📰 What's Making News

300 Young Entrepreneurs Pack Esther Short Park for Lemonade Day

If you walked through Esther Short Park this weekend and saw 175 booths selling everything from crochet plushies to hypoallergenic earrings to origami flapping birds — yes, that was all run by kids. The annual Lemonade Day Junior Market brought 300 small businesses operated by teens and children to downtown Vancouver, with young vendors like Skyview High School's Maiya Mendoza and Pleasant Valley Middle School's Noah Dominga setting up before dawn to claim their spots. The Greater Vancouver Chamber and OnPoint Community Credit Union helped make it happen, and the energy was apparently contagious. Full story here.

Smoked Kangaroo on the Menu at Clark College's Culinary Institute

Chef Sonny Demartini and student Brice Camarota were taste-testing bite-sized cuts of smoked kangaroo with just 45 minutes left before lunch service Thursday — and that's a normal day at Clark College's Tod and Maxine McClaskey Culinary Institute. The student-run restaurant gives aspiring chefs a real-world kitchen to push their skills, and the results are anything but cafeteria fare. If you've never eaten at the campus restaurant, consider this your nudge. Read about the program at The Columbian.

Ridgefield Breaks Ground on 2.5-Million-Gallon Water Tower

Ridgefield is growing fast, and now its infrastructure is catching up. City officials broke ground Monday on a new 2.5-million-gallon water tower on a 5-acre site along South Fifth Avenue, east of Interstate 5. The reservoir is a significant investment in the city's ability to serve its booming population with reliable water service for years to come. Details from The Columbian.

King's Way Freshman Christian Harlow Named All-Region Golfer of the Year

Most high school freshmen are still figuring out their locker combinations — Christian Harlow of King's Way Christian is shooting 61. That jaw-dropping number helped earn Harlow the All-Region boys golfer of the year honor, a remarkable distinction for a player who still has three more years of high school competition ahead of him. Keep that name on your radar. Watch the video and read more.

Ridgefield Grad Brett Johnson Shares Lead at Royal Oaks Invitational

Speaking of local golf talent, Ridgefield High graduate Brett Johnson heads into Sunday's final round of the 2026 Royal Oaks Invitational Tournament in a three-way tie for the lead. The tournament at Royal Oaks Country Club is one of the region's marquee amateur events, and Johnson has put himself in prime position to take the title. Follow the action at The Columbian.

Know someone who'd love a daily Vancouver dispatch? Forward this their way.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.

💬 Community Buzz

Clark County's America 250 Fireworks Guide Drops Early

It's barely June, but the planning has already begun — Clark County Talk just published their roundup of July 4th fireworks shows and events across the Vancouver area, and this year carries extra weight as the nation marks its 250th birthday. The guide covers multiple displays and family-friendly celebrations throughout Clark County, plus reminders to check local rules if you're planning your own backyard show. Worth bookmarking now before the holiday sneaks up on you. Check out the full fireworks roundup at Clark County Talk.

Forward this to one Vancouver friend today — it's how we grow.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.

⚡ Quick Bites

Venus, Jupiter Nearly Touch Monday and Tuesday Evenings

The two brightest planets in our solar system will be just 1.5 degrees apart — about a finger's width at arm's length — in the western sky right after sunset on Monday and Tuesday. Step outside around dusk and look west; no telescope needed. Full details here.

Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries Spotlight Brain-Health Reads for June

It's National Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, and Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries has a curated list of books on memory, cognition, and keeping your brain sharp. Browse the recommendations.

Clark County Business Briefing: Who's Moving Up

The Columbian's latest business briefing rounds up local promotions, new hires, and professional milestones across Clark County. See who made the list.

1889 Flashback: Civil War Veterans Flooded Into Spokane

A look back at the Grand Army of the Republic's Pacific Northwest encampment reveals how thousands of Civil War veterans shaped Washington state's early growth. A fun regional history nugget worth the read. Read the story.

Help a friend stay in the loop on Vancouver — forward this issue.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.

📅 Mark Your Calendar

Sunday, June 7

• Washington State Parks Fee Free Day – Free Fishing Weekend – 6:00 AM. No Discover Pass needed! Fishing licenses aren't required for many species this weekend — rainbow trout, bass, lingcod, and more. More info
• Washougal MTB – Race #3 of the PNW XC Series – 8:00 AM at the Washougal Motocross track (40205 NE Borin Rd, Washougal). Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned racer, come ride close to home. Free Nossa Familia Coffee on site. More info
• Lyle Cherry Orchard Day Trail Work Party – 8:30 AM. Help Washington Trails Association build a new staircase and install check steps on this trail. Heads up: there is substantial poison oak in the area, so come prepared. More info
• Free Outdoor Fitness Bootcamps – 9:00 AM. Northwest Personal Training kicks off free Sunday bootcamp classes running through Aug. 30. Meet at 1011 Broadway, Vancouver, then head to scenic locations for a full-body workout. All fitness levels welcome. More info
• Sunday Brunch at Sons of Norway Lodge – 9:30 AM–12:30 PM at Columbia Lodge, 2400 Grant St., Vancouver. Scandinavian pancakes, sausages, scrambled eggs, lingonberries, and beverages. Free refills on pancakes. $12 per person. More info
• Bird Watching at Whitaker Ponds – 9:30 AM at 7040 NE 47th Avenue, Portland. Catch the end of spring migration with nature artist and bird watcher Bryan Quintanilla. Free event hosted by Thimbleberry Collaborative Farm. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Market – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. Fresh produce, artisan goods, and all the Sunday farmers market vibes at our flagship year-round market. More info
• Farm Days at Pomeroy Farm – 10:00 AM–5:00 PM at 20902 NE Lucia Falls Rd., Yacolt. The June theme is Arts and Crafts — live artisan demonstrations, hands-on projects, a vendor market, and farm animal visits. $3 admission (ages 6+), free for 5 and under. More info
• Pomeroy Farm Quilt Show – 10:00 AM–5:00 PM at Pomeroy Farm, Yacolt. See dozens of handmade quilts by expert local quilters during June Farm Days. $3 admission (ages 6+). More info
• David Douglas Adopt-A-Park Volunteer Event – 10:00 AM. Join the City of Vancouver for a morning of litter cleanup and invasive plant removal. Family-friendly — tools, gloves, water, and snacks provided. More info
• Metropolitan Performing Arts Presents: Beauty and the Beast – 11:00 AM at Metropolitan Performing Arts, Vancouver. A brand-new musical written by MPA's own Erik Montague, retelling the beloved tale for the whole family. More info
• June Farm Days: Arts and Crafts – 11:00 AM–5:00 PM at Pomeroy Farm, Yacolt. Traditional arts and crafts demos, a quilt show, children's crafts, an I Spy activity, and farm animal visits. $3 admission. More info
• Mamma Mia! – 1:00 PM at Keller Auditorium, Portland. The timeless ABBA musical about love, friendship, and identity on a Greek island paradise. Tickets from $68. More info
• Columbia Play Project Indoor Play Space – 1:00–4:00 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. STREAM-themed exploratory play for children ages 0–10 and their caregivers. Free. More info
• Bloom Bar with Hidden Flower Farms – 1:00 PM at VDA. Sara from Hidden House Flowers brings buckets of beautiful blooms for a spring Bloom Bar — your chance to play florist. $45; space is limited. More info
• [title of show] by the Clark College Theater – 2:00 PM matinee at Clark College Decker Theater, Vancouver. A love letter to musical theatre and the joy of collaboration — two writers race to create something new in three weeks. Free–$12. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors at Gustav's – 2:00 PM at Gustav's Restaurant, 1705 SE 164th Ave., Vancouver. Meet up for happy hour together. Call 360-892-8944 for details. More info
• Berry Bowls Workshop – 3:30–5:00 PM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Make your own ceramic berry bowl — beginner-friendly, ages 8+. $55. More info
• Bells of the Cascades – 6:00 PM at First United Methodist Church of Portland. Premiere of "When All Else Fails," a groundbreaking work for handbells and ensemble, featuring a collaboration with the Pikes Peak Ringers. $20–$30. More info

Monday, June 8

• Tiny Toppings Storytime and Ice Cream in Ridgefield – 11:00 AM. Story time at Copperbell Bookstore followed by ice cream at Eight Cow Creamery — buy a scoop, get a kid scoop free. Perfect for pre-K littles. More info
• Juneteenth Celebration at Clark College – 11:00 AM–2:00 PM in the Gaiser Student Center. Enjoy a free public talk — "The Vanguard Generation: African-American Artists 1880–1918" — presented by Daniel Akinson through Washington Humanities. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting – 12:00–1:00 PM at AC Marriott Vancouver Waterfront. Community members are welcome to join. Free. More info
• Cirque Kikasse – 12:00 PM at Clark College, in front of the Penguin Union Building. Free, all-ages performance of SANTÉ! — acrobatics, balancing acts, and physical comedy atop a food-and-beer-truck stage. You can even grab poutine and lemonade. More info
• Line Dancing – 1:30–3:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Lace up whatever shoes you've got and learn line dances for fun and exercise. Free, running Mondays through Aug. 31. More info
• Willamette Writers Vancouver Chapter Open Mic – 6:00–8:00 PM at Three Creeks Community Library, 800 NE Tenney Rd. Bring a family-friendly piece of writing (750 words max or 5 minutes) and a snack to share. Free. More info
• Northwest Harmony's Guest Night – 6:30 PM at Vancouver United Church of Christ. Whether you're an experienced singer or a shower-singing superstar, come try a night of music and fun with the Northwest Harmony Chorus. More info

Tuesday, June 9

• VisionGuard Joins the Greater Vancouver Chamber – Ribbon Cutting – 10:00 AM at the Greater Vancouver Chamber, 1111 Main St. Celebrate VisionGuard Auto Glass as they expand into the greater Vancouver area. More info
• Sensory Storytime at Ridgefield Community Library – 10:30–11:30 AM. An interactive, smaller-group storytime with sensory play, visual aids, and freedom of movement for ages 3–9. Free. More info
• Tween and Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game – 4:30–6:30 PM at various FVRL library locations. Ages 9–19 can create a character and dive into Dungeons & Dragons 5E or Pathfinder 1E. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group – 5:15–6:45 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Dedicated writing time for all experience levels — no readings or critiques, just focused work. Free. More info
• Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce Annual Award Banquet – 5:30 PM at Orchard Hills Golf and Country Club, 605 39th St., Washougal. Honoring citizen and businessperson of the year, scholarship recipients, and teachers of the year. $40 per person, includes buffet dinner. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group – 5:30–6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Geared toward adults who are beginning Spanish speakers. Free, no registration required. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball – 6:30 PM at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. Cheer on Clark County's hometown team under the lights. More info

Wednesday, June 10

• Marine Park Beach Cleanup – 9:30 AM. Join the Water Resources Education Center to pick up plastic, styrofoam, and litter from the beach before it reaches the Columbia River. All tools provided. Registration required. All ages welcome. More info
• Marshall House Tours – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Free 30-minute tours of the historic Marshall House on Officers Row, featuring period furnishings, military memorabilia, and General George C. Marshall's study. More info
• Providence Academy Tours – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM. Free tours by reservation or for small walk-in groups. Open during construction of the Sacred Heart Plaza at Ed Lynch Square. More info
• Camas Farmers Market – 3:00–7:00 PM. Note the new temporary location: Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues in downtown Camas. Fresh farm goods, artisan products, and community vibes every Wednesday. More info
• Teen and Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00–6:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids and Tweens Create: Origami – 4:00–5:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop in to fold a monthly origami pattern. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Powell Butte Ecologist-Led Nature Mountain Bike Ride – 5:00 PM in Portland. Join Northwest Trail Alliance and Portland Parks ecologist Christian Haaning for a guided tour of Powell Butte's flora and fauna by bike. 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
• Swing Dancing at The Valiant Ballroom – 6:00 PM at 109 W. Ninth St., Vancouver. Intermediate lesson at 6, beginner lesson at 7, social dance 8–9:30 PM. Singles, partners, and groups all welcome. $5–$10. More info
• John and Margrette Coop Park Cleanup – 6:00 PM. Join the City of Vancouver's Adopt-A-Park volunteers for an evening of weeding and trash pickup. Family-friendly — tools, gloves, water, and snacks provided. More info
• Online Workshop: Butterfly Ecology and Evolution – 6:00 PM. Bird Alliance of Oregon presents a deep dive into butterfly life histories, adaptations, mimicry, and more. Online and free. More info
• Educated Guess: Combustions + Eruptions at OMSI – 6:30–8:30 PM at Theory Restaurant inside OMSI, Portland. Trivia night covering science, current events, and pop culture. Teams of up to 4; prizes for the top three. More info
• Clark College Spring Jazz Band Concert – 7:00 PM in Gaiser Student Center at Clark College. Jazz Bands I and II perform, including two world-premiere Clark College compositions. Free admission. More info
• The Music of SQUARE ENIX – Magic, Memories, and Melodies – 7:30 PM at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Portland. A symphonic celebration of music from Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger, Kingdom Hearts, NieR, and more. $39–$197. More info

Thursday, June 11

• East Vancouver Farmers Market – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center, 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd. Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products. Free parking. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Round Table Discussion – 12:00 PM at Cascade Park Library, 600 NE 136th Ave. Call 360-892-8944 for details. More info
• Kids and Tweens Build It – 3:30–5:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Spark your imagination and build STEM skills using LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes, and more. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• K-Pop Demon Hunters Party – 3:30–5:00 PM at Camas Public Library. All Huntrix and Saja Boys fans in grades 1–5 are invited for a sing-along, themed crafts, and activities. Free; registration required. More info
• Hike with Pacific Peaks Mountain Top Fitness – 3:30–4:30 PM at Lacamas Lake Lodge, Camas. An adaptive fitness program featuring a group warm-up and walk along the Heritage Trail. Registration and fee required. More info
• The Savvy Sipper Grand Opening – 4:00 PM at 1113 SE Rasmussen Blvd., Battle Ground. Join the Greater Vancouver Chamber for a ribbon cutting at this brand-new classic cocktail lounge. More info
• Teen Hangout – 4:30–6:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafting, chatting, and snacks provided by Friends of Vancouver Community Library. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Tween and Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure – 4:30–6:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Create a character and play Dungeons & Dragons. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Junk Journal Meet Up at Barnes and Noble – 5:00 PM at Barnes & Noble, Vancouver. Bring a journal and crafting supplies — basic materials and scrapbooking paper provided. Free. More info
• Road Cycling 101 – 5:30 PM. Join the Vancouver Bicycling Club's Charla Burke for a fun group ride exploring trails, neighborhoods, and parks. 5–10 miles, 10 mph pace, flat terrain. Beginners welcome. More info
• Vancouver Sons and Daughters of Italy Meeting – 6:00 PM at Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 3500 NW 129th St. Dinner is included. Call 360-521-5584 for info. More info
• Inspire Vancouver Information Session – 6:00 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Learn about this new grant program investing $6 million a year in public arts, culture, heritage, and science experiences in Vancouver. Free. More info
• Emerald Ash Borer and Emerging Pests Workshop – 6:00 PM. Join Urban Forestry and Cassie Knavel of the Washington State Department of Agriculture to learn about invasive pests arriving in our region and how to spot them. More info
• Singer Songwriter Showcase at Caps N' Taps – 6:30–9:00 PM at 337 NE Fourth Ave., Camas. Original songs by local performers. No cover charge. More info
• Disabled American Veterans Monthly Meeting – 6:30–8:00 PM at the 40 et 8, 2809 NE 78th St., Vancouver. Free. More info
• Line Dancing Lessons – 7:00–9:00 PM at Ashwood Taps and Trucks, Washougal. Learn line dancing with Kat Nichols. All ages, beginners welcome. $10. More info
• Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic – 7:00–10:00 PM at Art at the Cave, 108 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Open mic poetry night with guest poets. $5 suggested donation, no one turned away. More info
• Clark Treble Ensemble and Chorale Spring Concert – 7:30 PM at Vancouver First United Methodist Church. Directed by Dr. Jacob Funk, accompanied by Dr. Jeongmi Yoon. Free admission. More info
• The OBT Collection – 7:30 PM at Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, Beaverton. Oregon Ballet Theatre's season finale featuring bold new choreography from Davide Occhipinti, Lauren Flower, and Dani Rowe. $65.50–$98.50. More info

Friday, June 12

• Mount Adams Trail Jamboree and Campout – 8:30 AM. Join Washington Trails Association for trail work near Trapper Creek in the Mount Adams Ranger District. Stay for s'mores and camping — come for one day or all three. Registration required. More info
• SW WA Victory Garden Work Party – 9:00 AM. Spend your Friday morning gardening with Urban Abundance at the SWWA Victory Garden at Calvary Chapel Vancouver. Good people, good cause, gorgeous weather. More info
• Ridgefield – Learn to Kayak Tour – 9:00 AM at Ridgefield Waterfront Park. Paddle the winding waterways of Lake River near the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge with Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe. Watch for birds and wildlife along the way. More info
• SOLVE Vancouver Litter Removal – 9:00 AM. Join the City of Vancouver and SOLVE for community litter removal. More info
• Adult and Teen Craft and Chat – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at La Center Community Library. Bring your current craft project for a no-stakes crafting session. Ages 13+. Free. More info
• Pick It Up, Vancouver! – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at Esther Short Park. Join SOLVE for a litter cleanup to keep this beloved community space sparkling. All ages welcome. Advanced registration encouraged. More info
• Forest Canopy Walk at Plas Newydd – 10:00 AM. Explore beautiful Plas Newydd Farm with hosts Abby Braithwaite and David Morgan on a guided walk through the forest canopy. Registration required. More info
• Homestead Park Volunteer Work Party – 10:00 AM. Help spread mulch, remove blackberry vines, and pull noxious weeds. Family-friendly — tools, gloves, water, and snacks provided. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal – 12:00–1:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lunch for seniors age 60+, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• Kids Create – 3:30–4:30 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Tween Hangout at Vancouver Community Library – 4:00–5:30 PM. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks for ages 9–12. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Cruise-In – 4:00–8:00 PM at Alderbrook Park, Brush Prairie. Classic cars plus disc golf, train rides, beach volleyball, mini golf, bounce houses, pool, and more. $10 general admission; $5 for kids 4–13, veterans, and seniors. More info
• Cycle Oregon's Joyride (Women's Ride) – 5:00 PM. A women-centric weekend of bikes, natural splendor, and belonging — comfortable, supportive, and non-competitive. Based around Pleasant Hill, OR. More info
• Ridgefield Dragon Boat Paddles – 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Free community paddling, no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Teen Late Night: Nerf Wars – 6:00–8:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. An after-hours event for ages 13–19 with pizza and snacks. Free. More info
• Kalama Harbor Lodge Shows FIFA World Cup (USA vs. Paraguay) – 6:00 PM at Kalama Harbor Lodge Cove Bar. Catch the match on the big screen with beer, burgers, and tots. Free, all ages. More info
• Vancouver Movement Collective Presents: East of the Sun and West of the Moon – 6:30 PM at Vancouver Movement Collective. An original choreographic work by Artistic Director Chloe Mason — a fairy-tale ballet about bravery, love, and adventure. More info
• The Bridges of Madison County – 7:30 PM at Magenta Theater, Vancouver. Tony Award-winning score by Jason Robert Brown brings this sweeping romance to life on stage. Runs June 12–28. $32. More info
• Pour Choices Pub Summer Concert: Pour Voices – 7:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub. Local favorites Sarah, Bee, Grace, Dolan, and Colin bring harmonies and good vibes for the summer concert series. More info
• Alex Warren: Finding Family on the Road – 7:30 PM at Moda Center, Portland. The breakout pop sensation performs anthemic hits and soulful ballads from the album You'll Be Alright, Kid. $58–$155. More info

Spread the word: forward this to someone who loves Vancouver as much as you do.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.