity Catastrophe: A Science Show – 11:00 AM–11:45 AM at Davis Park, Ridgefield. A high-energy show exploring centripetal force, gravity, vortexes and the scientific method. Free. More info
• Museum Day at Pomeroy Living History Farm – 11:00 AM–4:00 PM at 20902 NE Lucia Falls Rd., Yacolt. Tour heritage buildings, enjoy a scavenger hunt and collect a passport stamp for America250. Free; donations accepted. More info
• Family Fun Day & Free Museum Day – 11:00 AM–2:00 PM at the Grant House, Officers Row, Vancouver. Lawn games, face painting, live entertainment with Angel Ocasio, Make Music w/ Matt, magician John Stevens and Spencer Sprocket. Free tours of Providence Academy and Marshall House from 11 AM–3 PM. More info
• Exhibit Opening: Moments That Made Us – 11:00 AM at Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. A new exhibit exploring the defining moments of our community's history. Free. More info
• Art & Nature in the Park – 11:00 AM–2:00 PM at Downs Neighborhood Park, Vancouver. Fourth Plain Forward hosts free art and nature activities for the whole family. More info
• WA State Museum Day: America 250 – 12:00 PM–4:00 PM at Two Rivers Heritage Museum, Washougal. Special surprises in store to celebrate Washington's Museum Day. More info
• Paper Collage at Art at the Cave – 12:00 PM–5:00 PM at Art at the Cave, Vancouver. Greg Bee hosts a free, stress-free Second Saturday collage session — bring supplies or use what's there. More info
• A Day of Magic – 1:00 PM at 6403 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. A family-friendly, one-day Renaissance Faire-style festival of fantasy and adventure. Free. More info
• Adult Garden Chat – 2:00 PM at the library. FVRL's monthly gathering to talk dirt, swap gardening techniques and branch out with fellow local growers. Free. More info
• Prehistoric Life: Thriving in a Changing World – 3:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Paleontologist Nico Spadafora of the Fossil Team brings real bones and tells the story of how ancient life adapted. Register every member of your group. Free. More info
• 5th Annual Kalama Harbor Lodge Brewfest – 2:00 PM–8:00 PM at McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge. Riverside beer and cider tasting, live music from Blonde Neon and Law of Seven, lawn games and food specials. More info
• Mahjong Summer Social – 5:00 PM–8:00 PM at Sunset Ridge Intermediate School, Ridgefield. A Chinese Mahjong social evening — all welcome. Free. More info
• Saturdays in the Park: The Waterfront – 6:00 PM–8:00 PM at Sternwheeler Park, La Center. Classic rock and R&B from The Waterfront in La Center's family-friendly concert series. Free. More info
• Second Saturday Jazz Duos – 6:00 PM. Enjoy live jazz from Annie Averre (vocals) and Tim Gilson (stand-up bass) alongside wood-fired pizza and wine. More info
• Saturday Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub – 8:30 PM at 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. Let your inner entertainer shine — solo or with friends. More info

Sunday, August 9

• Washington State Parks Fee-Free Day – All day. No Discover Pass needed — explore any Washington state park for free in honor of Smokey Bear's birthday weekend. More info
• Community Paddleboard on Estacada Lake – 8:30 AM in Oregon. A beginner-friendly paddle along the forest-lined Clackamas River with AWOL Adventure. Ages 6+; sliding scale pricing ($50–$115). More info
• Crater Glacier Overlook Hike with MSHI – 9:00 AM at Mt. St. Helens. A specially permitted trek into the volcano's crater for views of one of the world's youngest and fastest-growing glaciers. A truly unique Pacific Northwest adventure. More info

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