📰 What's Making News

Kids Day at the Clark County Fair Brings Monster Trucks, a Fire-Breathing T-Rex

Thursday is Kids Day at the Clark County Fair, and the lineup is exactly as wild as your kids are hoping. The grandstands arena hosts Monster Truck shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., headlined by Megasaurus — a fire-breathing, car-crushing robotic T-Rex that has to be seen to be believed. Between the big shows, families can catch Magician Adam the Great, the Professor Smart Science Show, Barnyard Races, DogTown performances, and Tyzen the Comedy Hypnotist on the community stage. Thrill rides, family fun rides, and vendors round out a full day. Here's the full Thursday schedule.

Camas Teen Shaunak Deshpande Launches Birding Group with Vancouver Audubon

While most high schoolers spent the summer sleeping in, incoming Camas High School junior Shaunak Deshpande built an entire youth organization from scratch. His new group, Cameraderie, pairs birding with photography and operates in partnership with Vancouver Audubon. Deshpande has already lined up business sponsors, hosted fundraisers, and led bird walks at the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Washougal. Now he's prepping for a bird-a-thon to keep the momentum going into fall. Read the full story at The Columbian.

Vancouver, Woodland Baseball Squads Advance at Babe Ruth World Series

Southwest Washington is well-represented on the national stage this week. Teams from Vancouver and Woodland have reached bracket play at the Babe Ruth World Series, putting local youth baseball in the spotlight as the tournament hits its most exciting stretch. For the players and families involved, this is the culmination of a long summer of competitive ball — and the games only get bigger from here. Follow their run at The Columbian.

Christian Harlow Wins Twice in One Day, Reaches PNGA Quarterfinals

Vancouver golfer Christian Harlow, who plays for King's Way Christian, put together a dominant Wednesday at the Pacific Northwest Golf Association Junior Boys Amateur. Harlow won two matches in a single day to punch his ticket to the quarterfinals of one of the region's most prestigious junior tournaments. It's a strong showing for the young Vancouver player and a reminder that Clark County keeps producing serious golf talent. Full details from The Columbian.

Battle Ground Schools Save Four Sports Programs Through Community Donations

Golf, gymnastics, swimming, and bowling at Battle Ground Public Schools will live to see another season. Donations from individual community members and Seattle-based education nonprofit foundry10 met the district's fundraising goals, securing those athletics programs for the 2026–27 school year. It's a meaningful win for student-athletes who were facing the possibility of losing their sports entirely. Clark County Today has the details.

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⚡ Quick Bites

St. Vincent de Paul Yard Sale Hits St. John the Evangelist This Weekend

The annual St. Vincent de Paul Outreach Sale runs Friday and Saturday, August 14–15, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church (8701 NE 119th St). Every dollar goes toward supporting local families in need — and the bargain-hunting is half the fun.

Walmart Foundation Pledges $500K for Spokane Complex Fire Relief

The Walmart Foundation has committed $500,000 in grants to help communities affected by the Spokane Complex wildfires. The funds will support response and recovery efforts across eastern Washington.

Orcas Spotted at Seattle's Ballard Locks — a Promising Sign for Salmon

Bigg's killer whales surfaced near the Ballard Locks Monday evening, drawing crowds of excited onlookers. Marine biologists say the transient orca presence signals healthy prey populations in the Salish Sea — good news for the broader Pacific Northwest salmon ecosystem.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Thursday, August 13

• WTA Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge – Half-Day Work Party – 9:00 AM at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Roll up your sleeves with the Washington Trails Association and help brush back overgrown grass and shrubbery along the trail corridor. No experience necessary — just bring your enthusiasm. The refuge spans more than 5,000 acres of marshes, grasslands and woods. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center, 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd. More than 50 small businesses offering farm-fresh produce, prepared food and artisan goods. Free parking. More info
• Marshall House Tour – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at the Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute guided tours of one of Vancouver's most historic venues. Check in at the front entrance and book your tour time online. More info
• Clark County Fair – 10:00 AM–10:00 PM at Clark County Fairgrounds, Ridgefield. This year's "Blast Off to Fun" theme promises rides (carnival opens at noon), concerts, food and hands-on space adventures. Admission $8.50–$11.50. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Instructor Michael Walker (Ruby Life Master) covers opening bids, slam bidding, takeout doubles and more. $10 per lesson or $50 for all six. More info
• Introductory Bridge Class – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 Mill Plain Blvd., Suite H. A beginner-friendly six-week series. $10 per lesson or $50 for all six. Call Ellie Hood at 360-433-2409 for details. More info
• Bee Amazed at Camas Public Library – 3:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Kids can zoom into the wonderful world of Oregon bees — over 500 kinds! Hands-on science activities and buzz-worthy fun. Free; registration required. More info
• Ribbon Cutting: Okojie Wellness New Location – 4:00 PM at 2100 SE 164th Ave., Suite F101, Vancouver. Tour the new clinic, meet the team and celebrate their continued growth. More info
• Ribbon Cutting: Trans360's New Chapter – 4:00 PM at 611 SE Kaiser Ave., Bldg 60, Vancouver. Celebrate the milestone for this driver-training and workforce-development organization that's served the Pacific Northwest for more than 40 years. More info
• Teen Hangout – 4:30–6:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, chatting and free snacks for ages 13–19, every Thursday through August 27. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure – 4:30–6:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Create a character and dive into a Dungeons & Dragons session. Ages 9–19; fill out a character creation form before attending. Free. More info
• Summer Nights Sips & Bites in Downtown Camas – 5:00–9:00 PM throughout Downtown Camas. Tropical cocktails, tantalizing small bites, live music, and sizzling shopping specials at 15+ locations. $25 ticket includes a passport and a raffle entry. Ages 21+. More info
• Bingo Nights Supporting dogpaw – 6:00–8:00 PM at Latte Da Coffee House and Wine Bar, Vancouver. Play 10 games with 3 cards each for $20 — bingo winners take home prizes. Pups welcome on the covered patio. Proceeds support local off-leash dog parks. More info
• Vancouver Sons and Daughters of Italy Meeting – 6:00 PM at Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 3500 NW 129th St., Vancouver. Dinner included. Call 360-521-5584 for info. More info
• An Evening with Hiroya Tsukamoto – 6:30–7:30 PM at Three Creeks Community Library. The world-renowned Japanese-born guitarist and composer blends masterful technique with heartfelt storytelling. Free. More info
• Recycling 201: Beyond Curbside – 6:30–8:00 PM at City Marine Park Engineering, 4500 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver. Learn local recycling and reuse options for plastic bags, appliances and bulky items, plus how to identify and safely dispose of household hazardous waste. Free; registration required. More info
• Southwest Washington Woodturners Monthly Meeting – 7:00–9:00 PM at Friends of the Carpenter, 1600 W. 20th St., Vancouver. Open to experienced and novice woodturners alike. Free. More info
• Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic featuring Eric Fair-Layman – 7:00 PM at Art at the Cave, 108 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Hear featured poet Eric Fair-Layman (aka Papasquatch) and share your own poetry. $5 suggested donation. 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 next chapter of the wizarding world to life on stage. More info

Friday, August 14

• Bird Outing with Vancouver Audubon Society – 7:00 AM at Vancouver Lake. Sweeping views, cottonwood stands and open fields make this a prime spot to watch birds winding down nesting season and gearing up for fall migration. All skill levels welcome. Free; a Discover Pass is required to park (or borrow one from Fort Vancouver Regional Library). More info
• Road Trip: PCT Trail Days at Cascade Locks – 7:00 AM at Marine Park, Cascade Locks, OR. The 19th annual Pacific Crest Trail Days features 100+ exhibiting sponsors at the Gear Expo & Marketplace, plus activities, presentations and gear raffles for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes – 8:30–9:30 AM and 10:00–11:00 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, 12919 NE 159th St., Brush Prairie. Evidence-based group exercise for adults 60+ to build strength, balance and flexibility. More info
• Cascade Park Kiwanis Fundraising Rummage Sale – 9:00 AM–7:00 PM at Fourth Plain Church of the Nazarene, 16807 NE Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Tools, children's clothing, bikes, toys, sports equipment and DVDs. Proceeds support children's programs including the Doernbecher Children's Cancer Program, Boys and Girls Club and more. More info
• Volunteer Gleaning: SWWA Victory Garden – 9:00 AM at 2311 NE 68th St., Vancouver. Help tend a community garden every Friday — harvested produce is donated to LULAC and other local organizations. More info
• Road Trip: 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 at Timberline Bike Park. Rentals available on-site. More info
• Summer Craft & Play at Drip Drop Art Studio – 10:00 AM at Drip Drop Art Studio, Vancouver. Art projects for little ones plus a Maker Station for kids 5+, stocked with recyclables, pom poms, wood items and more. $18–$24. More info
• Plas Newydd Farm Excursion & Canopy Time – 10:00 AM in Ridgefield. A guided walk through this beautiful working farm — observe migratory birds, native plants and the rhythms of the land. More info
• Unicorn Storytime at Cascade Park Community Library – 11:00 AM–12:00 PM. Come for the story, stay for a special appearance by unicorns Mystical and Pearl! Free. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal – 12:00–1:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• Long-Term Care Planning Seminar – 12:00 PM, presented by attorney Karen Webber of Pettis Webber Pacific. Topic: "Who Will Care for You? The Vital Role of Incapacity and Long-Term Care Planning." Free; registration required at 360-696-2069. More info
• NAMI Art Group – 1:00–3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 NE 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. Drop in and create art with others. Free. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: Meet Me at the Movies – 1:00 PM at Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver. A musical screening on the big screen — a different film every second Friday. $10 per person. More info
• Kids Hero Quest for Young Adventurers – 1:30–2:30 PM at Three Creeks Community Library. A beginner-friendly tabletop game for ages 5–9 where kids and caregivers team up to battle monsters, avoid traps and discover treasure. Free. More info
• Chor Anno Presents Voices in the Vineyard – 3:00–5:00 PM at Columbia Ridge Winery, 3006 NW 199th St., Ridgefield. Sip wine, enjoy food and hear Chor Anno perform, with a wine tasting and presentation by wine expert Steve Meharg. $75–$95. More info
• Kids Create – 3:30–4:30 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–9 — use your imagination and try a new artistic skill. 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 Friday Night Cruise-In – 4:00–8:00 PM at Alderbrook Park, 24414 NE Westerholm Rd., Brush Prairie. Classic cars, hot rods and motorcycles, plus disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool access and more. $5–$10 admission. More info
• ZooNights at the Oregon Zoo – 5:00 PM at Oregon Zoo, Portland. Live music, food carts, keeper chats, animal encounters and elephant ears — plus local beer and wine for the grown-ups. $13–$26. More info
• Into the Crater Hike with Mt. St. Helens Institute – 5:00 PM. A bucket-list adventure into the crater of an active volcano, led by geologists and professional mountain guides. See the youngest glacier in the world, lava beds, waterfalls and wildflowers. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle – 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try the fast-growing sport of dragon boat paddling — no experience needed, equipment provided, ages 14+. Free. More info
• Project Huddle Knit/Crochet Circle – 5:30–8:00 PM at Dandelion Teahouse and Apothecary, 109 W. Seventh St., Vancouver. Bring your projects (or your unfinished scraps for others to use) and craft together. Free. More info
• Hollie Olson at English Estate Winery – 6:00 PM at English Estate Winery, 17806 SE First St., Vancouver. Enjoy jazz, blues, R&B and original songs from pianist and vocalist Hollie Olson. No cover; food available from Venue 1903. More info
• Sip and Paint Pottery at Valo Cellars – 6:00–8:00 PM at Valo Cellars, 671 W. Columbia Way, Vancouver waterfront. Kilnfolk Clay Studio provides pottery pieces ($15–$45) and group instruction at 6:30 PM. $20 includes a glass of wine. More info
• Free Friday Night Movies in the Park – 6:30 PM at Fruit Valley Park. This week's feature: Super Mario Galaxy (PG). Arrive early for family-friendly activities. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Food vendors on-site. Free. More info
• Jesus and Friends: Acoustic Christian Music – 6:30–8:00 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1309 Franklin St., 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, 12514 NW 36th Ave., Vancouver. Food, cocktails, local wine and live performances on the pet-friendly patio. First come, first served. More info
• Pour Choices Summer Concert Series: Allie Childers – 7:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Laid-back acoustic vibes and feel-good summer music. No cover. More info
• ZZ Top at ilani – 8:00 PM at ilani's Cowlitz Ballroom, Ridgefield. Rock legends ZZ Top bring a half-century of rock, blues and boogie — beards, spinning guitars and all. $99.90–$355.90. More info

Saturday, August 15

• Mt. St. Helens Summit Climb with MSHI Geologist – 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
• Clark County Parks Fee-Free Day: National Relaxation Day – 7:00 AM. Free access to regional parks all day. Bird-watch, paddleboard, skateboard the trails or have a picnic. More info
• Cameraderie Bird-a-thon at Steigerwald Lake NWR – 8:00 AM. Split into teams and compete to spot the most bird species at the refuge, followed by a species count, awards and celebration. All ages and experience levels welcome; binoculars available to borrow. More info
• Windhaven Ride for Veterans – 8:30 AM–2:00 PM starting at Yacolt Community Church, 509 W. Cushman St., Yacolt. Hot rods, classic cars and motorcycles cruise northeast Clark County, followed by music, food and a vendor market. $25 per vehicle, $10 per passenger. 100% of proceeds support veterans. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park. Vancouver's flagship market since 1990 — fresh produce, artisan goods and community vibes in the heart of downtown. More info
• Wander Clark County: HerStory Walking Tour (Early) – 9:00 AM at Clark County Historical Museum. Celebrate the remarkable women who shaped Vancouver and Clark County — from Esther Short to Mother Joseph. $10; CCHM members free with RSVP. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Design and Discover at OMSI – 9:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Bilingual STEAM workshops for ages 3–5 and their families, focused on building, testing and hands-on engineering challenges. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Parkrun – 9:00 AM at 800 NE 117th St., Vancouver. A free, friendly weekly 5K — walk, jog or run at your own pace. All ages, abilities and dogs welcome. Register online for your barcode. More info
• Stewardship Saturday at Columbia Springs – 9:00 AM–12:00 PM at 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy., Vancouver. Help remove invasive species, maintain trails and improve site accessibility. Tools and gloves provided. More info
• Whipple Creek Regional Park Trail Maintenance – 9:00 AM. Join the Whipple Creek Restoration Committee for brush cutting and trail graveling. Meet at the main north parking area off NE 179th St. and 21st Ave. Email [email protected] to sign up. More info
• Frenchman's Bar Beach Cleanup – 9:00 AM at Frenchman's Bar Regional Park. Check in at the first parking lot entrance. Wear closed-toe shoes, bring water and snacks. All tools provided by Clark County Public Works. More info
• Wander Clark County Walking Tours – 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM at various locations. The Clark County Historical Museum's knowledgeable guides lead groups of 25 through fascinating historic neighborhoods. $12.51 per person. 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
• Beaks, Feet and Feathers – 9:30 AM at Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Families with kids ages 6–10 learn how beaks, feet and feathers help birds thrive, then hit the trail with games and hands-on activities. Free; advance registration required. More info
• Kids Crochet at Hook & Needle – 10:00–11:00 AM at Hook and Needle Fiber, 621 Broadway, Vancouver. Beginner class for ages 10+ taught by Becka of Radiant Beans — learn chain stitch, single crochet and more while making a bookmark. $45, supplies included. 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
• Pearson Museum and Airfield Celebration: A Flight Through Time – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at Pearson Air Museum, Vancouver. Guided walking tours, aircraft and vintage car displays, flight simulators, paper airplane competitions, a talk by historian Martin Middlewood and more. Free. More info
• Reptile Man: The Fascinating World of Reptiles – 10:00 AM at various FVRL library locations. Live reptiles, big laughs and up-close encounters with the Oregon Reptile Man. Free. More info
• Safe Routes to School Summer Fair – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Heights Bike Garden, 5411 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Plan your route to school, join the Bike Rodeo, learn to ride a bike, do a story walk-and-talk with Clark County Public Health and play bus bingo with C-Tran. Free. More info
• Sunflower Festival at O'Keefe Farms – 10:00 AM–7:00 PM at 17604 NE 182nd Ave., Brush Prairie. Sixty varieties of sunflowers, food trucks, live music, 30+ craft vendors and photo ops in huge sunflower fields. $10 adults, $5 kids 3–12, under 3 free. More info
• Berry Bowls Workshop at Kilnfolk Clay Studio – 10:00–11:30 AM at 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Make your own ceramic berry bowl — beginner-friendly, ages 8+. Bowls are fired and glazed, ready for pick-up in about a month. $55. 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 mythological paintings. Free. More info
• Freeform: A Day of Creativity – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free workshops in Flamenco dancing, natural pigment eco-art, poetry, neurographic drawing, paper collage, upcycle sewing, music therapy and air dry clay. More info
• Goat Adventure at Your Library – 10:00 AM. Meet some new goat friends in this mobile petting zoo at a Fort Vancouver Regional Library location. Free. More info
• Road Trip: Waterfront Walk on the East Esplanade with Outdoor Afro – 10:00 AM in Portland. Walk the Eastside Esplanade with views of Portland's downtown from the opposite river bank. Free BIPOC event; register via the Outdoor Afro app. More info
• Open House: East Vancouver Community Park Planning – 10:00 AM. Help design a brand-new 14-acre community park near 192nd Ave. and 20th St. All ages welcome; light refreshments provided. More info
• Jenks Music and Juggling – 11:00 AM at Ridgefield Community Library. A high-energy music and juggling show that will dazzle the whole family. Free. More info
• Wander Clark County: HerStory Walking Tour (Late) – 11:00 AM at Clark County Historical Museum. Same inspiring tour of the women who shaped our community — second time slot for those who sleep in. $10; CCHM members free with RSVP. More info
• Play Bridge (0–150 Points) – 11:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. $10. More info
• La Center Historical Museum Open House – 12:00–4:00 PM at La Center Historical Museum. Explore local history exhibits — free, run entirely by volunteers and donations. More info
• Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Summer Train Rides – 12:00 PM departing from Yacolt. Ride through the tunnel, across the East Fork of the Lewis River and stop at Moulton Station to visit Yacolt Falls. $18–$24; lap children under 3 free. More info
• Artist Talk at Art at the Cave – 1:00 PM at Art at the Cave, Vancouver. Hear from artists of the Inner Light Photographic Society's "Lost and Found" exhibit. Free. More info
• Amazing Aquifers at the Water Resources Education Center – 1:00–2:00 PM. Drop in for a hands-on water-science activity. All ages, no registration required. Free. More info
• Family Movie at Ridgefield Community Library – 3:00–5:00 PM. Bring the family for a free family-friendly movie and free popcorn. More info
• Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub – 8:30 PM at 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Let your inner entertainer shine — come solo or bring the crew. More info

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