📰 What's Making News

Wildfire North of Battle Ground Forces Evacuations Along Highway 503

A fast-moving brush fire burning west of state Highway 503 between Hidden Meadows and Mountain View drives has forced evacuations north of Battle Ground. Authorities ordered residents in the area to leave their homes as crews worked to contain the blaze. If you're in north Clark County, stay alert for updates from emergency officials and have a go-bag ready. Read the full details from The Columbian.

Ridgefield's Sunset Ridge Elementary Welcomes Its Very First Students

Monday was a first day of school unlike any other at Sunset Ridge Elementary in Ridgefield — because the building itself was brand new to everyone who walked through the doors. Students, parents, and staff all shared that wide-eyed, fresh-start energy together. The new school reflects Ridgefield's continued growth and the district's investment in keeping up with the families moving into the area. See how opening day went at The Columbian.

8 Luxury Homes in Salmon Creek Open for GRO Parade of Homes Sept. 11

The GRO Parade of Homes is putting its finishing touches on eight custom-built luxury homes on 16,000-square-foot lots in Salmon Creek's Emerald Grove community. Builders including Pacific Coast Homes and Generation Homes Northwest are showcasing energy-efficient designs, smart-home features, and indoor-outdoor living spaces. The parade runs Sept. 11 through Sept. 27, with a VIP Night and a Designed for Success Fashion Show benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital on the calendar. Tickets and details are available at goparadeofhomes.com. Get the full preview from Clark County Today.

Young Vancouver Artist Turns Fence Painting into a Portrait of Persistence

On an early summer morning in Vancouver, a young student was spotted hard at work painting a fence — surrounded by brushes, a small round table of supplies, and a whole lot of determination. The Columbian profiles the young artist whose dedication to his craft is turning heads in the neighborhood. It's the kind of quiet, persistent work that rarely makes headlines but says a lot about character. Read his story at The Columbian.

Vancouver Needs You: 13 Openings on City Boards, Applications Due Sept. 30

Want a seat at the table where local decisions get shaped? The City of Vancouver is accepting applications for 13 vacancies across its boards and commissions, with a deadline of Sept. 30. These panels cover everything from parks and planning to arts and the environment — and they're one of the most direct ways to influence how Vancouver grows. If you've ever said "somebody should do something," this is your chance to be that somebody. Find the application details at The Columbian.

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💬 Community Buzz

Clark County's Fall Events Guide Drops — Pumpkins, Hauntings, Horsemen Await

September is days away, and ClarkCoTalk just published their comprehensive guide to fall activities across Clark County — covering everything from pumpkin patches and haunted attractions to fall-foliage outings in Camas, Vancouver, Yacolt, and beyond. It's the kind of bookmark-it-now resource that saves you from frantically Googling "things to do this weekend" every Friday afternoon. If you've got kids (or just love a good corn maze), this is worth a scroll-through while you plan your autumn weekends. Check out the full fall guide at ClarkCoTalk.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Pints, Pottery, Free Movies: Vancouver's Week Is Stacked

A local Redditor rounded up this week's standout events, and there's something for everyone — Pints & Pottery at Brothers Cascadia Evergreen Pub, a free board game meet-up at Vancouver Station, a string quartet on the Grant Street Pier, and a free ASL-accessible screening of Superman at Columbia Tech Center Park. See the full list on Reddit.

Vancouver Opens Applications for City Advisory Panels

The City of Vancouver is recruiting residents to serve on various advisory panels and boards, with an informational open house scheduled mid-afternoon on a Wednesday — a detail that drew some side-eye on Reddit for not being the most accessible timing. If you're interested in shaping local decisions, it's worth checking out. Details on the Reddit thread.

El Niño Points to Warmer, Drier Fall Across the Northwest

The National Weather Service says a building El Niño pattern means the Pacific Northwest should expect warmer-than-average temperatures and less rain this autumn — which could push peak fall foliage into a shorter window and keep high-country trails open later than usual. Read the full forecast at The Columbian.

Cal Raleigh Crushes 3 Home Runs in Mariners' 9-2 Win

Seattle catcher Cal Raleigh broke out of a season-long slump in dramatic fashion Sunday, launching three home runs against the Phillies for the first three-homer game of his career. The M's rolled 9-2. Full recap at The Columbian.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Tuesday, August 25

• Federal Public Lands Fee Free Day – 7:00 AM. Celebrate the 110th birthday of the National Park Service with free entrance to federal public lands across the country. A perfect excuse to explore! More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes – 8:30 AM at various locations around Clark County. Free evidence-based exercise classes for adults 60 and older, hosted by the Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest Washington. Instructors tailor moves to each person's ability. No pre-registration needed — just show up early if it's your first time. More info
• Sherlock Holmes Mystery at Three Creeks Community Library – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM. Can you solve a mystery as fast as Sherlock Holmes? Test your sleuthing skills solo or with a small group. Free. More info
• Chippers Preschool Rides at Oaks Park – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM in Portland. Little ones ages 6 and under enjoy kiddie rides and select family rides, plus snack and story time with Chipper the Squirrel. $13.50 per child; one adult rides free. Purchase tickets online to guarantee your spot. More info
• AFC Urgent Care Grand Opening in Minnehaha – 10:00 AM at 6713 NE 63rd St, STE C102, Vancouver. Tour the brand-new clinic, meet the team, and enjoy coffee, cookies, refreshments, and giveaways at this ribbon cutting. More info
• Teen & Adult DIY Cat Castles – 4:00 PM at Battle Ground Community Library. Build a custom cardboard castle for your cat (or other small pet). All supplies provided. Ages 13+. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game – 4:30 PM–6:30 PM at various FVRL library locations. Create a character and dive into Dungeons & Dragons 5E or Pathfinder 1E. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Pints and Pottery at Brothers Cascadia – 5:00 PM at Brothers Cascadia Evergreen Pub, 108 W. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Kilnfolk Clay Studio guides you through making a bowl, mug, plate, or vase while you sip. $35 includes one piece and all materials. Demo starts at 5:15 PM. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group – 5:15 PM–6:45 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. A weekly drop-in for writers of all levels — introductions, dedicated writing time, and a wrap-up chat. No readings or critiques. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group – 5:30 PM–6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. A casual weekly group for beginning Spanish speakers. No registration required. Free. More info
• Women's Advanced MTB Training at Rocky Point – 5:30 PM. NW Trail Sisters and Brave Endeavors team up for a clinic focused on riding steep trails — proper braking, body position, and line choice. More info
• Women's MTB Jump Clinic at Gateway Green – 5:30 PM in Portland. Brave Endeavors hosts an intermediate-and-up jump clinic in partnership with NW Trail Sisters. A few spots remain. More info

Wednesday, August 26

• Impressions of the Pacific Northwest at Rebecca Anstine Gallery – 8:00 AM–5:00 PM on the sixth floor of the Clark County Public Service Center, Vancouver. A free exhibit showcasing Pacific Northwest artists Oleg Ulitskiy and Elizabeth Ganji through September. More info
• Free Financial Planning Day at Johnson Bixby – 9:00 AM–6:00 PM at 275 W. Third St., Suite 600, Vancouver. Book a complimentary 30-minute one-on-one session with a certified financial planner — on Zoom or in person. More info
• Glass Blowing & Weaving Workshop with Confluence – 9:00 AM at Two Rivers Heritage Museum, Washougal. A three-day workshop featuring educational components, community, and collaboration. Sliding scale available. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI – 9:30 AM in Portland. Artist Sayaka Ganz transforms discarded plastic objects into soaring animals and rushing waves. On view through September 30. More info
• Wednesday Wanders – 9:30 AM–11:30 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Explore Columbia River ecosystems, spot wildlife, and discover native plants on a 2-mile guided walk. Great for adults and families with kids 6+. Free; registration required. More info
• Volunteer: Paint Park Signs at Lewisville Park – 9:30 AM–11:30 AM in Battle Ground. Grab a brush and help Clark County Public Works spruce up park signage. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring water. More info
• Marshall House Tour – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at the Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute guided tours of this beautifully restored historic home on Officers Row. More info
• Mt. St. Helens Stewardship Day – 10:00 AM–4:00 PM. Help remove invasive species, then stay for a free guided 2.4-mile Hummocks Trail hike after lunch. Ages 10+. Registration required. More info
• Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce Luncheon – 11:30 AM at Washougal Times, 1826 E St., Washougal. Port of Washougal CEO Trang Lam and guests from RKM Development share project updates. $30 members / $40 non-members, includes buffet lunch. More info
• Musicians in the Park – 12:00 PM at Davis Park, Ridgefield. Enjoy a free lunchtime performance by local musicians in the Downtown Arts Quarter. Bring a picnic or grab takeout nearby. More info
• Contemplative Prayer – 12:20 PM–12:45 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1309 Franklin St., Vancouver. Quiet music and contemplative prayer, every Wednesday. Free. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: Meet Me at the Wildlife Refuge – 1:30 PM–3:30 PM at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Naturalist-led activities for individuals living with dementia and their care partners. Free; register in advance. More info
• Camas Farmers Market – 3:00 PM–7:00 PM in Downtown Camas (new temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Farm-fresh produce, food, and artisan goods. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00 PM–6:00 PM. Free open game play — decks provided or bring your own. More info
• Teen Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00 PM–6:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Free open play for ages 13–19. Decks provided or bring your own. More info
• Kids & Tweens STEM Lab – 4:00 PM–5:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Hands-on science, tech, engineering, and math activities for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle – 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try this fast-growing team sport — no experience needed, equipment provided, ages 14+. Free. More info
• Leathercrafting Workshop with Dragon Half Art – 5:30 PM at theARTcentered, Vancouver. A hands-on session where you'll create something genuinely cool in leather — beginners welcome. $40–$45. More info
• Poetry Street PNW Open Mic – 6:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Read your original or favorite work and listen to featured poets. All ages welcome. Free. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom – 6:00 PM in Vancouver. Intermediate lesson at 6 PM, beginner lesson at 7 PM, social dance 8–9:30 PM. Singles, partners, and groups all welcome. $5–$10. More info
• Nexus Nights – Riftbound Weekly Play at Contrarian's Game Cafe – 6:00 PM in Vancouver. Three rounds of Swiss constructed play with Nexus Pack prizes for all participants. More info
• Wine School with Ben: Zinfandel – 6:00 PM at Dovetail Cellars. Winemaker Ben Stuart leads a blind tasting of five Zinfandels from around the world. Sign up at dovetailcellars.com. More info

Thursday, August 27

• East Vancouver Farmers Market – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center, 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products. Free parking. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Instruction by Ruby Life Master Michael Walker for beginning and intermediate players. $10–$50. More info
• Vancouver Quilt Club – 11:00 AM (and again at 6:00 PM) at Craft Warehouse in Hazel Dell. See new fabrics, notions, and quilting books. Bring a current project and swap inspiration. All skill levels. Free. More info
• Starting with the Earliest Years: Nature in Pre-Natal to 3 – 11:00 AM. The Children & Nature Network shares emerging research on nature's role in early childhood development. More info
• Wheels & Wings at Grove Field Airport – 4:00 PM–dusk in Camas. The Port of Camas-Washougal's community appreciation day features vintage cars and planes on the airfield plus a free hot dog lunch. More info
• Lightly Spiced Gallery Ribbon Cutting – 4:00 PM at 500 Washington St., Vancouver. Tour this new photography gallery and studio, and try the "Make Your Own Rainbows" bubble-photography experience — take home a printed keepsake. More info
• Teen Hangout – 4:30 PM–6:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, and snacks for ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure – 4:30 PM–6:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Dungeons & Dragons for ages 9–19. Fill out a character creation form before attending. Free. 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 — win prizes and support local off-leash dog parks. Pups welcome on the covered patio. More info
• Vancouver Waterfront Symphony Series: String Quartet – 6:00 PM–7:00 PM at Grant Street Pier on the Vancouver Waterfront. The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra String Quartet performs a free concert along the Columbia River. More info
• Pour Choices Pub Summer Concert: Mizar 5 and 3 Minutes of Fame – 6:00 PM–9:00 PM at 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Live music fundraiser benefiting the Fruit Valley Boys & Girls Club. More info

Friday, August 28

• BIPOC Backpacking Trip with Opal Creek Center – 8:30 AM. A three-day backpacking expedition into the Mount Hood National Forest for adults who identify as BIPOC. Old-growth forest, stunning views, and skill-building with trip leaders. More info
• American Legion Fundraising Rummage Sale – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Smith-Reynolds Post 14, 4607 NE St. James Rd., Vancouver. Also open Aug. 29. Proceeds support veterans, military families, and community programs. More info
• Volunteer Gleaning at SWWA Victory Garden – 9:00 AM at 2311 NE 68th St., Vancouver. Help Urban Abundance tend the community garden — harvested produce is donated to local food banks. More info
• BARK Ranger Led Tour at Fort Vancouver – 9:30 AM. Bring your four-legged companion for a volunteer-led guided walk through Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Learn about the park's history and the BARK Ranger program. Free. More info
• Family Mountain Bike Ride Days at Timberline Lodge – 9:30 AM on 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
• Fruit Harvest at Raymond Shaffer Community Park – 10:00 AM. Help the City of Vancouver and Urban Abundance gather fruit from the park's trees — much of it goes to local food banks, and volunteers take some home too. Gloves, tools, water, and snacks provided. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal – 12:00 PM–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
• NAMI Art Group – 1:00 PM–3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 NE 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. A weekly creative session hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Free. More info
• Kids Create – 3:30 PM–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 PM–5:30 PM. Games, crafts, and snacks for ages 9–12. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Friday Night Cruise-In – 4:00 PM–8:00 PM at 24414 NE Westerholm Rd., Brush Prairie. Check out the cars, then enjoy disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, the pool, and more — all included with admission. $5–$10. More info
• Jack-O-Lantern Textured Wall Art Class at Craft Warehouse – 5:00 PM in Vancouver. Sculpt a festive Halloween wall piece with sculpting medium and acrylic paint. $30. More info
• The Stuff of Legends Reception at AQUA Gallery – 5:00 PM–7:00 PM at 403 Quayside Place on the Vancouver Waterfront. Meet artists Abby Ketcham and Carson Legree and explore vibrant paintings and expressive stuffies. Free. More info
• Dragon Boat Paddle in Ridgefield – 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. No experience needed, equipment provided, ages 14+. Free. More info
• Wine for Wildlife at the Oregon Zoo – 6:00 PM in Portland. Stroll the zoo after hours while sampling from 30 wineries. Meet winemakers, enjoy live music and light bites. More info
• Good Times and Wine at English Estate Winery – 6:00 PM–8:00 PM at 17806 SE First St., Vancouver. Live music from local singer-songwriter Brenna Larsen plus an on-site food truck. Free admission. More info
• English Country Line Dancing – 6:30 PM at Fern Prairie Grange, Camas. Every dance is walked through first — newbies and experienced dancers alike are welcome. $5 per person or $10 per family. More info
• Free Friday Night Movie in the Park – 6:30 PM (movie at dusk). This week: Lilo & Stitch — check listings for the featured park. Free, all ages. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Food vendors on-site. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro – 7:00 PM at 12514 NW 36th Ave., Vancouver. Enjoy food, cocktails, and local wine with live music on the pet-friendly patio. More info
• Treble Tones present "The Gift to Sing" – 7:00 PM at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1309 Franklin St., Vancouver. This 17-voice ensemble from Reprise Choir performs choral music by women composers spanning the 16th to 21st centuries. Free. More info
• Pour Choices Summer Concert: Drifter – 7:30 PM at 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Kick off the weekend with free live music. More info

Saturday, August 29

• Summit Climb on Mt. St. Helens – 6:00 AM. A single-day guided scramble to the summit with professional mountain guides. Designed for both novice hikers and experienced mountaineers. More info
• Veterans' Work Party at Seminary Hill with WTA – 8:30 AM. Washington Trails Association hosts a trail work party for veterans and service members — build camaraderie, enjoy the outdoors, and maintain hiking trails. More info
• TSMC WA Mulching Stewardship Party – 8:30 AM. Join the Camas Earth Day Society and TSMC employees for late-summer mulching to prepare for a fall tree planting on a rewilding project site. Meet at Skyridge Middle School. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park. Our flagship year-round market with farm-fresh produce, food, and artisan goods. Also open Sunday 10 AM–3 PM. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Become a Nature Detective at OMSI – 9:00 AM in Portland. Ages 3–5 and their families tackle playful hands-on STEAM challenges. $22.50–$30.50. More info
• Wander Clark County: Washougal Memorial Cemetery Walking Tour – 9:00 AM (early) and 11:00 AM (late) at Washougal Memorial Cemetery. Discover the stories of Washougal's pioneers, homesteaders, and civic leaders with the Clark County Historical Museum. $10. Early tour | Late tour
• 17th Annual Camas Vintage & Art Faire – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM in Downtown Camas. Sixty-plus vendors with vintage furniture, clothing, handmade jewelry, glass art, woodworking, and more, plus live music and food. Free. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Parkrun – 9:00 AM at 800 NE 117th St., Vancouver. A free, friendly weekly 5K — walk, jog, or run. Register at parkrun.us beforehand. More info
• Kayaking Clinic for the Visually Impaired – 9:00 AM. The Northwest Association for Blind Athletes hosts a free kayaking clinic for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. All ages and ability levels. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play – 9:15 AM–10:30 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free bridge lesson followed by assisted play. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM in Vancouver. Explore flight simulators, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes. Free for all ages. More info
• Pop-Up History Museum in Ridgefield – 10:00 AM at The Greely Building. Explore Ridgefield's founding, industries, and untold stories as part of the nation's 250th anniversary commemoration. Free. More info
• Garden Gnomes Workshop at Kilnfolk Clay Studio – 10:00 AM–11:30 AM at 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Make your own ceramic garden gnome using the pinch pot method. Ages 8+. $65. More info
• Saturday Volunteer Day at LUYF Farm – 10:00 AM at 1919 NE 78th St., Vancouver. Help Latinos Unidos Y Floreciendo prepare the community farm for fall. All experience levels welcome. More info
• Play Bridge (0–150 Points) – 11:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. $10. More info
• Chunky Blanket Workshop at Craft Collective – 11:00 AM–2:00 PM at 21506 NE 83rd St., Vancouver. Learn hand-knitting basics and create an oversized chunky knit blanket — no needles or experience needed. $89. More info
• Summer Style Social – 11:00 AM–5:00 PM at a private garden and pool in Vancouver Heights. Analee Styling hosts pop-up shops, curated fashion, small bites, DJ, and mocktails. $25 ticket includes a $25 Analee Styling gift card. 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. $16–$24. More info
• Bi-Zi Farms Sunflower Festival – 12:00 PM–8:00 PM in Vancouver. Photos with beautiful sunflowers, hayrides, farm animals, and a cut-your-own sunflower included with $12 admission. Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 13. More info
• Treat Day at Cedar Creek Grist Mill – 12:00 PM–4:00 PM at 43907 NE Grist Mill Rd., Woodland. Free cookies, cakes, muffins, scones, and more at this historic water-powered mill. More info
• Teen & Adult K-Beauty and K-Drama – 2:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Portland State University Professor Jungmin Kwon discusses digital culture, and Yoo Be Skin Care esthetician Yooseon Hwang shares K-Beauty routine essentials. Mask samples, trivia, and more. Free. More info
• Vancouver Community Library Radio Theater – 3:00 PM. Light melodrama, old-time radio style — read from a script or join the group for sound effects. 1930s attire optional. Free. More info
• Appletree Sunset 5K & Hot Rods Classic Car Show – 6:00 PM at Officers Row, Vancouver. Run the Sunset 5K, then vote on the best car in the Hot Rods show. Food, a beer garden, and live music round out the evening. $54–$139. More info
• VanCity Saturday Social Dance – 7:00 PM at VanCity Ballroom, 9212 NE Hwy 99, Hazel Dell. A 45-minute beginner lesson followed by social dancing of all styles until 10 PM. No partner needed. $10. More info
• Saturday Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub – 8:30 PM at 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Let your inner entertainer shine — come solo or bring friends. More info

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