📰 What's Making News

Camas Days Hits 50 Years — and the Town Still Knows How to Party

Camas may have swapped its mill-town identity for tech money and trendy restaurants, but its signature summer festival isn't going anywhere. Camas Days returned this past weekend for its 50th year, drawing crowds for the kind of small-town celebration that makes Clark County feel like Clark County. The festival honors the city's working-class roots even as the downtown district continues to evolve with new shops, galleries, and eateries. If you missed it this year, start planning for next July — this one's a keeper. Full story from The Columbian.

Legacy Health Plants a Flag in Ridgefield with New Primary Care Clinic

Ridgefield residents just got a shorter drive to the doctor. Legacy Health has opened a new primary care clinic in the fast-growing city, a move aimed at keeping pace with Southwest Washington's booming population. The clinic adds another medical option north of the river for families who've been trekking to Salmon Creek or Portland for routine care. It's a tangible sign that the region's healthcare infrastructure is finally catching up to all those new rooftops. Read more from The Columbian.

Raptors' J.T. Summers Uses Ridgefield as His Launchpad to Oregon

J.T. Summers came to the Ridgefield Raptors this summer with a clear goal: sharpen his game before heading to the University of Oregon as an NCAA Division I player. So far, so good. Summers took the junior-college route to earn his spot with the Ducks, and his time with the Raptors is giving him quality at-bats against top collegiate talent from across the West Coast. It's exactly the kind of story that makes summer wood-bat league baseball worth following in Clark County. Full profile from The Columbian.

Weekend Thunderstorms Raise Wildfire Concerns Across Eastern Washington

State officials are watching this weekend's forecast closely as thunderstorms rolling through Eastern Washington could spark rapid wildfire spread. Dry lightning hitting already parched grasslands and forests is the primary worry, and conditions could deteriorate quickly. While Clark County isn't in the direct fire zone, smoke from Eastern Washington blazes has a well-documented habit of drifting west into the Portland-Vancouver metro. Worth keeping on your radar if you have outdoor plans or sensitivity to air quality. Details from The Columbian.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Washington's Only Braille Library Welcomes Walk-Ins Again

After nearly a year of closure due to budget cuts, the state's sole braille library in Seattle's South Lake Union neighborhood has reopened for in-person service. It's the only facility of its kind in Washington — good news for readers across the state who depend on it.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Wednesday, July 15

• Impressions of the Pacific Northwest at Rebecca Anstine Gallery – 8:00 AM. Celebrate the region's moody landscapes and vibrant moments through the work of artists Oleg Ulitskiy and Elizabeth Ganji. Free admission; open Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM on the sixth floor of the Clark County Public Service Center. More info
• TOPS WA 1056 Vancouver – 8:15 AM weigh-in, 9:30 AM meeting. Weekly wellness support group at Fourth Plain Church of the Nazarene, Vancouver. Call 206-915-4627 for details. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes – 8:30–9:30 AM and 10:00–11:00 AM. Evidence-based group exercise for older adults (age 60+) at Bethel Lutheran Church in Brush Prairie. Hosted by the Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest Washington. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI – 9:30 AM. Sayaka Ganz transforms thousands of discarded plastic objects into soaring animals and rushing waves in this stunning 3D impressionism-meets-environmentalism exhibit, on view through September 30. OMSI, Portland. More info
• Science Heroes: Digging It! – 10:00 AM. A hands-on, high-energy STEM show packed with audience interaction and wow moments at various FVRL Library locations. Free. More info
• High School Art Exhibit at Camas Public Library – 10:00 AM. The Second Story Gallery showcases painting, sculpture, and mixed media by Camas School District high school students all month long. Free. More info
• Where's Waldo? at Autumn Leaf Books – 10:00 AM. Pick up a passport at Autumn Leaf Books in Downtown Camas and search for Waldo hidden in up to 25 local businesses all July. Completed passports earn prizes! Free. More info
• Chipper's Preschool Rides at Oaks Park – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM. Littles 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. Oaks Park, Portland. More info
• Marshall House Tours – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM. Free tours of the historic Marshall House on Officers Row featuring period furnishings, military memorabilia, and General George C. Marshall's study. Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. More info
• Providence Academy Tours – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM. Walk-in or reserve a spot to explore this beautiful historic building in downtown Vancouver. Free. More info
• Reading in the Wild – 10:00 AM. Free outdoor reading series for families with kids ages 3–6 at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Today's theme: Fish are "O-fish-ally" Awesome! Listen to a story, then explore the native plant garden. More info
• Sandsations Sand Sculpture Festival (Road Trip) – 10:00 AM. Watch professional sand sculptors begin crafting masterpieces at Long Beach, WA's beloved annual festival. More info
• Officers Row Trees Walking Tour – 12:00 PM. Join City of Vancouver Urban Forestry staff and Historic Trust preservation director Holly Chamberlain for a leafy walking tour of the many tree species along Officers Row. Starts at the Howard House. More info
• July Hatchery Tour at Columbia Springs – 3:00 PM. A free guided tour tracing the path of spring water through the Vancouver Trout Hatchery. Great for kids and adults. Register at columbiasprings.org. More info
• Camas Farmers Market – 3:00–7:00 PM. Find the market at its new temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues in Downtown Camas. Fresh produce, artisan goods, prepared food, and live music every Wednesday. More info
• Recycling 101 and Waste Reduction Charrette – 3:00–5:00 PM. Learn about recycling and explore waste-reduction strategies with local organizations at Cascade Park Community Library. Free; register at luma.com. More info
• Tummy Time – 3:30–4:45 PM. A sweet session for babies under 18 months at the Camas Public Library. Register at CamasPL.org/tummytime. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create – 4:00–5:00 PM. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–12 at Washougal Community Library. Free. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00–6:00 PM. Open game play at Cascade Park Community Library — decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids Read to a Dog – 4:00–5:00 PM. Build reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Ages 5–9 at Cascade Park Community Library. Free. More info
• Teen Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00–6:00 PM. Ages 13–19, open game play at Vancouver Community Library. Decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• NW Furniture Bank Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening – 4:00–6:00 PM. Celebrate the new Vancouver location at 14000 SE 6th Ave. Tour the space and learn how NW Furniture Bank provides upcycled donated furniture to Clark County families. More info
• Introduction to Sewing Machines – 4:30–6:30 PM. Learn to thread a machine, select stitches, and make an apron at Vancouver Community Library. Ages 9+; kids under 12 need an adult. Space limited — register early. Free. More info
• OMSI Wild Weather – 4:30–5:30 PM. OMSI educators share the magic of weather — thunder, lightning, and everything in between — at Vancouver Community Library. Free. More info
• Pokémon Trade Night – 5:00 PM. Bring your binders and trade with the community at Barnes & Noble Vancouver. All ages welcome; café purchases earn raffle entries. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle – 5:30 PM. Try dragon boat paddling for free at the Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Ages 14+, no experience needed, equipment provided. More info
• Leathercrafting Workshop with Dragon Half Art – 5:30 PM. Create your own leather pieces at theARTcentered in Vancouver. Beginner-friendly. $40–$45. More info
• Moroccan Cooking Class – 5:30–8:00 PM. Make (and eat!) braised chicken with dates and olives, saffron rice, and Moroccan flatbread at Class Cooking in Vancouver with WildSalt Studio. $99. More info
• Community Changemakers: Stories Behind Women Making a Difference – 5:30–7:30 PM. A TED-talk style evening featuring five women shaping Southwest Washington, hosted by Meghan Hamilton of YWCA Clark County at The Neighborhood Refuge in Ridgefield. Refreshments and appetizers; give-what-you-can admission. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom – 6:00 PM. 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
• Educated Guess: Astronomy Trivia at OMSI – 6:30 PM. Build a team of up to four and test your knowledge at OMSI's Theory Restaurant. Prizes for the top three teams. Portland. More info
• Hell's Kitchen (the Musical) – 7:30 PM. The Broadway hit from 16-time Grammy winner Alicia Keys lands at Keller Auditorium in Portland — a coming-of-age story powered by her greatest hits. More info
• The Bird Days of Summer: Birds, Bats & Bugs (Road Trip) – 8:00 PM. Experience the magic of a summer evening as day shifts to night — watch birds settle in, then spot bats with a bat detector and moths at a UV light sheet. Portland. More info

Thursday, July 16

• Insect Investigators at the Water Resources Education Center – 9:30–11:30 AM. Young entomologists ages 6–10 explore insect life cycles, go on a garden scavenger hunt, and build a clay insect to take home. Free; advance registration required. More info
• Tending and Traditional Cultural Knowledge at Sandy River Delta (Road Trip) – 9:30 AM. Join Confluence and local Indigenous partners for land tending and ecological learning at the Sandy River Delta conservation area. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers 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
• Tiny Art Show at Camas Public Library – 10:00 AM. The beloved Tiny Art Show is back for its 6th year — see what the Camas community has created. On display all July. Free. More info
• Vancouver Bridge Club Introductory Bridge Class – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM. A six-week series for beginners starts today at 6503 Mill Plain Blvd. $10 per lesson or $50 for all six. Contact Ellie Hood at 360-433-2409. More info
• Fruit Tree Pruning Education & Volunteer Work Party – 10:00 AM. Learn summer pruning techniques alongside the City of Vancouver's expert Urban Forestry team. More info
• Lewisville Regional Park Picnic Bench Painting – 10:00 AM. Volunteer with Clark County Parks & Nature to spruce up picnic tables at this historic park north of Battle Ground. Tools supplied. More info
• Mt. Hood Meadows Chairlift Wildflower Hike (Road Trip) – 10:00 AM. Join the Washington Native Plant Society for a chairlift ride to stunning high-mountain meadow wildflower displays on Mt. Hood. More info
• The Craft of Writing: Workshop & Writers Group – 10:30 AM. Join a lively crew for writing prompts, craft discussion, and workshopping at Vancouver Community Library. Free. More info
• Clark County Community Development Learning Lab – 11:00 AM–12:00 PM. Monthly topic-based session covering building permits, land use, and more at the Public Service Center, sixth floor. Free. More info
• TALented Works Studio & Gallery Ribbon Cutting – 4:00 PM. Welcome local artist Tal W. DeWitt's newest gallery at 1015 Main Street, Vancouver. Meet the artist, explore the space, and learn about paint classes and workshops. More info
• Teen Hangout – 4:30–6:30 PM. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks for ages 13–19 at Vancouver Community Library. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure – 4:30–6:30 PM. Create a character and play Dungeons & Dragons at Cascade Park Community Library. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Heritage Tree Bike Tour – 5:30–7:30 PM. Pedal a 4-mile guided ride starting and ending at Esther Short Park, visiting 12 of Vancouver's celebrated Heritage Trees with the City's Climate and Urban Forestry teams. Helmets required. Free. More info
• Road Cycling 101 – 5:30 PM. Join the Vancouver Bicycling Club's Charla Burke for fun 5–10 mile group rides exploring trails, neighborhoods, and parks at a relaxed 10 mph pace. More info
• Teen Video Game Night – 6:00–8:00 PM. Play Nintendo Switch games and hang out at La Center Community Library. Ages 13–19. Refreshments provided. Free. More info
• Open Mic Night at Dovetail Cellars – 6:00–7:30 PM. A dedicated lineup of songwriters and small groups perform live on KXRW radio at 404 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Sign-ups start at 5:30 PM. More info
• Local Author Panel at Literary Leftovers – 6:00–8:00 PM. Enjoy excerpt readings, book signings, and light refreshments with authors Cindy Goyette, Hollis Oliver, Peggy Lotz, Cameron Paris, and Toni Woodard at 813 W. Main St. in Battle Ground. Free. More info
• Picnic & Paddle on the Willamette River (Road Trip) – 6:00 PM. Join People of Color Outdoors for an evening paddle on the Willamette River. Registration required. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball – 6:30 PM. Cheer on Clark County's hometown team at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. 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. Fun for all ages. More info
• Disney Trivia at Firehouse Axes – 6:30–9:00 PM. Teams of all ages battle it out for Disney Trivia supremacy as Firehouse Axes transforms into a Disney castle. Free. More info
• Drawing Wildflowers from Photographs (Online) – 6:30 PM. Learn botanical drawing with colored pencils, hosted by the Washington Native Plant Society with artist Crystal Shin. More info

Friday, July 17

• Birding-in-Place: Accessible & Inclusive Outing – 7:00 AM. Bring a chair and join a stationary bird outing planned with accessibility in mind. Led by Kiara Way & Sam Cable; location TBD — check site for details. More info
• The Scottish Ride – Meet at 5:30 PM, ride at 6:00 PM (listed 8:00 AM online). A tartan-themed 7-mile bike ride along the "Scottish Corridor" of McGillivray, MacArthur, and McLaughlin Blvds, ending at Marshall Park with traditional Scottish Cranachan dessert. Helmets required. Free. Columbia Square, Vancouver. More info
• Mount St. Helens Trail Jamboree & Campout – 8:00 AM. A weekend of trail stewardship on the east side of the Monument with campout, guest speakers, and s'mores. Partnership between WTA and Mount St. Helens Institute. More info
• Upper Lewis River Fly Fishing Outing – 8:00 AM. Join Clark-Skamania Flyfishers Don and Carol Kohler for an overnight camping trip focused on wading for trout. More info
• Pathways Clinic Baby & Maternity Sidewalk Sale – 9:00 AM–4:00 PM (also July 18). Browse hundreds of gently used baby and maternity items at 2926 E. St., Washougal. Fill a cinch bag with clothes for $10. Proceeds support the clinic. More info
• Volunteer Gleaning: SWWA Victory Garden – 9:00 AM. Help keep the community garden growing at 2311 NE 68th St., Vancouver. Harvested produce is donated to LULAC. More info
• Marshall House Tour – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM. Free 30-minute tours of this historic Officers Row landmark. Book a tour time online or walk in. More info
• One-Day Book Sale – 10:00 AM–5:00 PM. The Friends of Washougal Community Library offer 700 sci-fi, young adult, fantasy, manga, graphic novel, and paranormal books outside the library. More info
• SHIFT Mountain Bike Event at Marble Mountain – 10:00 AM. Trail work and mountain bike riding weekend with Northwest Trail Alliance. Campout runs July 16–18 with social rides all weekend. More info
• Willow Flower Weaving Workshop – 10:00–11:30 AM. Learn basketry skills and create a willow flower with Erin from Frog & Twig at Good Year Farms in Washougal. 12 person max. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal – 12:00–1:00 PM. Free Friday lunch for low-income seniors age 60+ at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• Lunchtime Walking Tour: Vancouver's First Suburbs & Early Retail District – 12:00 PM. Join historian Tracy Reilly-Kelly for a stroll through gracious leafy neighborhoods and the hidden stories of North Vancouver's early residents. Starts at Clark County Historical Museum. Free. More info
• NAMI Art Group – 1:00–3:00 PM. A weekly art group at NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 NE 66th Ave., Vancouver. More info
• Brain Health and Dementia Awareness – 1:00–3:00 PM. Hope Dementia Support hosts a community conversation about brain health, aging, and resources at Battle Ground Community Library. Free; RSVP on Eventbrite. More info
• Washougal Community Market – 2:00–6:00 PM. Small businesses, artisans, authors, musicians, bakers, and food vendors at Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main St., Washougal. Free. More info
• Family Adventure Camp at Mt. St. Helens – 3:00 PM. Explore trails, enjoy hands-on activities, create art, and camp out with the whole family at the Mt. St. Helens Science and Learning Center. $275. More info
• Kids Create – 3:30–4:30 PM. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–9 at Washougal Community Library. Free. More info
• Tween Hangout at Vancouver Community Library – 4:00–5:30 PM. Games, crafts, and snacks for ages 9–12. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Cruise-In – 4:00–8:00 PM. Classic cars, disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool access, and more at 24414 NE Westerholm Rd., Brush Prairie. $5–$10 admission. More info
• Tween & Teen Hybrid Tabletop RPG – 4:30–6:00 PM. Play Pathfinder 1E at Ridgefield Community Library. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Family Bingo Night at Camas Public Library – 5:00–6:00 PM. Winners get their choice of Reading Dragon prize. All ages welcome; register at CamasPL.org/BINGO. Free. More info
• Family & Friends Friday Climb – 5:00 PM. Multiple difficulty levels for ages 4+ at Firstenburg Community Center. No experience necessary; equipment provided. $33 resident/$41 non-resident. More info
• ZooNights at Oregon Zoo – 5:00 PM. Live music, food carts, keeper chats, animal encounters, and elephant ears at the zoo after hours. $13–$26. Portland. More info
• Ridgefield Dragon Boat Paddles – 5:30 PM. Free community paddling at the Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Ages 14+, no experience needed, equipment provided. More info
• Dice Throne Fridays at Contrarian's Game Cafe – 6:00 PM. Weekly dice battle game night — bring your hero and unleash powerful abilities. Vancouver. More info
• Laser Red Hot Chili Peppers at OMSI – 6:00 PM. A heart-pounding laser experience in the Kendall Planetarium set to RHCP's high-energy rock. Portland. More info
• Good Times and Wine at English Estate Winery – 6:00–8:00 PM. Live music by singer-songwriter Anica Stemper, plus on-site food truck Venue 1903. Free admission. 17806 SE 1st St., Vancouver. More info
• American Legion Post 168 Bingo Night – 6:30–8:30 PM. An evening of bingo supporting local veterans at 21400 NE 399th St., Amboy. All welcome. More info
• Shoestring Circus: Dreamland – 7:00 PM. Aerialists fly, acrobats tumble, and delightful oddballs delight under the vintage big top at Hazel Dell Commons, July 17–26. $17–$55. More info
• Mysteries of the Mind with Brian Ledbetter – 7:00 PM. Mindreading, psychological illusion, and audience interaction at the Vancouver Elks Lodge. $20. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro – 7:00 PM. Enjoy food, cocktails, and live local music on the pet-friendly patio at 12514 NW 36th Ave., Vancouver. More info
• Pour Choices Summer Concert Series: Archer – 7:30 PM. Live music at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main Street in downtown Vancouver. More info
• Bat Chats at Tryon Creek (Road Trip) – 8:00 PM. Bring a picnic blanket and learn about Little Brown Bats, Silver-haired Bats, and Big Brown Bats at this free family-friendly evening event at Tryon Creek State Natural Area, Portland. More info

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