📰 What's Making News

Camas Farm Girl Redesigns the Cowboy Boot From Scratch

Kristen Decker grew up on a farm in Camas and always identified as a cowgirl — but the boots never cooperated. After years of sore feet, she set out to build a better, bio-based western boot that actually fits the people who wear them hardest. It's a classic Clark County origin story: spot a problem nobody's solving, then solve it yourself. Read the full story at The Columbian.

Bo Rico's Late Heroics Push Raptors Past Corvallis, 9-6

The Ridgefield Raptors keep rolling. Bo Rico smacked a game-tying two-run double in the eighth inning, then added an RBI single in a three-run ninth to seal a 9-6 road win over Corvallis on Tuesday night. Ridgefield has now won eight of its last ten games after snapping a brutal 10-game skid on July 18, improving to 28-19 on the season. If you haven't caught a game at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex yet this summer, the momentum is worth the drive. Full recap here.

FISH of Vancouver Taps Diane Gibb as New Executive Director

Friends in Service to Humanity — the west Vancouver nonprofit better known as FISH — has officially named Diane Gibb as its new executive director. FISH has been a quiet backbone of the community for years, connecting neighbors with food, clothing, and emergency assistance. Gibb steps into the role as the organization looks ahead to its next chapter. If you've ever donated to or volunteered with FISH, this is a name worth knowing. Read the announcement at The Columbian.

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💬 Community Buzz

Not enough compelling community discussions surfaced today to fill this section — we'll be back with the good stuff tomorrow!

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⚡ Quick Bites

La Center Opens Legacy Park, Caps a Remarkable Fiscal Turnaround

Just six years after flirting with bankruptcy, La Center cut the ribbon on Legacy Park — a long-planned community green space — alongside new food carts that reflect the small city's growing population and healthier budget. Full story here.

30 Chinook Swim Near Mount St. Helens for the First Time Since 1980

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, and the U.S. Forest Service released 30 adult spring Chinook salmon into South Fork Coldwater Creek — the first reintroduction to the Mount St. Helens area since the eruption wiped out the watershed 46 years ago. Read more.

Fire District 3 Launches Annual Wildfire Prep Event in East Clark County

Clark County Fire District 3 hosted its first community wildfire preparedness presentation in the Brush Prairie area and plans to make it a yearly tradition, including free wildfire risk assessments for nearby homeowners. Details here.

Ptarmigan Fire Closes Northern Stretch of Pacific Crest Trail

Planning a North Cascades hike? A wildfire has forced closure of the PCT's northern terminus and part of the Pacific Northwest Trail — worth checking before you pack the car. More info.

Washington Climbs Back Into Top 10 in "Best States" Rankings

After a few years of slipping, Washington reversed its slide in the 2026 U.S. News and World Report "Best States" list and held on to a top-10 spot. See the breakdown.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Thursday, July 30

• Sky Watching: Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower — 12:00 AM / The Southern Delta Aquariids peak tonight! Rates are best for about a week around the maximum, so look south after dark for these faint but lovely meteors. More info
• Lewisville Regional Park Painting Park Signs — 9:30 AM / Join Clark County Parks & Nature volunteers to spruce up picnic tables at this historic park north of Battle Ground. All tools provided — just wear closed-toe shoes and bring water. Check in at the Grand Fir shelter. More info
• East Vancouver Market — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM / Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products at the Columbia Tech Center, 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd. Free parking. More info
• Marshall House Tour — 10:00 AM / Free 30-minute tours of the historic Marshall House in Vancouver, running Wednesday–Friday from 10 AM–2 PM. Check in at the front entrance. More info
• Tiny Art Show at Camas Public Library — 10:00 AM–6:00 PM / The Tiny Art Show is back for its 6th year! Stop by through July 31 to see what the Camas community has created. Free. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM / Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Instructor Michael Walker (Ruby Life Master) covers opening bidding, slam bidding, takeout doubles, and more. $10/lesson or $50 for six weeks. More info
• Vancouver Bridge Club Introductory Bridge Class — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM / A six-week intro class at the Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 Mill Plain Blvd., Suite H. $10/lesson or $50 for all six. Contact Ellie Hood at 360-433-2409. More info
• Vancouver Quilt Club — 11:00 AM (also 6:00 PM) / Craft Warehouse, 9307 NE Fifth Ave. in Hazel Dell. See new fabrics, notions, and quilting books. Bring a current project — all skill levels welcome. Free. More info
• Pasta Paleontology at Camas Public Library — 3:00 PM–4:00 PM / Kids in grades K–5 can pretend to be paleontologists and bring prehistoric creatures to life with pasta shapes. Registration required. Free. More info
• Lux X Charters Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting — 4:00 PM / Tour a luxury yacht, meet the captain and crew, and enjoy complimentary wine, beer, and light appetizers dockside on the Columbia River. 909 N Hayden Island Drive, Portland. More info
• Teen Hangout — 4:30 PM–6:30 PM / Ages 13–19. Games, crafts, and snacks every Thursday at Vancouver Community Library. Free, courtesy of Friends of Vancouver Community Library. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure — 4:30 PM–6:30 PM / Ages 9–19. Create a character and play Dungeons & Dragons at Cascade Park Community Library. Fill out the Character Creation Form before attending. Free. More info
• VBP Pollinators & Pints — 5:30 PM–7:00 PM / Vancouver Bee Project's casual monthly gathering on 6th St. in downtown Vancouver. This month's topic: Invasive Insects, featuring the Yellow-Legged Hornet and Spotted Lanternfly. More info
• Road Cycling 101 — 5:30 PM / Join Vancouver Bicycling Club ride leader Charla Burke for a fun group ride exploring trails, neighborhoods, and parks. 5–10 miles at 10 mph on flat terrain. Bring a bike in good working order. More info
• Adopt-A-Park Trash Pick Up at Wintler Park — 6:00 PM–8:00 PM / Riparian Media is adopting Wintler Community Park! Join their first trash pick-up and help keep this beautiful park clean. More info
• Waterfront Concert Series — 6:30 PM / Free live music at Vancouver Waterfront Park — bring a picnic or grab food from a local waterfront restaurant. Parking at the Waterfront Vancouver Parking Center (700 W. Columbia Way) or take C-TRAN Route 71. More info
• Line Dancing at Ashwood Taps & Trucks — 7:00 PM–9:00 PM / Dance with instructor Kat Nichols in Washougal. All ages, beginners welcome. $10 to dance. More info
• Jason Aldean: Songs About Us Tour 2026 — 7:30 PM / Cascades Amphitheater, Ridgefield. With support from Chase Matthew, Mackenzie Carpenter, and Dee Jay Silver. Tickets from $65. More info

Friday, July 31

• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM & 10:00 AM / Evidence-based group exercise for adults age 60+ at Bethel Lutheran Church, 12919 NE 159th St., Brush Prairie. Held Wednesdays and Fridays. More info
• Volunteer Gleaning: SWWA Victory Garden — 9:00 AM / Help tend a community garden at 2311 NE 68th St., Vancouver. Harvested produce is donated to LULAC food programs. More info
• Family Mountain Bike Ride Days at Timberline Lodge — 9:30 AM / Kids and teens 17 and under ride free with an adult day ticket or season pass at Timberline Bike Park on Mt. Hood. Bike and gear rentals available on-site. More info
• Summer Craft & Play with Drip Drop Art Studio — 10:00 AM / Maker Station for kids 5+ packed with recyclables, pom poms, wood items, and more at Drip Drop Art Studio in Vancouver. $18. More info
• Drip Drop Art Craft & Play — 10:00 AM / Sensory bins and art projects for ages 1–5, with a Maker Station add-on for ages 5+ at Drip Drop Art Studio in Vancouver. $24. More info
• A Positive Approach to Dementia Care — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM / Hope Dementia Support presents Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Dementia, led by Mike Davis of Highgate Senior Living. The Foundation Family Resource Center, 505 Omaha Way, Vancouver. Free. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program — 12:00 PM–1:00 PM / Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+ at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00 PM–3:00 PM / Drop in every Friday at the NAMI office, 4201 NE 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. Free. More info
• Kids Hero Quest for Young Adventurers — 1:30 PM–2:30 PM / Ages 5–9. A beginner-friendly tabletop adventure at Three Creeks Community Library where kids and caregivers team up to battle monsters and discover treasure. Free. More info
• Teen Art Roulette at Camas Public Library — 2:00 PM–3:30 PM / A fast-paced art challenge for teens in grades 6–12 where canvases keep changing and every round brings a surprise. Free. More info
• Washougal Community Market — 2:00 PM–6:00 PM / Small businesses, artisans, authors, musicians, bakers, and food vendors at Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main St., Washougal. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Favorite Wizard's Birthday Party — 3:00 PM–5:00 PM / Find your house, make a wand, solve a Harry Potter escape room, and test your wizarding knowledge at La Center Community Library. Free. More info
• Kids Create — 3:30 PM–4:30 PM / Ages 5–9 drop in for creative and interactive projects at Washougal Community Library. Free. More info
• Tween Hangout at Vancouver Community Library — 4:00 PM–5:30 PM / Ages 9–12. Games, crafts, and snacks every Friday. Free, courtesy of Friends of Vancouver Community Library. More info
• Parkersville Heritage Fair — 4:00 PM–6:00 PM / "Shared Roots & Legacy" at Parker's Landing Historical Park, 24 S. A St., Washougal. Explore the Van Vleet Detective Quest mystery hunt (first 200 finishers earn a treasure bag!), plus history exhibits from the Clark County Historical Museum, Two Rivers Heritage Museum, and more. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Cruise-In — 4:00 PM–8:00 PM / Classic cars plus disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, a pool, and more at Alderbrook Park, Brush Prairie. $10/adult, $5 for kids 4–13, veterans, and seniors. Ages 3 and under free. More info
• Family and Friends Friday Climb — 5:00 PM / Ages 4+. Unlimited climbing for 1 hour and 45 minutes at Firstenburg Community Center in Vancouver. Multiple difficulty levels — no experience necessary. All equipment provided. $33 resident/$41 non-resident. More info
• ZooNights — 5:00 PM / Live music, food carts, keeper chats, and animal encounters at the Oregon Zoo in Portland. Elephant ears, local beer and wine for adults. $13–$26. More info
• Tornadoes Swim Club Mystery Meet: Christmas in July — 5:00 PM–8:45 PM / A fun fundraiser at Clark County Family YMCA where swimmers don't know their event until it's drawn from the Mystery Bucket. Suggested donations $10+. More info
• Camas Lions Club Beer Garden Fundraiser — 5:00 PM–10:00 PM / Port of Camas-Washougal, 24 S. A St. All proceeds support charitable causes including vision programs, hunger relief, youth scholarships, and more. 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 with expert geologists and professional mountain guides. See the youngest, fastest-growing glacier in the world. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM / Free paddling at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Ages 14+, no experience needed, equipment provided. More info
• 2026 AMC Rendezvous Car Show: Friday Night Cruise-In — 6:00 PM–8:00 PM / Prairie Tavern, 14925 NE Caples Road, Brush Prairie. Open to all AMC heritage vehicles including Nash, Hudson, Rambler, and AMC-Jeep. Music, food, and AMC memorabilia. More info
• Laser Red Hot Chili Peppers — 6:00 PM / A heart-pounding laser light experience set to RHCP at OMSI's Kendall Planetarium, Portland. 60 minutes. Arrive at least 5 minutes early. More info
• Good Times and Wine at English Estate Winery — 6:00 PM–8:00 PM / Live music from singer-songwriter Raeann Phillips, plus on-site food from Venue 1903 at English Estate Winery, 17806 SE First St., Vancouver. Free admission. More info
• Summer Concert at Marina Park — 7:00 PM–10:00 PM / Five Guys Named Moe perform live at Marina Park, Washougal. Food vendors start at 4:00 PM. Free. More info
• Journey Theater Arts Presents: Into the Woods — 7:00 PM / The Sondheim classic comes to Heritage High School, 7825 NE 130th Ave., Vancouver. Follow a Baker, Cinderella, and Jack as their wishes take unexpected turns. $22–$26. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro — 7:00 PM / Enjoy food, cocktails, and local wine on the pet-friendly patio at 12514 NW 36th Ave., Vancouver. First come, first served seating. More info
• Sunset Kayak Paddle — 7:00 PM / Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe's popular evening paddle from Ridgefield Waterfront Park — paddle north to the Columbia River for sunset, snacks on the beach, and rising moonlight. Three hours, all skill levels. Reservations required. More info
• Pour Choices Pub Summer Concert Series: Benj — 7:30 PM / An intimate evening of original music at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main St., Vancouver. 21+. More info
• The Bird Days of Summer: Birds, Bats & Bugs — 8:00 PM / Join FBC.PDX and Bird Alliance of Oregon for an evening as day shifts to night — watch birds settle in, then see bats emerge overhead and moths gather at UV light sheets. Bat detector included! Portland area. More info

Saturday, August 1

• Mt. St. Helens Summit Climb with MSHI — 6:00 AM / A single-day non-technical scramble to the summit with professional mountain guides. Designed for both novice hikers and experienced mountaineers. More info
• Birding Walk at Ridgefield NWR — 8:00 AM / Join guide Ron Escano at the Carty Unit for a relaxed birding walk. Great for beginners and experienced birders alike. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Market — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM / Vancouver's flagship farmers market at 8th & Esther, next to Esther Short Park. Operating since 1990. More info
• Washougal Arts and Music Festival — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM / 20+ local and regional artists selling original artwork in all mediums, plus live music from the Washougal Songcraft Festival. Kids activity area with hands-on creative fun. Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main St., Washougal. Free. More info
• Free Clothing Event — 9:00 AM / The 12th annual free clothing event with used clothes in all sizes from infant to plus sizes. More info
• Ridgefield Day of Festivals — 9:00 AM–5:00 PM / Five events in one day: City Days, Ridgefield Farmers Market, Paddle for Life Dragon Boat Races, Children's Entrepreneur Market, and the Washington Duck and Goose Calling Championship. Free admission with free C-Tran shuttle between locations. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Sasquatch Science Team at OMSI — 9:00 AM / Ages 3–5 and families explore early science concepts through the five senses and Sasquatch at OMSI, Portland. Bilingual program. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Parkrun — 9:00 AM / Free weekly 5K at Salmon Creek Trail, 800 NE 117th St. Walk, jog, run, or volunteer. All ages, abilities, and dogs welcome. Register online first. More info
• Marine Park Beach Clean-Up — 9:00 AM–11:00 AM / Help remove litter from the Columbia River beaches. All tools provided. Expect a 2.5-mile walk on sandy beach. All ages welcome (under 13 must be accompanied). Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Free. More info
• Volunteer Gleaning: Blueberries in La Center — 9:00 AM / Bring the whole family to glean from 230 blueberry bushes! Register online with Urban Abundance. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play — 9:15 AM–10:30 AM / Free bridge lesson plus assisted play at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. More info
• Farm Days at Pomeroy Farm: August Jamboree — 10:00 AM–5:00 PM / Live music, children's activities, farm animals, and food at Pomeroy Farm, 20902 NE Lucia Falls Road, Yacolt. $3 for ages 6+, free for 5 and under. Free parking. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM / Flight simulators, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes on display. Free admission for all ages. More info
• Dandelion Wish Fair — 10:00 AM / Summer makers market at Dandelion Teahouse & Apothecary, Vancouver. Local vendors selling skincare, plants, jewelry, quilts, and more. More info
• Battle Ground Lake: Little Land of Lichen Hike — 10:00 AM–11:30 AM / Park Ranger Ryan Reynolds leads a one-mile walk around Battle Ground Lake exploring the surprising world of lichen. Email to sign up. Free. More info
• The Stuff of Legends at AQUA Gallery — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM / Vibrant paintings of mythological characters by Carson Legree and expressive stuffies by Abby Ketcham at 403 Quayside Place on the Vancouver waterfront. Free. More info
• American Legion Post 14 Poker Run — 10:00 AM / Cars, trucks, and motorcycles welcome. Three stops with poker cards, followed by lunch at Post 14, 4607 NE St. James Road, Vancouver. $20/person. Trophies and prizes. More info
• Get To-Gather Farm Day — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM / Hayrides, farm equipment demos, cookie decorating, excavator rides with Farmer John, plus food vendors and local artisans at 1913 SE 303rd Ave. in the hills north of Washougal. Free. More info
• Free Writers Workshop — 10:00 AM–11:30 AM / Clark County Poet Laureate Susan Dingle leads a nature-inspired writing session at Ridgefield NWR Community Nature Center. No writing experience necessary. Free. More info
• Angel Ocasio's Comedy, Magic and Stuff — 11:00 AM / Silly antics, magic, juggling, and audience participation at various FVRL library locations. Free. More info
• Northwest Children's Theater Alumni Presents: Robin Hood — 11:00 AM / A wildly fun, comedic take on everyone's favorite outlaw at The Judy, Portland. $20–$25. More info
• Cornhole Tournament — 11:00 AM–2:00 PM / Register as a two-person team and compete in a bracket format at Esther Short Park. Board sponsorships available for businesses. More info
• MagenTOTS: The Not-So-Mysterious Disappearance of Cinderella — 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM / Magenta Theater, 1108 Main St., Vancouver. A humorous retelling of Cinderella written especially for children. $10. More info
• Northwest Seafood Boil at Social Kitchen — 11:30 AM–2:30 PM / Chef Kaleena Bliss serves the meal that beat Bobby Flay — Dungeness crab, prawns, mussels, clams, and more in spiced butter with garam masala and kimchi. Watch the episode while you eat! 1000 Main St., Vancouver. $150. More info
• La Center Historical Museum — 12:00 PM–4:00 PM / Free admission on the first and third Saturdays. Run entirely by volunteers and donations. More info
• Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Summer Train Rides — 12:00 PM / Departs Yacolt through the tunnel, across the East Fork of the Lewis River, with a stop at Moulton Station to visit Yacolt Falls. $16–$24. More info
• Water Resources Education Center Drop-In: Amazing Aquifers — 1:00 PM–2:00 PM / Drop in anytime during the program. All ages, no registration required, free. Explore the exhibit hall and shaded garden spaces while you're there. More info
• Saving Grace Church Baking and Becoming — 3:30 PM–6:00 PM / Kids of all ages learn the basics of baking, enjoy dessert before dinner, and wrap up with a pasta bar. Battle Ground. Free — reservations requested. More info
• Preschool Puppet Party at Camas Public Library — 4:30 PM / A special puppet show with Mr. Elliot plus interactive games for families. No registration required. Free. More info
• Ridgefield Art Association Presents: Wonderland — 5:00 PM–7:00 PM / Opening reception for work by Rose Jubb with guest artist Holly Minnich at Ridgefield Art Gallery, 104 N. Main Ave. Free. More info
• Saturdays in the Park: The Filament — 6:00 PM–8:00 PM / Alternative rock at Sternwheeler Park, La Center. Family-friendly concert series. Free. More info
• Shoot to Thrill AC/DC Tribute Band at O'Keefe Farms — 6:00 PM / Concert in the Sunflowers at 17604 NE 182nd Ave., Brush Prairie. Gates at 4:30 PM with food from Krisey's Kitchen, Lemon Smash, and Taco Tom's Lonchera. Beer and wine by Courses. $30. More info
• Saturday Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub — 8:30 PM / Show off your pipes at 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Come solo or with friends. More info

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