📰 What's Making News

22 Acres Along Salmon Creek Saved in $1M Land Deal

Here's one for everyone who loves a good walk along the creek: Clark County is purchasing 22 acres of land along Salmon Creek for up to $1 million, with the goal of preserving the natural habitat for good. If you live in the Salmon Creek or Felida area, this is essentially your backyard getting a permanent layer of protection. It's a meaningful chunk of green space in one of the fastest-growing corridors in the county. Read the full details at The Columbian.

Freedom's Path Gives Vancouver Veterans a Fresh Start

Dennis James spent years peering through the windows of Freedom's Path apartments, dreaming about the day he'd have a unit of his own. Now he does — and his story is one of several featured in a new profile of the Vancouver housing community built specifically for veterans transitioning out of homelessness. The piece is a genuinely uplifting look at what stable housing can unlock for people who've served. Read Dennis's story at The Columbian.

Ridgefield Raptors Head Into Playoffs Friday — Slate Wiped Clean

Whatever happened during the regular season, the Ridgefield Raptors get to forget it all starting Friday when the West Coast League playoffs begin. Every qualifying team resets to 0-0, and the Raptors are looking to reignite at just the right moment. If you've been meaning to catch a game at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex, playoff baseball is a pretty great excuse. Get the playoff preview at The Columbian.

Milky and Coco's Kit-Tea Cafe Pairs Lattes With Lap Cats

Vancouver's Milky and Coco's Kit-Tea Café is exactly what it sounds like: coffee, pastries, and a room full of adoptable cats who would very much like you to scratch behind their ears. The café operates as both a cozy hangout and an adoption center, giving its feline residents maximum face time with potential forever families. It's the kind of only-in-Vancouver spot that deserves a visit (and probably a second visit, because cats). Check out the full feature at The Columbian.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Clark County Fair Opens Tomorrow for a 10-Day Run

Gates open Aug. 7 under this year's "Blast Off to Fun" theme, with monster trucks, bull riding, the Budweiser Clydesdales, an "I Love the 90s" concert, and — yes — Curly the Camel returning to the fairgrounds. Clark County Today has the full rundown on grandstand events, family discounts, and daily planners.

Vancouver Explores Green Building Standards

City officials are developing new green building policies aimed at improving energy performance in new construction, with discussions happening as wildfire smoke reminds the region why it matters. The Columbian has the details.

Spokane Wildfire Crews Gain Ground as Temperatures Dip

Firefighters near Spokane are making progress on wildfires that displaced tens of thousands of residents, though hotter, drier conditions are forecast later this week. Worth watching if you have family on the east side. Read the latest update here.

Two State Grants Revive Free Kids' Books in Cowlitz County

A Longview-based program that puts free books into children's hands just received two new Washington state grants to restore access after earlier funding cuts. More from The Columbian.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Thursday, August 6

• East Vancouver Market – 10:00 AM at Columbia Tech Center (17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd). Over 50 small businesses offering farm-fresh produce, food and artisan goods at this beloved seasonal farmers market. More info
• Providence Academy Tours – 10:00 AM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Free self-guided tours available Wednesday through Friday. Enter at Suite 103 inside the front door. More info
• Go With the Flow: First Thursday Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour – 10:00 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Ever wondered what happens after you flush? Tour the Marine Park facility and find out. Ages 8+, closed-toed shoes required. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding – 10:00 AM at the Vancouver Bridge Club (6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd). Instructor Michael Walker, a Ruby Life Master, covers opening bidding, slam bidding, takeout doubles and more. $10–$50. More info
• Vancouver Bridge Club Introductory Bridge Class – 10:00 AM at the Vancouver Bridge Club. A six-week series perfect for beginners. $10 per lesson or $50 for all six. Call Ellie Hood at 360-433-2409 for details. More info
• The Craft of Writing: Workshop & Writers Group – 10:30 AM at Vancouver Community Library. Free gathering for writers of all levels featuring prompts, craft discussion and workshopping. First Thursday focuses on editing practice and writing exercises. More info
• Family Storytime at Ridgefield NWR – 10:30 AM at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Community Nature Center (Carty Unit, 28908 NW Main Ave). The Ridgefield Community Library hosts storytime from 10:30–11:00 AM, and the nature center is open 10:00 AM–noon. No registration required; daily refuge entrance fee applies. More info
• Kids Camp Classic Tie Dye Shirt Make & Take – 11:00 AM–2:00 PM at Craft Warehouse, Vancouver. Twist, scrunch and splash your way to a one-of-a-kind wearable masterpiece. $10. More info
• Card Making Club at Craft Warehouse – 1:00 PM at Craft Warehouse, Vancouver. Free monthly gathering for paper-crafting enthusiasts of all skill levels — discover new products, swap ideas and get creative. More info
• Kids & Tweens Creative Crafts: DIY Squishies – 2:00 PM–4:00 PM at Battle Ground Community Library. Make your own squishy toys using fun, simple materials. Free. More info
• Create a Tiny World: Miniature Shadow Box Workshop with Lara Blair – 4:00 PM. Build a unique miniature scene inside a shadow box using a variety of materials and textures. Ages 8+. $7. More info
• Teen Hangout – 4:30 PM–6:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, chatting and snacks provided by Friends of Vancouver Community Library. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure – 4:30 PM–6:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Create a character and dive into a Dungeons & Dragons adventure. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Cascade Park Kiwanis Meeting – 5:30 PM–7:00 PM at Leonardo's Pizzeria, Vancouver. Hear a presentation about the Kiwanis International Convention in Manila. Visitors welcome. More info
• Bingo Nights Supporting dogpaw – 6:00 PM–8:00 PM at Latte Da Coffee House and Wine Bar, Vancouver. Play 10 games with 3 cards each for $20 — proceeds support local off-leash dog parks. Pups welcome on the covered patio. More info
• Family Bingo at Kalama Harbor Lodge – 7:00 PM (doors at 6:00 PM) at McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge. Free, all-ages bingo with fun prizes — win the final blackout round and score an overnight lodge stay. More info
• Line Dancing at Ashwood Taps & Trucks – 7:00 PM–9:00 PM in Washougal. Join instructor Kat Nichols for beginner-friendly line dancing. $10. All ages welcome. More info
• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – 7:30 PM at Keller Auditorium, Portland. Broadway's Tony Award-winning spectacular continues its run — experience the wizarding world live on stage. More info

Friday, August 7

• Enhance Fitness Classes – 8:30 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. Evidence-based group exercise for adults 60+ with classes at 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM on Wednesdays and Fridays. More info
• Volunteer Gleaning: SWWA Victory Garden – 9:00 AM at 2311 NE 68th St., Vancouver. Lend a hand at this community garden — produce goes to neighbors in Clark County through LULAC. More info
• Fintastic Fish at the Water Resources Education Center – 9:30 AM–11:30 AM at 4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver. Families with kids ages 6–10 can explore the life cycles of salmon and Pacific 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. 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, downtown Vancouver. Three days of free live music, outdoor stages, art vendors, a juried art exhibition, family activities and more. Runs Aug. 7–9. More info
• Adult & Teen Craft and Chat – 10:00 AM–noon at La Center Community Library. Bring your current craft project for a relaxed, no-stakes session. Ages 13+. Free. More info
• Clark County Fair – 10:00 AM at Clark County Fairgrounds, Ridgefield. "Blast Off to Fun!" with rides, entertainment, food and hands-on adventures. Carnival opens at noon. $8.50–$11.50. More info
• Clark College Student Exhibit – 10:00 AM–6:00 PM at the Esther Short Building (610 Esther St.), Vancouver. Free exhibit featuring student ceramics, watercolors, photography, digital drawing and painting, in conjunction with the Arts & Music Festival. More info
• Playing Favorites Art Show – 10:00 AM–6:00 PM 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–6:00 PM at the Hilton Vancouver Washington (301 W. Sixth St.). Curated works from over 100 local artists — cool off indoors and vote for the People's Choice Award. Free. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal – Noon–1:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver (6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd). Free Friday lunch for low-income seniors age 60+, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• Lunchtime Walking Tour: The Big Fire & How Downtown Changed – Noon, meet at the Esther Short Park Waterfall Fountain. Historian Tracy Reilly-Kelly explores how the 1910 fire shaped downtown Vancouver, plus the backstory of the Pioneer Mother Statue. Free. 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 gathering. 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 — battle monsters, avoid traps and discover treasure. 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 fun dinosaur trinket dish. Free; registration required (opens June 13). More info
• Arts & Community Vitality: VSO Panel at Kiggins Theatre – 3:00 PM–5:00 PM at Kiggins Theatre (1011 Main St.), Vancouver. A chamber music performance featuring cellist Julian Schwarz followed by a panel with OPB's 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 projects — use your imagination and practice a new artistic skill. 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. Cruise-in plus disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool access and more — all included with admission. $5–$10. More info
• Discover Downtown Ridgefield – 4:00 PM–8:00 PM in downtown Ridgefield. First Friday shopping, dining and strolling as participating businesses stay open late with special sales and activities. Free. More info
• Adult Nature Lovers Book Group – 4:00 PM via Fort Vancouver Regional Library (White Salmon Valley branch, also online). Discuss David Attenborough's "Ocean." Adults 18+. Free. More info
• First Friday Art Walk – 5:00 PM–8:00 PM in downtown Vancouver. Galleries and art-centric businesses open their doors for a free evening of art exploration. More info
• Family and Friends Friday Climb – 5:00 PM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. An hour and 45 minutes of unlimited climbing for ages 4+ with multiple difficulty levels. No experience necessary. $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
• Friday Night Movies in the Parks: Fantasia (1940) – 5:00 PM at Esther Short Park. Pre-movie activities with community partners, food vendors and the classic film at dusk. Free, all ages, captioned. 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, duathlon, kids triathlon and more. More info
• Camas Comic Con – 5:00 PM–8:00 PM in downtown Camas. The fan-favorite fourth annual event celebrates comics, sci-fi, cosplay, anime and all things fandom on First Friday. Free, family-friendly. More info
• Lost and Found: Inner Light Photographic Society Exhibit – 5:00 PM–9:00 PM at Art at the Cave Gallery (108 E. Evergreen Blvd.), Vancouver. Over 20 photographers showcase work celebrating the society's 40th anniversary, including a darkroom installation. Free. More info
• Attic Gallery: Masters of the Past – 5:00 PM–8:00 PM at Attic Gallery (419 NE Cedar St.), Camas. Opening reception with live music and complimentary refreshments honoring 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. Make whatever inspires you with provided materials. Suggested donation $5–$10. More info
• Family Fun Night in Salmon Creek – 6:00 PM at Salmon Creek Grange, Vancouver. Monthly first-Friday fun with games, light snacks and laughter. Free; children must be accompanied by an adult. More info
• Good Times and Wine at English Estate Winery – 6:00 PM–8:00 PM at English Estate Winery (17806 SE First St.), Vancouver. Live music from local singer-songwriter Shiloh Mae plus 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. Sculpt up to two pounds of clay into your own creation — no experience needed. $50. More info
• Journey Theater Presents: Into the Woods – 7:00 PM at Heritage High School, Vancouver. Sondheim and Lapine's beloved musical brings storybook characters together for a timeless adventure. $22–$26. More info
• Midland at the Clark County Fair – 7:00 PM at the Clark County Fairgrounds Toyota Grandstands, Ridgefield. Grammy-nominated Americana country band Midland performs live. Reserved seating $38–$48 (includes fair admission). 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 live local music on the pet-friendly patio. 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. An exciting inclusive event on the Columbia River. Contact Katie Vroman at 360-984-5627 for details. More info
• Birding Walk at Ridgefield NWR – 8:00 AM at the Carty Unit. Join Robert Vanderkamp for a second-Saturday birding walk through the refuge — all experience levels welcome. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park. Our flagship year-round market with fresh produce, prepared foods and local vendors. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Become a Nature Detective – 9:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Kids ages 3–5 and their families tackle playful hands-on STEM challenges. $22.50–$30.50. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Parkrun – 9:00 AM at Klineline Pond/Salmon Creek Regional Park. Free weekly 5K — walk, jog or run at your own pace. All ages, dogs welcome. Register at parkrun.us for your barcode. More info
• Animal Tracking Workshop – 9:00 AM–11:30 AM at the Water Resources Education Center (4600 SE Columbia Way), Vancouver. Learn to read animal 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–noon at Jane Weber Evergreen Arboretum (9215 SE Evergreen Hwy), Vancouver. Join fellow garden volunteers for a work party — refreshments follow. Free. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play – 9:15 AM at the Vancouver Bridge Club (6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd). Free lesson followed by assisted play — perfect for newcomers. More info
• Fruit Jar Workshop at Kilnfolk – 9:30 AM–11:30 AM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio (108 W. Sixth St.), Vancouver. Make a lidded vessel using pinch pot and coil techniques. Ages 8+, beginner-friendly. $75. More info
• Multorpor Mountain Loop with the Dirt Divas – 9:30 AM at Mazama Sno Park, Mt. Hood. A five-mile mountain bike loop — all are welcome. Hit Timberline Bike Park afterward. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM in Vancouver. Free STEAM education through aviation — flight simulators, a vertical wind table, historic airplanes and more. All ages. 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, food vendors, 30 craft vendors and photo ops in huge sunflower fields. $5–$10. More info
• Smokey Bear's 82nd Birthday Celebration – 10:00 AM at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center (1501 E. Evergreen Blvd.). Free family event with fun activities, wildfire prevention education and a chance to wish Smokey a happy birthday in person. More info
• Show and Shine Car Show – 10:00 AM–4:00 PM at Uptown Village (McLoughlin and Main), Vancouver. The Slo Poks Car Club hosts hot rods, custom cars, motorcycles and collector cars with raffle drawings and giveaways. $15 vehicle entry; 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. 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 discussing how the lake formed and the native plants and animals that call it home. Free; RSVP by email. More info
• 78th Street Heritage Farm Walking Tours – 10:00 AM in Hazel Dell. WSU Extension Master Gardeners lead tours of this historic 79-acre property — once Clark County's "poor farm," now home to beautiful demonstration gardens. More info
• Kids & Tweens Build It – 10:30 AM–noon at Ridgefield Community Library. Build with LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes and other fun materials. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Creature Teachers – 11:00 AM–12:30 PM at Vancouver Mall Library. Meet cool reptiles and creepy crawlies and learn about the wild, weird, wonderful world of animals. Free. More info
• Family Fun Day on the Grant House Lawn – 11:00 AM at the Grant House, Vancouver. Free community event with live music from Angel Ocasio, Make Music with Matt, magician John Stevens and roaming entertainer Spencer Sprocket — plus crafts, face painting and lawn games. More info
• Washington State Museum Day – 11:00 AM–3:00 PM. Free docent-led tours of Providence Academy and Marshall House, celebrating America 250 and local history. More info
• Exhibit Opening: Moments That Made Us – 11:00 AM at the Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Free. More info
• Art & Nature in the Park – 11:00 AM–2:00 PM at Downs Neighborhood Park, Vancouver. Free art and nature activities for the whole family, presented by Fourth Plain Forward and community partners. More info
• Adult Garden Chat – 2:00 PM via Fort Vancouver Regional Library. Monthly gathering to discuss the best gardening techniques for our Pacific Northwest climate. Free. More info
• Second Saturday Jazz Duos – 6:00 PM. Live jazz from Annie Averre (vocals) and Tim Gilson (stand-up bass), with wood-fired pizzas and wine. More info
• Saturday Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub – 8:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub (1919 Main St.), Vancouver. Let your inner entertainer shine — come solo or bring friends. More info

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