📰 What's Making News

Bethany Vineyard Pours Its Final Glass After 26 Years

Bethany Vineyard in Ridgefield, one of Clark County's longest-running wineries, is closing its doors after more than a quarter century. The vineyard has been a staple for wine lovers across Southwest Washington, hosting tastings, events, and quiet weekend afternoons among the vines. Its closure marks the end of an era for one of the county's pioneering wine destinations. If you've been meaning to make one last visit, now's the time. Read more from The Columbian.

Clark County's Grady Millar, Eli Huntington Tee Off on Historic Courses

Two Clark County golfers are making waves at the college level. Grady Millar and Eli Huntington both got the chance to compete on famous courses this week with their respective college teams — the kind of rounds most golfers only dream about. It's a proud moment for the local golf community that produced them. Full story at The Columbian.

YWCA's Free BIPOC Youth Summit Returns Nov. 7-8

YWCA Clark County is bringing back its annual BIPOC Youth Summit on November 7-8, a free two-day event focused on leadership and mentorship for young people of color ages 13 to 18 across Southwest Washington. The summit pairs teens with mentors and builds skills that extend well beyond the weekend. If you know a young person who'd benefit, mark those dates now — it's a standout opportunity right here in Clark County. Details from The Columbian.

Tonight's Prep Matchups: Camas-Battle Ground, Union-Skyview Headline Packed Slate

Thursday night brings a stacked volleyball schedule across Clark County, with Camas heading to Battle Ground, Union visiting Skyview, and Prairie taking on Mountain View — all tipping off at 7 p.m. Football fans can catch Washington School for the Deaf at Lake Quinault earlier in the afternoon. It's one of those midweek nights where every gym in the county will be buzzing. See the full scoreboard at The Columbian.

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💬 Community Buzz

Holiday Market Season Starts Earlier Than You Think

Mid-October and Clark County's holiday market calendar is already filling up fast. Clark County Talk just dropped their roundup of 2026 holiday markets and bazaars near Vancouver, and it's a goldmine for anyone who likes to shop local for gifts. The list covers everything from vintage and antique finds to handmade goods and fresh-baked treats across the county. If you're the type who actually enjoys crossing names off your gift list (instead of panic-buying on December 23rd), bookmark this one now — some of these markets sell out their most popular vendor spots weeks in advance.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Great ShakeOut Drill Hits Washington Today — Practice Your Drop, Cover, Hold

The annual Great ShakeOut earthquake drill returns to Washington state on Oct. 15, just weeks after a 4.2 magnitude quake near the Kitsap-Pierce County line rattled nerves across the region. It takes about 60 seconds to practice "drop, cover, and hold on" — worth doing with your household tonight if you miss the official drill.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Thursday, October 15

• 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 movements to each person's ability. No pre-registration required; first-timers should arrive early. More info
• Bi-Zi Farms Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze – 10:00 AM at Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver. Wagon rides, pick-your-own pumpkins (any size you can carry!), corn maze, and same-day nighttime maze admission all included with entry. $14–$16. More info
• The Portland MAiZE & Pumpkin Patch – 10:00 AM at Sauvie Island, Portland. Nearly two miles of corn maze pathways plus a full pumpkin patch experience. Open daily in October, 10 AM–5 PM. More info
• Marshall House Tours – 10:00 AM at Marshall House, Vancouver. Tour this stunning Queen Anne home at the Vancouver Barracks, named for General George C. Marshall. Period furnishings, stained glass, military memorabilia, and a gorgeous round turret. Free. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding – 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Six-week class for beginning and intermediate players, taught by Ruby Life Master Michael Walker. $10–$50. More info
• Move to Improve: Exercise and Diabetes – 10:30 AM at Touchmark at Fairway Village, 2911 S.E. Village Loop, Vancouver. Health and fitness director Jennifer Short shares how exercise supports blood sugar management, strength, and energy. Free. More info
• Clark County Community Development Learning Lab – 11:00 AM at the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver (6th floor, Room 679). A new topic each month covering building permits, land use, and more, with expert staff and Q&A time. Free. More info
• Vancouver Pumpkin Patch – 11:00 AM at Velvet Acres Gardens, 18905 N.E. 83rd St., Vancouver. Pick-your-own pumpkins, corn maze, hay bale pyramid, hayrides, apple cannon, farm animals, vendors, and food carts. $10 weekdays. More info
• Dine the Couve – 11:00 AM, locations around Clark County. Now in its 11th year — browse participating restaurants, enjoy three dishes for $35 or $50, and earn points with the free Dine the Couve Pass. More info
• Take Off Pounds Sensibly – 11:30 AM at Minnehaha Church of Christ, 3217 N.E. 54th St., Vancouver. Weigh-ins from 11:30 AM, meeting from 12:30–1:30 PM. Free. More info
• The Patch at Whalen Oaks Farm – 12:00 PM at Whalen Oaks Farm, Woodland. Over 40 acres with 60+ varieties of pumpkins, squash, and gourds. U-pick fields, free parking, and no admission fee to enter. More info
• Thrive During Retirement – 12:00 PM at Martel Wealth Advisors, 2001 S.E. Columbia River Drive, Suite 200, Vancouver. Learn about key decisions as you approach retirement. Complimentary catered lunch included. Free. More info
• Walton Farms Pumpkin Patch – 3:00 PM at Walton Farms, Camas. Admission includes corn maze, train ride, and one pumpkin of any size. Dogs welcome on leash. $13 per person; seniors 55+ $11; age 2 and under free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Build It – 3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Build your STEM skills with LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes, and more. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• LEGO Club – 4:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Kids in kindergarten through fifth grade can play with the library's LEGO collection. Free. More info
• Step Inside Opal & Ivy – 4:00 PM at Opal & Ivy, 8606 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Suite C, Vancouver. Ribbon cutting for this community-focused luxury salon open since January 2026. Tour the salon, enjoy refreshments, and enter a raffle. More info
• Teen Hangout at Vancouver Community Library – 4:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, conversation, and snacks provided by the Friends of Vancouver Community Library. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Teen Bad Art – 4:30 PM at Vancouver Mall Library. A hilariously fun program where perfection is not allowed — make your worst art and vote for the most impressively bad piece. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Wine and Puzzle Night – 5:00 PM at Lane Cellars, 340 N.E. Fourth Ave., Camas. Autumn Leaf Books and Lane Cellars team up for puzzles and wine. $25 per person or $50 per table of four — take the puzzle home when you're done. Email [email protected] to sign up. More info
• Open Mic Night at Dovetail Cellars – 6:00 PM at Dovetail Cellars, 404 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Live on KXRW with host Jeff Keddie. Sign-ups start at 5:30 PM. Free. More info
• Doomscrolling Detox: Finding Your Balance in the Digital Age – 6:00 PM at the Red Cross Building, Vancouver. Journalist and media educator T. Andrew Wahl breaks down how we got to our current information landscape and offers practical strategies for balance. Free. More info
• pQ Puzzle Night 2: Fright Club at Firehouse Axes – 6:30 PM at Firehouse Axes, Vancouver. Hosted by paradigmQ Escape Rooms — five rounds of timed puzzles with prizes for the fastest team. More info
• Author Event and Costume Party with Keith Rosson – 6:30 PM at White Oak Books, 1700 Main St., Ste. D, Vancouver. Keith Rosson celebrates the launch of his novel Crone with a reading, live interview with Leah Sottile, and a Halloween costume party. Free. More info
• Line Dancing at Ashwood Taps & Trucks – 7:00 PM at Ashwood Taps and Trucks, Washougal. Led by Kat Nichols, open to all ages, beginners welcome. $10. More info
• Haunted Theme Park at Oaks Park – 7:00 PM at Oaks Park, Portland. Two immersive main haunted houses, five additional haunted houses, a Halloween theme park, food, drinks, and oddities vendors. $25–$33. More info
• Disney on Ice Presents: Jump In – 7:00 PM at Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Portland. Dazzling effects, mesmerizing projections, and beloved Disney characters come to life on ice. Starting at $37.30. More info
• History On Tap: The Lavender Palette – 7:00 PM at the Old Liberty Theater, Ridgefield. The Clark County Historical Museum presents the final installment of its 2026 series, featuring art historian David F. Martin. $5. More info
• Cinema of Horrors Drive-In Movies – 7:30 PM at the Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds, Ridgefield. Drive-in horror movies with high-quality sound, in-car audio, and monsters in Hollywood-quality makeup. Starting at $78.22. More info

Friday, October 16

• Playgroup at Firstenburg Community Center – 10:00 AM. Indoor play for ages 9 months to 6 years — kids run, jump, climb, and explore while parents socialize. $7–$9. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program – 12:00 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
• Book Swap at Terrain Coffee Project – 12:00 PM at Terrain Coffee Project, 212 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Bring books you've read, leave with ones you haven't, and enjoy a specialty coffee drink. Free. More info
• NAMI Art Group – 1:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 N.E. 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. A creative weekly gathering hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Free. More info
• Vancouver Station Night Market – 4:00 PM at Vancouver Station Food Carts, 1817 S.E. 164th Ave., Vancouver. Food, culture, music by DJ Molino and DJ Og Too, drinks, and pop-up retail from local artisans. Free. More info
• Family Bingo Night: Boo Bingo Edition – 5:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Dress up in a Halloween costume for this annual ghostly bingo night. All ages welcome. Free. More info
• Family and Friends Friday Climb – 5:00 PM. Ages 4+. Multiple difficulty levels for kids, teens, and parents — 1 hour and 45 minutes of unlimited climbing. All equipment provided. $33–$41. More info
• Stenciled Front Door Wreath Card Class – 5:00 PM at Craft Warehouse, Vancouver. Create two Christmas cards with layered front door stencils, dimensional wreaths, and holiday embellishments. $25. More info
• Gina de Noble at 14 Acres Vineyard & Winery – 5:30 PM at 14 Acres Vineyard & Winery, 2411 N.E. 244th St., Ridgefield. Live music in the tasting room with vineyard views. All ages, no cover. More info
• Bi-Zi Farm Nighttime Corn Maze – 6:00 PM at Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver. Navigate the maze after dark. $9.50 for all ages; $7.50 for ages 62+. Open until 10 PM. More info
• Spooktacular Friday Fun Night at Kids Club – 6:30 PM drop-off at Kids Club Fun & Fitness, Vancouver. Zombie Knockdown, Candy Corn Obstacle Course, Glow in the Dark Dance Party, and more for kids ages 4–11. Wear your costume! Pizza and a drink included. $39.99. More info
• American Legion Post 168 Bingo Night – 6:30 PM at the American Legion Tum Tum Post 168, 21400 N.E. 399th St., Amboy. Bingo fun supporting local veterans and their families. All are welcome. More info
• Spooky Ghosts Hand Building Workshop – 6:30 PM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Craft your own ceramic ghosts — no experience needed. Best for ages 8+ (with parental help). Pieces are fired and glazed for you. $55. More info
• Haunted History Walking Tour – 7:00 PM at Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Guides from the museum lead you along Main Street and beyond to uncover tales of the unexplained. $20. More info
• Spirit Tales of the Vancouver Barracks – 7:00 PM, meet at the Grant House parking lot, Vancouver. Historian Jeff Davis leads a 1.5- to 2-hour tour of haunted goings-on from the barracks' founding in 1849. $17–$22. More info
• Guys and Dolls – 7:30 PM at Winningstad Theatre, Portland. The beloved musical comedy set in Damon Runyon's mythical New York City. Starting at $48.25. More info
• Swan Lake – 7:30 PM at Keller Auditorium, Portland. Oregon Ballet Theatre performs Tchaikovsky's hauntingly emotional score with the OBT Orchestra live at every performance. Starting at $75. More info
• Starbird Theatre presents "Leaving Iowa" – 7:30 PM at the Sherman Auditorium at Washington State School for the Blind, 2289 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver. A heartfelt comedy about a father-and-son road trip that shifts between present and childhood memories. $23–$25. More info
• "Friday Frolic" Scottish Dance Class – 7:30 PM at Columbia Dance Center, 1700 Broadway, Vancouver. New dancers welcome — no partner or special clothing needed. $8 at the door; first class free. More info

Saturday, October 17

• IABCA Dog Show – 8:30 AM at Clark County Event Center, Ridgefield. The Evergreen Autumn Sieger showcases top-quality dogs in an international-style competition. Also Sunday. 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, local vendors, and the heart of downtown. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Design and Discover – 9:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Hands-on engineering challenges for kids ages 3+ and their families. More info
• Free Community Play Day at Columbia Play Project – 9:00 AM–12:00 PM at theARTScentered, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Free hands-on, exploratory play for the whole family. More info
• Secret Spaces Tour: Post Hospital – 9:00 AM at the Red Cross Building, 605 Barnes St., Vancouver. Tour the 1903 Post Hospital with its original tin ceilings and one of the nation's first purpose-built X-ray rooms. Ages 12+. $35. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Park Run – 9:00 AM at Klineline Pond and Salmon Creek Regional Park. Free weekly 5K — walk, jog, or run. All ages, abilities, and dogs welcome. Register at parkrun.us for your barcode. More info
• Washington State Toy Show – 9:00 AM at Clark County Event Center, 17402 N.E. Delfel Road, Ridgefield. Vintage and modern toys, comics, trading cards, and collectibles from local vendors. Early bird (9–10 AM) $10; general admission $5; kids 12 and under free. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play – 9:15 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lesson followed by assisted play. More info
• TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition – 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. More than 100 authentic artifacts from the wreck site, with immersive storytelling that lets you assume the role of a passenger. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at Pearson Field Education Center, Vancouver. Flight simulators, a vertical wind table, historic airplanes, and hands-on STEAM activities. Free for all ages. More info
• Zombie Dash – 10:00 AM at 215 SE Leadbetter Rd, Camas. Camas Parks and Recreation's first-ever free fun run — dodge zombies and complete obstacles along a 1.25-mile loop. All ages. Free. More info
• The Halloween Ball with Northwest Children's Theater – 10:00 AM at The Judy, Portland. Costume parade, interactive live storytime, dance party, and sing-along. Shows at 10 AM, 12:30 PM, and 3 PM. Ages 4+. $16. More info
• Pumpkin Lane at Pomeroy Farm – 10:00 AM–5:00 PM at Pomeroy Farm, Yacolt. Tractor-pulled hayride past dozens of pumpkin people scenes, pumpkin picking, farm animals, photo ops, and kids' activities. $8 adults; $6 kids 3–11; 2 and under free. More info
• (Not So) Scary Nature Day at Columbia Springs – 10:00 AM–1:00 PM at Columbia Springs, 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver. Hands-on science exploring creepy, crawly critters — designed for all ages. More info
• Trail Trackers – 10:00 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Learn to identify animal tracks, scat, feeding marks, and more in this beginner-friendly wildlife tracking class. Free. More info
• Learning to Prune Deciduous and Evergreen Shrubs – 10:00 AM at CASEE, 11104 N.E. 149th St., Brush Prairie. Professional gardener Christofer Robison teaches pruning methods for beauty and plant health. Classroom instruction plus hands-on practice. $15. More info
• AAUW Women-Owned Small Business Panel – 10:00 AM at Salmon Creek United Methodist Church, 12217 N.E. Highway 99, Vancouver. A panel featuring owners from Eryngium Papeterie, Melba's Vegan Bakery, and HiThere Juice Co. Open to the public with coffee and snacks. Free. More info

Wednesday, October 21

• Providence Academy Plaza Dedication – 4:00 PM at Providence Academy, 400 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. The Historic Trust officially dedicates Sacred Heart Plaza at Ed Lynch Square with a ribbon cutting, new interpretive signage, and remarks from community leaders. Free and open to the public. More info
• Worm Bin Composting Workshop – 6:00 PM. Learn how to care for your pet worms, understand different types of worm bins, and get up close with the decomposers. Part of Clark County Composter Recyclers' free Fall 2026 workshop series. More info

Thursday, October 22

• Mac's Auto & Diesel Repair Moves to a Larger Location – 4:00 PM at Mac's Auto & Diesel Repair, 6309 NE St Johns Rd, Vancouver. Celebrate their growth with a ribbon cutting at the new, bigger shop. Meet the team, tour the space, enjoy light snacks, and enter raffle drawings. More info

Saturday, October 24

• Nature Days at Columbia Springs – 10:00 AM at Columbia Springs, Vancouver. Free exploration of the natural world with hands-on activities, presentations, and self-guided adventure. All ages welcome. More info
• How to Winterize Your Garden for Spring Success – 10:30 AM. Learn tips to protect your plants, enrich your soils, and care for your irrigation systems. In partnership with Fort Vancouver Regional Library. Free. More info
• Bat Class at Nature's Haven Nursery – 11:00 AM at Nature's Haven Nursery, 6403 NE 277th Ave, Camas. Just in time for Halloween — learn about Pacific Northwest bat species, why they matter, and how to make your yard bat-friendly. Bat houses available for sale. More info
• The Resilient Yard: Battling Climate Change at Home – 4:00 PM. Learn actionable steps to reduce your carbon footprint right in your own yard. In partnership with Fort Vancouver Regional Library. Free. More info

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