📰 What's Making News

5 Ridgefield Raptors Earn All-Star Nods

The Ridgefield Raptors are sending five players to the 2026 West Coast League All-Star Game on July 15 in Victoria, British Columbia — a serious showing for a squad that's been turning heads all summer. That's one of the largest contingents any team is sending to this year's showcase, and it's a testament to the talent pipeline the Raptors organization keeps building. If you haven't caught a game at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex yet this season, consider this your nudge. Full roster details from The Columbian.

The Whole Bowl Rolls Into Downtown Vancouver

Portland's beloved rice-and-bean bowl spot, The Whole Bowl, has officially opened a food cart in downtown Vancouver. Known for its hearty, customizable bowls topped with that signature Tali Sauce, the cart gives Vancouver regulars one less reason to cross the river for lunch. It's another sign that downtown's food cart scene is picking up real momentum. Get the details from The Columbian.

Cruise the Couve Adds Chrome & Craft Market Alley on July 18

Cruise the Couve returns to Uptown Village on July 18, and this year there's a new twist: a Chrome & Craft Market Alley along 19th Street featuring local artists and makers from noon to 8 p.m. Organizer Bryan Shull and the nonprofit crew behind the event have turned it into one of Clark County's signature summer traditions, pairing vintage rides with small-business energy. Whether you're into muscle cars or handmade goods, this one's worth blocking off a Saturday afternoon. More from Clark County Today.

Water Resources Center Turns Summer Reading Into an Adventure

Vancouver's Water Resources Education Center is running a hands-on summer program that pairs reading with nature-based activities for kids and families. It's a clever way to keep young learners engaged while school is out — think less "summer slide" and more "summer outside." The center, tucked along the Columbia River on SE Columbia Way, is one of those hidden gems that locals who know it swear by. Read more from The Columbian.

Dozens of Fireworks Fires Kept Clark County Crews Busy Over the Fourth

Clark County fire agencies responded to dozens of fireworks-related blazes over the Fourth of July weekend, along with at least two injuries. Crews from Clark County Fire District 6, Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue, and other agencies stayed busy throughout the holiday. It's a good reminder to check your yard and gutters for any stray debris now that the festivities have wound down. The Columbian has the full rundown.

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💬 Community Buzz

The community discussion board was quiet this week — we'll be back with more local chatter worth your time in the next issue.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Washougal Veteran Wendy Morrill Steps Into District-Wide Leadership Role

After 19 years as a classroom teacher and 6 as a principal in Washougal schools, Wendy Morrill is moving into a district-level position for the 2026-27 school year. She's one of several leadership changes announced by the Washougal School District this week.

Free Ren Faire Takes Over Vancouver's Downtown Library

Costumes encouraged, admission free. The Fort Vancouver Regional Library's downtown branch is hosting an all-day Renaissance Faire — a fun excuse to wander downtown midweek. Details here on Reddit.

Summer Heat Safety: What Clark County Families Need to Know Now

With temperatures climbing, The Columbian breaks down how to spot dehydration and heat illness during outdoor sports and activities — and why preparation matters more than you think. Read the full guide here.

Union High Grad Keithen Shepard Lands Front-Office Gig With the Patriots

Keithen Shepard played wide receiver at Union High School, studied at MIT, and now works as a Football Research and Development Analyst for the New England Patriots — contributing to their recent Super Bowl run. Clark County Today has his full story.

Bellevue 16-Year-Old Builds App to Track Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, ALS

A Bellevue teenager has developed an app that lets patients and families monitor neurological conditions from home. It's a Washington-grown story worth watching. Read more from The Columbian.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Wednesday, July 8

• Mt. St. Helens Summit Climb with MSHI — 6:00 AM. A single-day non-technical scramble to the summit with professional mountain guides and certified volunteer climbing stewards, designed for both novice hikers and experienced mountaineers. More info
• Rebecca Anstine Gallery presents Impressions of the Pacific Northwest — 8:00 AM–5:00 PM at the Rebecca Anstine Sixth Floor Gallery, Vancouver. A free exhibit showcasing Pacific Northwest artists Oleg Ulitskiy and Elizabeth Ganji, celebrating the region's moody landscapes and vibrant moments. On display through September. More info
• TOPS WA 1056 Vancouver — 8:15 AM weigh-in, 9:30 AM meeting at Fourth Plain Church of the Nazarene, Vancouver. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30–9:30 AM and 10:00–11:00 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. An evidence-based group exercise program for older adults (age 60+). More info
• Marine Park Beach Clean-up — 9:30–11:30 AM at Marine Park, Vancouver. Walk approximately 2.5 miles along the shoreline to collect litter and debris from the Columbia River. All tools provided. Free; registration required. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI — 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Sayaka Ganz transforms discarded plastic objects into soaring animals and rushing waves in this stunning 3D impressionism-meets-environmentalism exhibit, on view through September 30. More info
• The Henrik Bothe Library Circus — 10:00–11:00 AM at La Center Community Library. Physical comedy, juggling, magic, and plate spinning — free and fun for the whole family. More info
• High School Art Exhibit at Camas Public Library — 10:00 AM at Camas Public Library. The Second Story Gallery showcases artwork from Camas School District high school students in painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Free; on display through August 1. More info
• Where's Waldo? at Autumn Leaf Books — 10:00 AM at Autumn Leaf Books, Camas. Pick up a passport and hunt for Waldo hidden in up to 25 downtown Camas businesses all month long. Completed passports earn prizes! Free. More info
• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Vancouver. Free tours of the historic Marshall House on Officers Row featuring period furnishings and military memorabilia. More info
• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Free tours by reservation or walk-in for small groups. More info
• Reading in the Wild — 10:00 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. A free outdoor reading series for families with kids ages 3–6 pairing stories with nature activities. This week's theme: Mammal Mania! More info
• Camas Farmers Market — 3:00–7:00 PM in Downtown Camas (new temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Fresh produce, flowers, artisan goods, prepared foods, and live music. More info
• Berry Days at Camas Farmers Market — 3:00 PM at 4th Ave. and Birch St., Camas. Berry-themed kids crafts, trivia, temporary tattoos, and a guessing game. Vote for Camas' Favorite Berry! At 4:30 PM, the first 300 customers get complimentary berry shortcake made with fresh local berries. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00–6:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Open game play — decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Teen Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00–6:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create: Origami — 4:00–5:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop in and fold a selected monthly origami pattern. Ages 5–12. 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
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom — 6:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, Vancouver. Intermediate lesson at 6 PM, beginner lesson at 7 PM, social dance 8–9:30 PM. Singles, partners, and groups welcome. $5–$10. More info
• Gemstone Necklace Workshop — 6:00–8:30 PM at Craft Collective, Vancouver. Learn to design and knot a necklace using colorful gemstones and silk cord. No experience needed. $65. More info
• Disabled American Veterans Monthly Meeting — 6:30–8:00 PM at American Legion 40 et 8, Vancouver. Free. More info

Thursday, July 9

• Coldwater Lake — WTA Backcountry Response Team — 8:30 AM. Trail work along the gorgeous Lakes Trail at Coldwater Lake with views of Mt. St. Helens. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center, 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses with farm, food, and artisan products. More info
• Marshall House Tour — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at the Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute tours. More info
• Tiny Art Show at Camas Public Library — 10:00 AM at Camas Public Library. The beloved Tiny Art Show returns for its 6th year — come see what the Camas community has created. Free; on display through July. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM–noon at Vancouver Bridge Club, Vancouver. Instructor Michael Walker, a Ruby Life Master, covers opening bidding, slam bidding, takeout doubles, and more. $10–$50. More info
• Lookout Mountain Wildflower Hike — 10:00 AM. Join the Washington Native Plant Society for a moderate 2.6-mile wildflower hike at Lookout Mountain in Hood River County with forest, meadow, and rocky outcrop views. NW Forest Pass required. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Planning Meeting — 12:00 PM. Monthly planning meeting. Call 360-892-8944 for info. More info
• Dinosaur Garden in a Jar at Camas Public Library — 3:00–4:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Build a tiny prehistoric world in a jar — all materials provided. Free; registration required. More info
• Lumos Hearth & Home Grand Opening at New Location — 4:00 PM at 12709 NE 115th Avenue #112, Vancouver (Brush Prairie). Ribbon cutting for the locally owned business's new showroom featuring fireplaces, stoves, hot tubs, and outdoor living products. More info
• Teen Hangout — 4:30–6:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, snacks, and chatting. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure — 4:30–6:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Create a character and play Dungeons & Dragons. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Reptile Man — The Fascinating World of Reptiles — 5:00–6:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Live reptiles, big laughs, and up-close encounters with the Oregon Reptile Man. Free. More info
• Road Cycling 101 — 5:30 PM. Join the Vancouver Bicycling Club's Charla Burke for fun group rides exploring trails, neighborhoods, and parks. 5–10 miles at 10 mph on flat terrain. More info
• Vancouver Sons and Daughters of Italy Meeting — 6:00 PM at Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Vancouver. Dinner included. Free. More info
• Pints for Alzheimer's Disease — 6:00–8:00 PM at Prairie Tavern, Brush Prairie. Prairie Tavern donates $1 per pint all day to benefit the Walk to End Alzheimer's SW Washington. More info
• Waterfront Concert Series — 6:30 PM at Vancouver Waterfront Park. Free live music for all ages — bring a picnic or grab food from a waterfront restaurant. Parking at the Waterfront Vancouver Parking Center or take C-TRAN Route 71. More info
• Drawing Wildflowers from Photographs (Online) — 6:30 PM. Botanical drawing with colored pencils hosted by the Washington Native Plant Society and instructor Crystal Shin. More info
• Southwest Washington Woodturners Monthly Meeting — 7:00–9:00 PM at Friends of the Carpenter, Vancouver. Open to experienced and novice woodturners. Free. More info
• Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic featuring Ghost Terrestrea — 7:00 PM at Art at the Cave, Vancouver. Terrestrea, author of Labyrinth of Mind, headlines; other poets welcome to read original works. $5 suggested donation. More info

Friday, July 10

• Kiwanis Multi-Family Yard Sale — 9:00 AM–4:00 PM (also July 11). Salmon Creek Kiwanis Club fundraiser featuring furniture, household items, tools, kids' clothing, and toys. Cash only. More info
• SW WA Victory Garden Work Party — 9:00 AM. Join the Friday morning garden shift with Urban Abundance at the SWWA Victory Garden — good people doing good things outdoors. More info
• BARK Ranger Led Tour — 9:30 AM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. A guided walk for you and your four-legged companion to explore the park's history and learn about the BARK Ranger program. Free. More info
• Adult & Teen Craft and Chat — 10:00 AM–noon at La Center Community Library. Bring your current craft project for a no-stakes session. Ages 13+. Free. More info
• Summer Craft & Play with Drip Drop Art Studio — 10:00 AM at Drip Drop Art Studio, Vancouver. Sensory bins, art projects, and a Maker Station for kids 5+. $18. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program — 12:00–1:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• Magic of Reading — 12:00–12:45 PM at Overlook Park, Ridgefield. Jay Frasier's magic show proves the most powerful magic is found between the pages of a good book. Free. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00–3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, Vancouver. Free weekly art group. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: Meet Me at the Movies — 1:00 PM at Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver. A musical on the big screen on the second Friday of every month. $10. More info
• Washougal Community Market — 2:00–6:00 PM at Reflection Plaza, Washougal. Small businesses, artisans, authors, musicians, bakers, and food vendors with live music. Free. More info
• Family Adventure Camp at Mt. St. Helens — 3:00 PM at Mount St. Helens Science and Learning Center, Toutle. Explore the volcanic landscape with scenic trails, playful activities, art, and hands-on experiences for the whole family. $275. More info
• Amboy Territorial Days — 3:00 PM–midnight at Amboy Territorial Days Park. The 66th annual celebration features artisan vendors, food vendors, a silent auction, kids' zone, live music, a beer garden, and the Grand Marshal presentation and Queen Coronation at 6 PM. Free admission. More info
• Kids Create — 3:30–4:30 PM at Washougal Community Library. Creative, interactive drop-in projects for ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Preschool Summer Scribbles — 3:30–4:15 PM at Camas Public Library. Preschoolers practice early writing skills with summer-themed activities. Free; registration required. More info
• Tween Hangout at Vancouver Community Library — 4:00–5:30 PM. Games, crafts, snacks, and chatting 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, mini golf, bounce houses, pool, and more. $5–$10 admission. More info
• Amboy Territorial Days Car Show — Registration at 4:30 PM, show at 5:00 PM at Amboy Territorial Days Park. Classic cars, muscle cars, custom builds, food, and entertainment. Spectators free; $10 vehicle entry. More info
• 50+ Climb Night — 5:00 PM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. A fun, guided climbing evening for ages 50+ — beginners welcome, no gear needed. $19–$24. More info
• Reception & Artist Talk — High School Art Exhibit at Camas Public Library — 5:00–6:00 PM. Celebrate local high school artists and hear students speak about their work. Free. More info
• ZooNights at Oregon Zoo — 5:00 PM at Oregon Zoo, Portland. Live music, food carts, keeper chats, animal encounters, and elephant ears. Local beer and wine for adults. $13–$26. More info
• Tween Night — Bracelet Making at Drip Drop Art Studio — 5:30 PM at Drip Drop Art Studio, Vancouver. Kandi bracelets, beads, charms, shrinky dinks, pizza, and drinks. Ages 9–14; drop-off only. $45. More info
• Project Huddle Knit/Crochet Circle — 5:30–8:00 PM at Dandelion Teahouse and Apothecary, Vancouver. Bring your projects or unfinished scraps for others to use. Free. More info
• Ridgefield Dragon Boat Paddles — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield. Free community paddling — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Good Times and Wine at English Estate Winery — 6:00–8:00 PM at English Estate Winery, Vancouver. Live music from Guatemalan-American singer-songwriter Idea The Artist, plus an on-site food truck. Free admission. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball — 6:30 PM at Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. Cheer on Clark County's hometown team! More info
• Friday Fun Nights — Mario Mayhem at Kids Club — 6:30–9:00 PM at Kids Club Fun & Fitness, Vancouver. Obstacle courses, Mario Kart-inspired challenges, power-up hunts, crafts, and team challenges. $39.99. More info
• Jesus and Friends: An Evening of Acoustic Christian Music — 6:30–8:00 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Vancouver. Modern Christian music on acoustic instruments. Free; donations encouraged. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro — 7:00 PM at Farrar's Bistro, Vancouver. Food, cocktails, local wine, and live music on the pet-friendly patio. More info
• Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra at Providence Academy — 7:00 PM in the historic Academy Ballroom, Vancouver. Sammuel Murry-Hawkins leads the ensemble through the music of Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, and more. Dancing encouraged! $16. More info
• Pour Choices Pub Concert Series: Logan Rombach — 7:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main St., Vancouver. An evening of incredible guitar work and great tunes. More info

Saturday, July 11

• Clark County Parks & Nature Fee-Free Day: National Wildlife Day — 7:00 AM. Free access to Clark County regional parks all day. More info
• La Center Our Days — City-Wide Garage Sale — 8:00 AM–4:00 PM throughout La Center. The city's premier summer tradition kicks off with a city-wide garage sale. Free. More info
• Youth Photographers CAMERADERIE Field Trip with Vancouver Audubon — 8:00 AM at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Young photographers ages 10–18 explore one of SW Washington's best birding hotspots with seasoned photographer guides. More info
• Birding Walk at Ridgefield NWR — 8:00 AM. Join Robert Vanderkamp for a birding walk at the Carty Unit. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. The flagship market has been running since 1990 — fresh produce, artisan goods, and community vibes. More info
• Vancouver GoFest Celebration 2026 — 9:00 AM–6:00 PM across Downtown Vancouver and the Waterfront. A free, family-friendly Pokémon-themed festival with a Kids Zone, interactive activities, and local businesses. Also on July 12. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Sasquatch Science Team at OMSI — 9:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Kids ages 3–5 and families use their five senses to explore Sasquatch and science. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail parkrun — 9:00 AM at Salmon Creek Trail, Vancouver. Free weekly 5K — walk, jog, run, or volunteer. All ages, abilities, and dogs welcome. More info
• Garlic Growing Workshop — 9:00–10:30 AM at 78th Street Heritage Farm, Hazel Dell. WSU Extension Master Gardeners cover choosing, planting, harvesting, and storing garlic. Take home a clove! $10. More info
• Wander Clark County: Historic Parkersville Walking Tour — 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM tours at Parker's Landing National Historic Site, Washougal. Explore one of Washington's oldest incorporated communities with the Clark County Historical Museum. $10. More info
• C10s at the Lake Classic Truck Show — 9:00 AM–5:00 PM at Vancouver Lake Regional Park. Classic trucks from 1998 and older, plus food, coffee, and shave ice. Tailgating encouraged! Spectators free; $25 truck registration. More info
• Muscle Car Mania — 9:00 AM–1:00 PM at Liberty Bible Church, Salmon Creek. The Evergreen Mustangs Car Club's 10th annual show with raffles, vendors, and a K-9 demo. Spectators free; $25 vehicle registration. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play — 9:15 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club. Free lesson followed by assisted play — perfect for newcomers. More info
• Vintage Car Show at Vancouver Elks Lodge — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at Vancouver Elks Lodge, 11605 SE McGillivray Blvd. Trophies for Men's Choice, Women's Choice, and People's Choice. Raffle and door prizes. Free for spectators. More info
• Kids Crochet at Hook & Needle — 10:00 AM at Hook and Needle Fiber, downtown Vancouver. Taught by Becka of Radiant Beans — no experience necessary. Ages 10+. $45. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, Vancouver. Flight simulators, a vertical wind table, historic airplanes, and STEAM activities. Free for all ages. More info
• Dandelion Wish Fair — 10:00 AM at Dandelion Teahouse & Apothecary, Vancouver. Outdoor popup makers market featuring local vendors with skincare, plants, jewelry, quilts, and more. More info
• Frogs & Friends: Life in the Lagoon Workshop — 10:00 AM in Washougal. Learn about native frogs, habitat creation, and wildlife-friendly native plants with Good Year Farms and Frog & Twig. Brunch included. Registration required. More info
• 2026 Second Saturday Summer Series: Skatepark Pop-Up — 10:00 AM in Washougal. Free, family-friendly event highlighting youth recreation and community connection through the City's Parks Passport Program. More info
• Kids & Tweens Build It — 10:30 AM–noon at Ridgefield Community Library. Build with LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes, and more. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Clark County Heritage Organization Fair — 11:00 AM–3:00 PM at Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Explore local heritage organizations, enjoy storytelling, and celebrate Clark County's place in the broader American story. Free. More info
• Adult Garden Chat with FVRL — 2:00 PM. Monthly community gathering to talk gardening techniques and strategies for our region. Free. More info
• Second Saturday Jazz Duets — 6:00 PM. Annie Averre (vocals, guitar) and Steve Christofferson (piano) perform jazz, with wood-fired pizzas made on-site. More info
• Saturday Night Karaoke at Pour Choices Pub — 8:30 PM at 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Show off your inner entertainer — solo or with friends. More info

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