📰 What's Making News

Camas Days Returns July 25-26 With a Broadway Theme, Bathtub Race

Downtown Camas is going full showtime this summer. The 2026 Camas Days Festival — themed "Broadway Comes to Camas. It's Showtime!" — is expected to draw nearly 16,000 people across two days of parades, live music, craft vendors, and the beloved Bathtub Race. Live acts include the Sarah Lodge Band, Freight Train Jayne, and River Divide, while Kids Street will feature young entrepreneurs and an inflatable obstacle course. C-TRAN is running a shuttle service, so parking headaches are optional. Details and the full schedule are available through the Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce.

Clark County's Full July 4 Lineup Includes Extra 250th Birthday Events

America turns 250 this year, and Clark County communities aren't letting the milestone pass quietly. The Columbian has published a handy roundup of patriotic celebrations running from late June through July 4 — spanning Vancouver, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, and beyond. Expect parades, fireworks shows, and a few bonus events designed specifically for the semiquincentennial. Grab your flags and browse the full event guide before your calendar fills up.

Fireworks Sales Start June 28 — Here's Where You Can (and Can't) Light Them

Before you stock up on sparklers, know the rules: fireworks sales begin June 28, but they're banned inside Vancouver city limits. In unincorporated Clark County, legal fireworks may only be discharged on July 4 itself. Fire Marshal Donna Goddard and the Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA) are reminding residents that violations carry civil fines, and illegal fireworks complaints can be reported directly to CRESA. Full details on what's legal, when, and where are in Clark County Today's breakdown.

450 Runners, 82 Teams, 62 Miles: Lake to Bay Relay Keeps Growing

Saturday's Lake to Bay Relay and Ultramarathon drew almost 450 runners across 82 teams for a 62-mile course winding through Clark County. The annual event continues to build momentum year over year, cementing itself as one of the region's signature endurance races. Whether you ran a leg or cheered from the sideline, the energy was unmistakable. Catch the full recap from The Columbian.

Your Weeknight Plans, Sorted: Run Clubs, Comedy, Punch Needle

A local Redditor who scouts events for a living shared a packed Monday-through-Friday guide for Vancouver this week, and it's worth bookmarking. Highlights include a free run club at Foot Traffic, the Chicks & Giggles comedy night at Donnell's, a beginner punch needle workshop at Craft Collective, George Vancouver Day at The Kiggins Theater, and open mic comedy at Underbar. Check out the full list on Reddit for times and prices.

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💬 Community Buzz

Shoestring Circus Pitches Its Big Top in Hazel Dell Again This July

If you caught Shoestring Circus during its Vancouver debut last year, you already know this isn't your typical arena show — it's intimate, quirky, and performed under an actual vintage big top tent. The company is back at Hazel Dell Commons from July 17–26 with Dreamland, a brand-new original production featuring flying aerialists, tumbling acrobats, and what they describe as "amusingly unconventional performers." Worth marking your calendar now, because last year's run generated serious word-of-mouth. Full details on the new show here.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Road-Tripping U.S. 101? Pack a Plan for Pit Stops

Washington's entire stretch of U.S. Highway 101 has zero official rest stops — a surprise for summer travelers headed to the coast or the Olympic Peninsula. The Columbian mapped out the best alternatives, from state parks to small-town cafes, so you can plan your breaks before you hit the road.

91-Year-Old Former Fighter Pilot Summits Grueling Trail

David Pine of Gig Harbor, a 91-year-old retired fighter pilot with a decade in the cockpit, just completed a hike most people half his age would skip. Read about the Pierce County adventurer's latest conquest — and the mindset that got him to the top.

JBLM Freedom Fest Kicks Off June 26 for America's 250th

Joint Base Lewis-McChord celebrates the country's semiquincentennial with its annual Freedom Fest on June 26-27. The two-day event near Tacoma is worth noting if you have friends or family on base looking for Independence Day festivities a few days early.

Friendly Stray Cat Near Andresen WinCo Needs His Human

A young, very affectionate male cat — temporarily dubbed "Steaks Diane" — has been hanging around a home near the NE Andresen Road WinCo for several days. He's shoulder-ride friendly and appears to be someone's pet. Check the Reddit post for photos and spread the word if you recognize him.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Tuesday, June 23

• Talapus & Olallie Lakes Adventure (Women Only) — 9:00 AM / North Bend, WA. Women Who Explore heads to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness for a scenic hike to two stunning mountain lakes. Eventbrite registration required. More info
• Highway 14 Wildflower Project — Volunteer Opportunities — 10:00 AM / Camas–Washougal. The East County Citizens' Alliance kicks off its fourth year tending 8,000 square feet of native wildflowers along the Gateway to the Gorge. Weeding, trimming, and beating back those stubborn blackberries. More info
• Sensory Storytime at Ridgefield Community Library — 10:30 AM / Ridgefield Community Library. A smaller, quieter storytime with sensory play and visual aids, designed for children ages 3–9 with sound sensitivity. Free. More info
• Travel Tic-Tac-Toe Kids Camp Make & Take — 11:00 AM / Craft Warehouse, Vancouver. Kids create a portable tic-tac-toe game with hand-painted rocks and a mini drawstring bag. $5, register in advance. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Lunch at McGrath's Fish House — 1:00 PM / McGrath's Fish House, Vancouver. The social group gathers for a midday meal. Call 360-892-8944 for details. More info
• Angel Ocasio's Comedy, Magic and Stuff — 2:00 PM / Cascade Park Community Library. Comedian Angel Ocasio brings silly antics, magic, juggling, and audience participation for a wacky free show the whole family will love. More info
• Preschool Doodle and Play — 3:00 PM / Camas Public Library. Preschoolers ages 3–6 and their grown-ups play with the library's art supplies. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game — 4:30 PM / Various FVRL Library Locations. Ages 9–19 can create a character and jump into Dungeons & Dragons 5E or Pathfinder 1E — beginners and experienced players welcome. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group — 5:15 PM / Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. A welcoming weekly group for writers of all levels: set your intentions, write in good company, and talk breakthroughs. No readings or critiques. Free parking. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group — 5:30 PM / Camas Public Library. A casual meetup for beginning Spanish speakers. No registration required. Free. More info
• 78th St. Heritage Farm Walking Tours — 6:00 PM / 78th Street Heritage Farm, Vancouver. Stroll this historic 79-acre property with docents and learn about its role in horticulture, food security, and community enrichment. Free. More info
• Beginner Punch Needle Workshop — 6:00 PM / Craft Collective, Vancouver. Learn basic punch needle fiber art techniques and create your own tote bag — no experience needed. $55. More info
• Clark County Genealogical Society General Meeting — 7:00 PM / CCGS Headquarters, 3205 N.E. 52nd St., Vancouver. Crystal Hicks from the Washington State Library presents "Bureaucracy to the Rescue: Unlocking Family Mysteries with State Records." Open to the public. More info

Wednesday, June 24

• TOPS WA 1056 Vancouver — 8:15 AM weigh-in, 9:30 AM meeting / Fourth Plain Nazarene Church, Vancouver. A supportive weight-loss group. Call 206-915-4627 for details. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM & 10:00 AM / Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. Evidence-based group exercise for adults 60-plus, offered Wednesdays and Fridays. More info
• Free Financial Planning Day — 9:00 AM–6:00 PM / Johnson Bixby, 275 W. Third St., Vancouver. Book a complimentary 30-minute session with a certified financial planner — in person or on Zoom. More info
• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM / Marshall House at Fort Vancouver. Free walk-in or reserved tours of this historic gem featuring period furnishings and General George C. Marshall's study. More info
• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM / Providence Academy, Vancouver. Explore the beautifully preserved academy by reservation or walk-in. Free. More info
• Reading in the Wild — 10:00 AM / Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. A free outdoor reading series for families with kids ages 3–6. Listen to a story, then explore the native plant garden. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Lunch at Makoto Japanese Buffet — 11:30 AM / Makoto Japanese Buffet, Vancouver. Call 360-892-8944 for info. More info
• "Little Yellow Journal" Tour Stops in Portland — 11:30 AM / Portland, OR. Nature Sacred brings its beloved traveling exhibit celebrating 30 years of heartfelt journal entries left in outdoor spaces. More info
• Official Vancouver Fan Zone — FIFA World Cup Watch Party — 12:00 PM / Big Al's, Vancouver. Vancouver, WA is an Official Fan Zone of the FIFA World Cup 26! The Greater Vancouver Chamber, Visit Vancouver WA, and Big Al's bring massive screens and stadium energy to Southwest Washington. More info
• Contemplative Prayer — 12:20 PM / St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1309 Franklin St., Vancouver. A brief midday service with quiet music. Free. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: "Meet Me at the Wildlife Refuge" — 1:30 PM / Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Naturalist-led activities to explore nature and spot local wildlife. Free; register via Eventbrite or call 360-513-5754. More info
• Silver Trails Community Walk — 2:00 PM / Parks Foundation of Clark County in partnership with Vancouver Parks & Community in Motion. Easy 1–2 mile guided walks for adults 65-plus through beautiful local parks. More info
• Camas Farmers Market — 3:00–7:00 PM / Downtown Camas (new temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Fresh produce, local vendors, and community vibes every Wednesday. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00 PM / 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 PM / Vancouver Community Library. Ages 13–19 welcome for open game play. Decks provided. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens STEM Lab — 4:00 PM / Washougal Community Library. Hands-on science, engineering, and design activities for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM / Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try dragon boat paddling for free — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14-plus. More info
• Poetry Street PNW Open Mic — 6:00 PM / Camas Public Library, Totem Pole Room. Read aloud original or favorite work and enjoy featured poets. All ages welcome. Free. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at The Valiant Ballroom — 6:00 PM / The Valiant Ballroom, 109 W. Ninth St., 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
• Nexus Nights — Riftbound Weekly Play at Contrarian's Game Cafe — 6:00 PM / Contrarian's Game Cafe, Vancouver. Three rounds of Swiss constructed play with Nexus Pack prizes for all participants. More info
• Youth Nature Photography Awards with Vancouver Audubon Society — 6:00 PM / 600 N.E. 136th Ave., Vancouver. Celebrate young photographers at the award ceremony for this year's expanded nature photo contest, co-sponsored by HD Aluminum Prints. More info

Thursday, June 25

• Pacific Crest Trail Association — Trail Work at Mt. Adams (Grand Meadows) — 8:00 AM / Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Help with crosscut logout, brushing, and drainage on the PCT. Max 12 volunteers; registration required. More info
• Pacific Crest Trail Association — Trail Work at Mt. Adams (William's Mine) — 8:00 AM / Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Crosscut logout heading north from the William's Mine Trailhead. Registration required. More info
• On the Road Tour: Plants and Community, Best Friends Forever — 8:30 AM–4:30 PM / Starts at 78th Street Heritage Farm, Vancouver. WSU Extension Master Gardeners lead a guided tour of local nurseries and farms, including the Heritage Farm, Clark Public Utilities' native gardens, and lunch at Fiesta Bonita. $35. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM / Columbia Tech Center, Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products. Free parking. More info
• Adopt-A-Park Event at LeRoy Haagen Memorial Park — 10:00 AM / Vancouver. Help remove ivy and non-native plants and spread mulch. Tools, gloves, water, and snacks provided. Great for families and teens. Advance registration required. Free. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM / Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Instruction from Ruby Life Master Michael Walker covering opening bids, slam bidding, takeout doubles, and more. $10–$50. More info
• Vancouver Lake Community Paddle Trip in the Big Canoes — 10:00 AM / Vancouver Lake. Glide across the lake in 29-foot, 14-passenger canoes with the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership and Vancouver's Water Center staff. Free. More info
• Vancouver Quilt Club — 11:00 AM & 6:00 PM / Craft Warehouse, Hazel Dell. Bring a current project, see new fabrics, and swap inspiration. All skill levels. Free. More info
• St. Francis Circle Annual Luncheon for the Humane Society of Southwest Washington — 11:30 AM / Red Cross Building, Vancouver. Celebrating supporters who include HSSW in their estate plans. RSVP by June 18. More info
• Sovereign Restaurant Ribbon-Cutting at ilani — 12:00 PM / ilani Casino Resort, Ridgefield. The Cowlitz Indian Tribe celebrates the opening of Sovereign, their new steak, chops, and seafood restaurant inspired by native ingredients and regional traditions. Free. More info
• Blueberry Pancake Day at Cedar Creek Grist Mill — 1:00 PM / Cedar Creek Grist Mill, Woodland. Blueberry pancakes smothered in fresh blueberries and drowned in blueberry syrup. More info
• Hike with Pacific Peaks Mountain Top Fitness — 3:30 PM / Lacamas Lake Lodge, Camas. An adaptive fitness walk along the Heritage Trail for those with neurodevelopmental differences. Registration and fee required. More info
• DIY Pet Rocks at Camas Public Library — 4:00 PM / Camas Public Library. Kids in 1st–5th grade paint and accessorize a pet rock to take home. Registration required (opens May 25). Free. More info
• Teen Hangout — 4:30 PM / Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks for ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Road Cycling 101 — 5:30 PM / Vancouver. Join Vancouver Bicycling Club ride leader Charla Burke for fun, flat, 5–10 mile group rides exploring trails, neighborhoods, and parks. All levels welcome. More info
• Salmon Creek Flyfishers Club Meeting — 6:00 PM / American Legion Post 176, 14011 N.E. 20th Ave., Vancouver. Learn about tying flies and fishing. Food available for purchase. More info
• Drawing Wildflowers from Photographs (Online) — 6:30 PM / Online via Washington Native Plant Society. Botanical drawing with colored pencils, led by Crystal Shin. More info
• Line Dancing Lessons at Ashwood Taps and Trucks — 7:00 PM / Ashwood Taps and Trucks, Washougal. Instructor Kat Nichols leads two hours of line dancing — all ages, beginners welcome. $10. More info
• FIFA World Cup Watch Party at Kalama Harbor Lodge — 7:00 PM / Kalama Harbor Lodge, Cove Bar. Catch the game on the big screen with beer, burgers, and tots. All ages, free. More info
• K-POP Demon Hunters Trivia at Firehouse Axes — 7:00 PM / Firehouse Axes, Vancouver. Celebrate the one-year anniversary of the release with themed trivia, costumes, and themed drinks. More info
• Jerry Seinfeld Live — 7:00 PM / Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Portland. America's premier comedian performs his newest stand-up routine. Tickets from $86.55. More info
• The Bridges of Madison County — 7:30 PM / Magenta Theater, Vancouver. The Tony Award-winning musical captures the sweeping romance of the beloved novel. Tickets from $32. More info

Friday, June 26

• Big Smoke BBQ, Brew & Music Festival — All weekend (June 26–28) / Haydu Park, Kalama. BBQ, craft vendors, and live music including The Fretliners and Chris Couch. Friday's pre-smoke kick-off concert is 21-plus. More info
• Pacific Crest Trail Association — Trail Work at Mt. Adams (Grand Meadows) — 8:00 AM / Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Crosscut logout, brushing, and drainage work. Registration required. More info
• Tigard Festival of Balloons Weekend — 8:00 AM / Tigard, OR. A three-day celebration featuring dawn hot-air balloon launches, the NW Natural Night Glow, live entertainment, and family fun. More info
• Cascadia Dirt Cup Mountain Bike Racing at Yacolt Burn — 8:00 AM / Yacolt Burn, Southern Washington Cascades. Round 3 of the 2026 Cascadia Dirt Cup on some of the region's most underrated trails. More info
• SW WA Victory Garden Work Party — 9:00 AM / SWWA Victory Garden with Urban Abundance. Spend a Friday morning outdoors doing good with great people. Volunteers welcome. More info
• Ridgefield — Learn to Kayak Tour — 9:00 AM / Ridgefield Waterfront Park. Paddle with Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe through the Columbia River Water Trail near Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. All skill levels. More info
• Adult & Teen Craft and Chat — 10:00 AM / La Center Community Library. Bring your current craft project for a relaxed, no-stakes session. Ages 13-plus. Free. More info
• Marshall House Tour — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM / Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute tours of this beautifully preserved historic home. More info
• Summer Craft & Play with Drip Drop Art Studio — 10:00 AM / Drip Drop Art Studio, Vancouver. Sensory bins and art projects for little ones, plus a Maker Station for ages 5-plus. $18. More info
• Drip Drop Art Craft & Play — 10:00 AM / Drip Drop Art Studio, Vancouver. A child-led session with sensory play stations and age-specific art projects for ages 1–5. $24. More info
• Marshall Park CHAMPS Playground Cleanup — 10:00 AM / Marshall Park, 1069 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver. Help care for the inclusive CHAMPS playground by picking up litter. Advance registration required. Free. More info
• 60-Plus Senior Community Meal — 12:00 PM / Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free Friday lunch for low-income seniors age 60-plus, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00 PM / NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 N.E. 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. A creative Friday afternoon gathering. Free. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Lunch at Vancouver Station — 1:00 PM / Vancouver Station Food Carts, 1817 S.E. 164th Ave. Call 360-892-8944 for details. More info
• Washougal Community Market — 2:00 PM–6:00 PM / Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main St., Washougal. Local artisans, bakers, food vendors, live music, and visiting authors. Free. More info
• Teen DIY: Clay Diffuser Discs — 2:00 PM / Camas Public Library. Teens in grades 6–12 create an essential oil diffuser from air-dry clay. All materials provided. Register at CamasPL.org. Free. More info
• Family Adventure Camp at Mount St. Helens — 3:00 PM / Mount St. Helens Science and Learning Center, Toutle. Explore the volcanic landscape with the whole family — scenic trails, hands-on activities, and art. $275. More info
• Kids Create — 3:30 PM / Washougal Community Library. Creative drop-in projects for ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Tween Hangout at Vancouver Community Library — 4:00 PM / Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, and snacks for ages 9–12. Free. More info
• Friday Night Cruise-In at Alderbrook Park — 4:00 PM–8:00 PM / Alderbrook Park, Brush Prairie. Classic cars plus disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool, and more. $5–$10 admission. More info
• ZooNights at Oregon Zoo — 5:00 PM / Oregon Zoo, Portland. Live music, food carts, keeper chats, and animal encounters after hours. $13–$26. More info
• Historic Trust Summer Concert Series: Michael John — 5:30 PM–8:30 PM / O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver. Yacht rock on the lawn with food trucks and a beer garden. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Free. More info
• Dragon Boat Paddle in Ridgefield — 5:30 PM / Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Free community paddling — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14-plus. More info
• Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr. at Metropolitan Performing Arts — 6:00 PM / Metropolitan Performing Arts, 6403 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. The beloved Saturday morning cartoon comes to life on stage. $10–$18. More info
• English Country Line Dancing — 6:30 PM / Fern Prairie Grange, Camas. Newbies and experienced dancers welcome — every dance is walked through first. $5–$10 suggested donation. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball — 6:30 PM / Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. Cheer on Clark County's hometown team under the lights. More info
• Northwest Personal Training: Active Longevity — 6:45 PM / 1011 Broadway, Vancouver. Doctor of Physical Therapy Trent Corey shares keys to active longevity through heavy lifting, mindfulness, and targeted movement. Free. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro — 7:00 PM / Farrar's Bistro, 12514 N.W. 36th Ave., Vancouver. Enjoy food, cocktails, and live local music on the pet-friendly patio. More info
• Sunset Kayak Paddle — 7:00 PM / Ridgefield Waterfront Park. A three-hour guided evening paddle with Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe — watch the sun set and the moon rise from the water. Reservations required. More info
• Pour Choices Pub Summer Concert Series: Braveheart — 7:30 PM / Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Live music to kick off your Friday night. More info

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