📰 What's Making News

Firstenburg Foundation Gives Fourth Plain Forward $1.5 Million Lifeline

The Firstenburg Foundation just made a major bet on Vancouver's small-business corridor with a $1.5 million donation to Fourth Plain Forward, the nonprofit working to strengthen the economic engine along Fourth Plain Boulevard. The gift is aimed at keeping momentum going for the small businesses that give the corridor its character and energy. If you've grabbed a meal or picked up groceries along Fourth Plain lately, you've seen the kind of independent shops this investment is designed to support. Read more from The Columbian.

Your Free Summer Nights Guide: Outdoor Concerts, Movies Across Vancouver

The City of Vancouver just dropped its full lineup of free outdoor concerts and movies for the summer, and there are options all over town — from the waterfront and Esther Short Park to Columbia Tech Center Park in east Vancouver and neighborhood parks in between. Long evenings plus warm weather plus zero admission cost equals peak summer living. Grab a blanket, pack some snacks, and let the city entertain you. Here's the full schedule from The Columbian.

Raptors Crush Springfield 15-5 Behind Back-to-Back Three-Run Blasts

The Ridgefield Raptors put on a show Thursday night, burying the Springfield Drifters 15-5 behind a monster seven-run third inning. Braden Watson (UC Santa Barbara) and Zach Wadas (Loyola Marymount) each launched three-run home runs in that frame, turning a ballgame into a blowout. Summer collegiate baseball at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex is one of Clark County's hidden gems — cheap tickets, talented prospects, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Full recap from The Columbian.

Garred Road Fire Near Coulee City Holds Steady at 61% Contained

The Garred Road Fire in central Washington near Coulee City has seen very little growth, holding at roughly 3,400 acres and 61 percent containment as of Thursday afternoon. Fire crews continue working the lines, and the lack of significant spread is encouraging news heading into the weekend. While the blaze is well east of Clark County, wildfire season is officially here — a good reminder to keep an eye on air-quality reports as summer heats up. Details from The Columbian.

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⚡ Quick Bites

13 Heritage Groups Team Up for Free Fair on July 11

Thirteen local heritage organizations — including the Clark County Historical Museum, Pearson Air Museum, and the Cedar Creek Grist Mill — are hosting a free Community Heritage Fair at 1511 Main Street on July 11. Expect artifacts, genealogy resources, and volunteer sign-ups all under one roof. Full details at Clark County Today.

Your Fourth of July Cookout? Budget a Little Extra This Year

American Farm Bureau Federation data shows per-person cookout costs are ticking up heading into Independence Day, with the West Coast among the pricier regions. One eye-opening stat from columnist Pam Lewison: the average farmer earns roughly 6 cents of every dollar you spend on holiday food. Read the breakdown at Clark County Today.

Clark County History Throwback Drops This Week

The Columbian's weekly local-history column is out with a fresh roundup of moments from Clark County's past. It's a quick, fun read if you like knowing the stories behind the streets you drive every day. Catch up at The Columbian.

Does the I-5 Bridge Plan Need a Rethink?

In a letter to the editor, Bogdan Lendel argues that spending $14-plus billion to rebuild the Interstate Bridge without adding a third Columbia River crossing just recreates the same bottleneck. It's the kind of debate Vancouver commuters have strong opinions about. Read his argument at Clark County Today.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Saturday, June 27

• Harpers Playground Day of Play — Celebrate community and inclusion with activities, music, food carts, and games at Marshall Park in Vancouver. Free. More info
• Big Smoke BBQ, Brew & Music Festival — Savor top-notch BBQ, live music from The Fretliners and Chris Couch, and craft vendors at Haydu Park in Kalama (June 26–28). More info
• Mt. St. Helens Summit Climb with MSHI — 6:00 AM. A guided single-day scramble to the summit, designed for novice hikers and experienced mountaineers alike. More info
• PCTA Trail Work Project at Mt. Adams – William's Mine — 8:00 AM. Join the Pacific Crest Trail Association's Mount Hood Chapter for crosscut logout and trail maintenance. Registration required; max 12 volunteers. More info
• 2026 Northwest Book Fair & Media Fest — 9:00 AM at Clark College Gaiser Hall. Meet Pacific Northwest authors, indie publishers, and media creators. Workshops, live readings, and hands-on fun for all ages. Free. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park. The flagship year-round market with local produce, artisan goods, and community vibes. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Become a Nature Detective — 9:00 AM at OMSI in Portland. Kids ages 3–5 and their families tackle playful hands-on science challenges. $22.50–$30.50. More info
• FREE Play at Family Festival — 9:00 AM at Topaz Farm in Portland. Music, bingo, cow train rides, mini-digger fun, and plenty of free activities for the whole family. More info
• Wander Clark County: Old City Tours — 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM. Explore Clark County's rich history on foot with the Clark County Historical Museum. $0–$10 (free for CCHM members). More info
• Salmon Creek Trail parkrun — 9:00 AM at the Salmon Creek Greenway Trail. A free, friendly weekly 5k — walk, jog, run, or volunteer. Register online before your first visit. More info
• Stewardship Saturday at Columbia Springs — 9:00 AM–12:00 PM. Volunteer for invasive species removal, trail maintenance, and more in Columbia Springs' beautiful natural area. Free. More info
• Wander Clark County: Historic Downtown Vancouver — Early Tour — 9:00 AM at Clark County Historical Museum. Walk Main Street and discover the stories behind landmarks like the Evergreen Hotel, Kiggins Theatre, and more. $10. More info
• Great American Campout — 9:00 AM. Celebrate the National Wildlife Federation's annual tradition — whether you camp at a national park or your own backyard. More info
• LeRoy Haagen Adopt-A-Park Event — 9:00 AM. A family-friendly stewardship event with the City of Vancouver. Help care for a local park! More info
• Blandford Canyon Work Party with WTA — 9:00 AM. A beginner-friendly half-day trail work party right in Vancouver — help maintain this forested urban oasis. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play — 9:15 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club (6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd.). Free bridge lesson followed by assisted play. More info
• Fairy Fest at Hoyt Arboretum (Road Trip) — 9:30 AM–12:30 PM at Steven's Pavilion. Free nature play, face painting, and imagination-fueled fun at Hoyt Arboretum in Portland. More info
• Fourth Plain Festival Day — 10:00 AM–1:00 PM at River City Church, followed by a Skate Jam at Swift Skate Park from 2:00–4:00 PM. Resources, activities, and community connections. Free. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM. Explore flight simulators, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes. Free for all ages. More info
• Angel Ocasio's Comedy, Magic and Stuff — 10:00 AM at various FVRL library locations. Silly antics, juggling, magic, and audience participation for the whole family. Free. More info
• Day of Play — Harper's Playground — 10:00 AM at Marshall Park. Music, food carts, and free activities at Vancouver's largest inclusive playground. More info
• Craft Day at the Artillery Barracks — 10:00 AM. The Historic Trust hosts a free, family-friendly craft event with basketry, origami, puppet making with Dragon Theater, and more. More info
• 78th St. Heritage Farm Walking Tours — 10:00 AM. Free guided tours of the 79-acre heritage farm in Hazel Dell with WSU Extension Master Gardener docents. More info
• Berry Bowls Workshop at Kilnfolk Clay Studio — 10:00 AM–11:30 AM at 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Make your own ceramic berry bowl — beginner-friendly for ages 8+. $55. More info
• Mt. St. Helens Stewardship Days with MSHI — 10:00 AM–4:00 PM. Join invasive-species removal with a free optional guided Hummocks Trail hike after lunch. Ages 10+. Free; registration required. More info
• Learn to Granny Square Crochet — 11:00 AM at Kindred Vancouver (2213 Main St.). Learn to chain, double crochet, work in the round, and change colors — all materials included. $45–$60. More info
• Summer Native Art Market — 11:00 AM–3:00 PM at Clark County Historical Museum. Shop handcrafted work from more than 20 local Indigenous artists and vendors. Free admission. More info
• Play Bridge (0–150 points) — 11:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club (6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd.). $10. More info
• Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr. at Metropolitan Performing Arts — 11:00 AM (also 2:00 PM). The Broadway Jr. cast brings the beloved Saturday-morning cartoon to life on stage. $10–$18. More info
• Korean War Veterans Remembrance Ceremony — 11:00 AM–12:00 PM at the VA Medical Center (1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd.). A community ceremony honoring those who served. Free. More info
• Wander Clark County: Historic Downtown Vancouver — Late Tour — 11:00 AM at Clark County Historical Museum. Same great walking tour, later start time. $10. More info
• Intro to Bokashi Composting — 11:00 AM at Nature's Haven Nursery in Camas. Learn to turn food scraps into nutrient-rich soil — even in a small yard — with Jennifer "Bokashi Jen" Posivak. More info
• Strawberry Shortcake Day at Cedar Creek Grist Mill — 12:00 PM–4:00 PM in Woodland. Free whole-wheat shortcake topped with ripe local strawberries at the historic water-powered mill. More info
• Summer Promenade at Fort Vancouver — 1:00 PM–3:00 PM. Watch 100 years of historic fashion (1845–1945) come alive on the Parade Ground and along Evergreen Boulevard. Free. More info
• Fiber+: Material Expansion — Opening Reception at William Scofield Gallery — 1:00 PM–3:00 PM. Celebrate the gallery's one-year anniversary with a juried exhibition of contemporary fiber art featuring 26 artists from across the U.S. Free. More info
• FVRL presents OMSI — Wild Weather — 2:00 PM. Learn what causes thunder, lightning, and everything in between, and how to track weather and stay safe. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Video Game Night — 4:00 PM–6:00 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Nintendo Switch gaming, snacks, and new friends. No registration required. Free. More info
• "As You Like It" — MPA's Summer Shakespeare — 6:00 PM at 6403 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Opening weekend of the 8th annual touring Shakespeare show, with live music before the performance. Free. More info
• Saturdays in the Park: Chasing Ebenezer — 6:00 PM–8:00 PM at Sternwheeler Park in La Center. Enjoy world folk-rock at La Center's family-friendly concert series. Free. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball — 6:30 PM at Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. Cheer on Clark County's hometown team! More info
• VanCity Ballroom Saturday Social Dance — 7:00 PM at 9212 NE Highway 99, Hazel Dell. A 45-minute beginner lesson followed by social dancing of all styles until 10:00 PM. No partner needed. $10. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro — 7:00 PM at 12514 NW 36th Ave., Vancouver. Enjoy food, cocktails, and live performances on the pet-friendly patio. More info
• Sunset Kayak Paddle — 7:00 PM at Ridgefield Waterfront Park. A three-hour guided evening paddle with Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe — all skill levels welcome. Reservations required. More info
• The Bridges of Madison County at Magenta Theater — 7:30 PM. The Tony Award-winning musical about love, longing, and the roads we travel. $32. More info
• 80's Rock Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub — 8:30 PM at 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Belt out your favorite arena anthems and power ballads — bonus points for big hair and leather. More info

Sunday, June 28

• Lincoln City Kite Festival (Road Trip) — 8:00 AM in Lincoln City, OR. Watch giant colorful kites — octopuses, whales, and speedy Rokkaku kites — take flight at Chinook Winds Casino Resort. More info
• Free Outdoor Fitness Bootcamps — 9:00 AM. Meet at Northwest Personal Training (1011 Broadway, Vancouver) for a free full-body workout at various scenic locations. All fitness levels welcome. More info
• Mt. St. Helens Eruption Hike with MSHI Geologist — 9:00 AM. Explore the hummocks from the 1980 eruption on a guided nature hike with the Mt. St. Helens Institute. More info
• Ridgefield Learn to Kayak Tour — 9:00 AM at Ridgefield Waterfront Park. Paddle the Columbia River Water Trail near the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge with an experienced guide. More info
• Kids Crochet at Hook & Needle — 10:00 AM at 621 Broadway, Vancouver. Taught by Becka of Radiant Beans, kids ages 10+ learn foundational stitches and make bookmarks. Supplies included. $45. More info
• Edible Plant Walks at Nature's Haven Natives — 10:00 AM in Camas. Tour the property to discover native plants you can eat, then shop the nursery. Free; registration required. More info
• Adaptive Bike Clinic at Portland Sunday Parkways — 11:00 AM–2:30 PM. Try handcycles, tandems, and tricycles, then join a group ride. Helmets required. More info
• Jardin De Las Maravillas — Ballet Folklorico Recital — 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM at The Reser Center for the Arts in Beaverton. A magical celebration of Mexican folklórico dance. $29.50–$34.50. More info
• Lavender Wreath Making Class — 1:00 PM–4:00 PM at Windy Hills Winery in Ridgefield. Learn to create a fresh lavender wreath with Emily from Ridgefield Lavender Farm. All ages welcome. More info
• Water Safety Day at Kazoodles Toy Store — 1:00 PM in Vancouver. Learn water safety tips for lakes, rivers, and streams, plus enjoy a free visit to the Kazoodles Creator Station. Free. More info
• Board Game Social Club — 2:30 PM–5:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Drop in to play old favorites or learn something new. Free. More info

Monday, June 29

• Early Learners Play to Learn — 10:00 AM–11:00 AM at Battle Ground Community Library. Hands-on early literacy activities for ages 0–5. Free. More info
• The Great Summer Dash at Vancouver Mall — 10:00 AM. Complete fun challenges, earn points, and win prizes all summer long (June 15–August 14). More info
• Community Harvest Volunteer Day — 10:00 AM. Join Latinos Unidos y Floreciendo (LUYF) in the field for stewardship, shared labor, and food access. More info
• Storytime in the Park — Dorothy Fox Park — 10:30 AM at 2023 NW 23rd Ave., Camas. Bring a blanket and join the Camas Library for outdoor family storytime. All ages. Free. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting — 12:00 PM at AC Marriott on the Vancouver waterfront. Community members welcome. Free. More info
• Line Dancing — 1:30 PM–3:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Lace up any shoes you've got and learn line dances for fun and exercise. Free. More info
• Early Learners Music and Movement — 2:30 PM–3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Songs, rhymes, rhythm, and dance for ages 0–5. Free. More info
• Washougal's America250 Kickoff — 4:00 PM at Reflection Plaza (1703 Main St., Washougal). Free snow cones, postcards, music, historical documents, and giveaways. More info
• United States Trivia — 5:30 PM–7:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Test your knowledge of American history, pop culture, and presidents for the 250th anniversary. Free. More info
• Adaptive Bicycling Summer Series (Road Trip) — 6:00 PM–8:00 PM at Portland International Raceway. Try adaptive bikes or bring your own — helmets required. All participants welcome. More info
• Monday Trivia Night at Pour Choices Pub — 6:30 PM at 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Gather your team for fast-paced trivia hosted by Don Elliott. More info
• The Strawberry Moon — 7:56 PM. Look up tonight for the first full moon of summer! June's Strawberry Moon reaches peak illumination this evening. More info

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