📰 What's Making News

Clark College Graduates 2,816 Strong, a 49% Leap Over Last Year

Clark College just held its 90th commencement ceremony at Cascades Amphitheater — and the numbers are striking. The college conferred 2,816 degrees and certificates this year, nearly half again as many as in 2025. President Karin Edwards presided over the celebration, which honored graduates ranging from Running Start high schoolers to career changers earning workforce certificates in cybersecurity and dental hygiene. Standout grads include Avreet Kaur Dhami, headed to UW for electrical engineering, and Alijah Machida, a Phi Theta Kappa scholar bound for WSU. Read the full story at Clark County Today.

Pollinator Festival Buzzes into Marshall Park Today

The Vancouver Bee Project's annual Pollinator Festival lands at Marshall Park on McLoughlin Boulevard today, June 20, with more than 60 vendors, guest speakers, walking tours, and a Kids Zone packed with arts and crafts. The free, family-friendly event celebrates bees, butterflies, and the habitats that keep them thriving across Clark County. If you've been meaning to make your yard more pollinator-friendly, this is your crash course. Details at Clark County Today.

Who Was Captain George Vancouver, Anyway?

You live in a city named after him, you've corrected out-of-towners who confuse it with That Other Vancouver at least once, and yet — how much do you actually know about Captain George Vancouver? The Columbian digs into the British Royal Navy explorer's story, from his voyages with Captain Cook to the 1792 expedition that mapped the Pacific Northwest coastline and left his name stamped across our map. It's the kind of local-history deep dive that makes you sound very smart at your next dinner party. Read it at The Columbian.

Seton Catholic Three-Peats With Class 1A Scholastic Cup

Seton Catholic has claimed the Class 1A Scholastic Cup for a third consecutive year, and the recipe is equal parts athletics and academics: 15 postseason teams and 10 academic state titles fueled the win. The WIAA award honors the school that best combines competitive sports success with classroom achievement, and Seton's run is becoming a dynasty. Clark County Today's Paul Valencia also spotlights Columbia River, Mountain View, and King's Way Christian athletes in his roundup of local high school sports notes. Full notes at Clark County Today.

Nakamura's Ninth-Inning Homer Lifts Raptors Past Portland, 9-8

Jayden Nakamura led off the ninth inning with a solo shot over the wall, and the Ridgefield Raptors held on to edge the Portland Pickles 9-8 on Wednesday night. It was the kind of back-and-forth summer-ball game that makes the West Coast League so watchable — and a reminder that some of the best live sports in Clark County cost less than a movie ticket. The Raptors continue their home schedule at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. Recap at The Columbian.

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⚡ Quick Bites

New Orca Calf Surfaces in Southern Resident Pods

Biologists spotted a new calf swimming with the endangered southern resident orca pods this week — always a reason to celebrate in the Pacific Northwest. The sighting is tempered by the apparent disappearance of another calf born earlier this year, a reminder of how precarious recovery remains for these iconic whales. Read more from The Columbian

Summer Solstice Arrives Sunday — Longest Day of 2026

Sunday marks the summer solstice, giving Vancouver the most daylight hours of the entire year. If you've been meaning to squeeze in an after-dinner walk along the waterfront or fire up the grill, this is your weekend. Here's your guide to the solstice

U.S. Tops Australia 2-0, Advances at World Cup

The U.S. men's national soccer team punched its ticket to the World Cup knockout round Friday with a 2-0 win over Australia — and they did it without injured star Christian Pulisic on the pitch. Catch the recap

Robin Hood's 1,200-Year-Old Oak Tree Is Dead

The Major Oak in England's Sherwood Forest — the massive, 1,200-year-old tree legendarily linked to Robin Hood — failed to sprout leaves this spring and is believed to have died, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds confirmed Thursday. Experts say centuries of foot traffic and adoring visitors may have contributed. Full story here

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Saturday, June 20

• One Day Adventure Circumnavigating Mount St. Helens on the Loowit Trail with Mazamas — 5:00 AM. A challenging 29-mile, 6,500-foot-gain hike through boulder fields, volcanic debris, and epic views on the longest day of the year. More info
• Tour de Blast Road Bike Event — 6:00 AM. Cycle through the historic blast zone of Mount St. Helens on a challenging route with breathtaking views. More info
• Mt. St. Helens Summit Climb with MSHI — 6:00 AM. A single-day guided scramble to the summit, designed for both novice hikers and experienced mountaineers. More info
• Lake to Bay Relay Ultramarathon — 7:00 AM at Frenchman's Bar Park, Vancouver. A 62.2-mile relay or ultramarathon for 1–7 person teams running through Vancouver and Camas, finishing at Vancouver Waterfront. More info
• Woodland Planters Days — 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM at Horseshoe Lake Park, Woodland. Free admission. Frog jump at 1:30 PM, bed races at 4:00 PM, and more as part of Washington's longest-running community celebration. More info
• Volunteer at the Pollinator Festival — 7:00 AM at 1069 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver. Help the Vancouver Bee Project spread the buzz about pollinators at the 3rd annual festival. More info
• Ape Canyon (Plains of Abraham) Hike with Mazamas — 7:00 AM. Meet at WinCo on 119th Street to carpool. An 11–12 mile hike into the Plains of Abraham with gentle, rolling elevation and a chance to spot mountain goats. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Market — 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. The flagship year-round farmers market in the heart of downtown. More info
• Vancouver Pollinator Festival — 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Marshall Park, Vancouver. Free. Keynote by Dr. Doug Tallamy, author and founder of Homegrown National Park, plus bee walks, a pollinator garden tour, kids' zone, crafts, face painting, and vendor booths. More info
• Community Build Project: Compost Bins — 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM at Davis Park, Ridgefield. Free. Stop by the Ridgefield Farmers Market booth to make mini-composters for yourself and your neighbors. More info
• Hockinson Meadows Disc Golf Classic — 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Hockinson Meadows Community Park, Vancouver. $60. Two rounds of 18 holes with amateur and pro divisions, lunch included, and proceeds supporting course maintenance. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail parkrun — 9:00 AM at Salmon Creek Greenway Trail, Vancouver. A free, friendly weekly 5K — walk, jog, run, or volunteer. Register online before your first visit. More info
• Friends of Washougal Library Book Sale — 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM at Bethel Community Church, Washougal. Paperbacks $1, hardcovers $2, kids' books $1 or less. Last hour (4–5 PM) is $5 per bag. Proceeds support a new Washougal Community Library building. More info
• Battle Ground Art Alliance Open Doors Art Tour — 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM at various locations around Battle Ground. Free. Tour four art studios displaying work by 11 artists, with demonstrations and artmaking activities. More info
• Wander Clark County: Historic Downtown Camas (Early Tour) — 9:00 AM at NE 4th and Adams, Camas. $10. A guided walking tour past landmarks like the 1927 Granada/Liberty Theater and the Camas Hotel, led by the Clark County Historical Museum. More info
• Whipple Creek Regional Park Trail Maintenance — 9:00 AM at Whipple Creek Regional Park (north parking area off NE 179th St.). Volunteer with the Whipple Creek Restoration Committee — tasks include brush cutting and adding gravel. Email whipplecreekproject@gmail.com to sign up. More info
• Ridgefield Learn to Kayak Tour — 9:00 AM at Ridgefield Waterfront Park. Paddle the Columbia River Water Trail near the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge with Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe. More info
• Yacolt Burn Experience 2026 — Mt. Bike Race — 9:00 AM. Hosted by Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, this shuttle fundraiser event returns bigger than ever. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play — 9:15 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Free. Get a bridge lesson then play with assistance available. More info
• TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition — 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Explore more than 100 authentic artifacts recovered from the wreck site in this immersive exhibition. More info
• Repair Event — 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Washington Grange No. 82, 7701 NE Ward Rd., Vancouver. Free. Bring broken household items to be fixed by experienced volunteer fixers. Check-in ends at 12:30 PM. More info
• Nature Day at Columbia Springs — 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Columbia Springs, 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy., Vancouver. Free. A drop-in day of hands-on science and nature experiences exploring cultural ecosystems — great for all ages. More info
• Juneteenth Freedom Celebration — 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. Free. Celebrate the holiday that commemorates the liberation of the last enslaved Americans in 1865. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center — 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Pearson Field Education Center, Vancouver. Free. Explore flight simulators, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes — perfect for curious youth of all ages. More info
• Fort Vancouver Heritage Garden Fair — 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM at the Fort Vancouver Heritage Garden, 1001 E. Fifth St., Vancouver. Free. Meet naturalists, explore displays by the Fort Vancouver Rose Society, watch watercolor demonstrations, and enjoy the Beer & Wine Garden (noon–5 PM). More info
• NW Trail Sisters' Women's Beginner MTB Ride — 10:00 AM at Stub Stewart State Park. A chill, guided beginners mountain bike ride — ride at your own pace and maybe find a new riding buddy. More info
• Paradise of Samoa Polynesian Dance Troupe — 11:00 AM at Vancouver Mall Library. Free. A joyful performance celebrating the living traditions of Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, and New Zealand through dance and authentic music. More info
• Wander Clark County: Historic Downtown Camas (Late Tour) — 11:00 AM at NE 4th and Adams, Camas. $10. A second guided walking tour of historic Camas with the Clark County Historical Museum. More info
• Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Summer Train Rides — 11:00 AM from Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Station, Yacolt. $18–$24. Ride through the tunnel, across the East Fork of the Lewis River, and stop at Moulton Station to visit Yacolt Falls. More info
• Dayley Dance Academy Presents: Step into the Light — 11:00 AM at Washburn Performing Arts Center, Washougal High School. An all-studio showcase performance with additional showtimes at 3 PM and 7:30 PM. More info
• 2nd Annual Chicken Fashion Show — 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM at Stellar Luxe, 415 N. Amboy Ave., Yacolt. Free. Fabulously fashionable chickens hit the runway alongside food trucks, a vendor artisan market, a kids' zone, and awards for categories like glam, Western, and matching chicken-and-owner duos. More info
• Play Bridge (0–150 Points) — 11:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. $10. More info
• The La Center Historical Museum — 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM at La Center Historical Museum, La Center. Free. Explore local history displays — the museum is open the first and third Saturday of each month. More info
• CatFest 2026 — 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM at Recluse Brew Works, Washougal. Fun for cat lovers featuring adoptable cats and the annual Cat Costume Contest. More info
• Hiking Clinic with NW Association of Blind Athletes — 12:00 PM. An inclusive hiking opportunity open to athletes of all ages and ability levels. More info
• Clark County Community Concert Band Festival — 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center Park Amphitheater, Vancouver. Free. Celebrating the Westwinds Community Band's 50th anniversary with performances by Vancouver Pops, Battle Ground Community Band, Vancouver Community Band, and more. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Sing Along — 1:00 PM at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 426 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver. More info
• Back to the Future: The Musical — 2:00 PM at Keller Auditorium, Portland. $58. The beloved cinematic classic is now a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical. More info
• Summer Reading Celebration Party at Barnes & Noble — 2:00 PM at Barnes & Noble, Vancouver. Free. Young readers enjoy crafts, games, prizes, giveaways, sweet treats, and a special storytime. More info
• Touchmark at Fairway Car Show, Music Fest and Barbecue — 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM at Touchmark at Fairway Village, 2911 SE Village Loop, Vancouver. Free. See 100 vehicles, enjoy live music on several stages, a BBQ lunch, and a beer garden. Proceeds support the Alzheimer's Association and Parkinson's Resources of Oregon. More info
• Family Movie at Ridgefield Community Library — 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Free. Bring the family for a family-friendly movie and free popcorn. More info
• Pomeroy Farm Supper & Social Fundraiser — 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Pomeroy Farm, Yacolt. $120. The 8th annual dinner and auction supporting the nonprofit living history farm. Guests 21 and older. More info
• Family Paint Night: Flying Squirrel — 5:30 PM at Drip Drop Art Studio, Vancouver. $25. Step-by-step instructions for the whole family to paint a flying squirrel canvas together. More info
• Clark County Veterans Assistance Center M*A*S*H Querade — 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM at ilani Casino Resort, Ridgefield. $200. An evening of entertainment and networking benefiting local veterans. More info
• Planters Days Cruise-In Car Show — 6:00 PM in downtown Woodland. Free. Now in its 104th year, this cruise-in benefits Northwest Battle Buddies, providing service dogs to veterans. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball — 6:30 PM at Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. Cheer on Clark County's hometown team. More info
• Jesus and Friends: An Evening of Acoustic Christian Music — 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM at Gathering Church, 2500 NE 78th St., Vancouver. Free (donations encouraged). Modern Christian music performed on acoustic instruments. More info
• Circle of Light: The Love of Rumi & Shams — 7:00 PM at OMSI, Portland. An immersive 360° dome experience featuring Persian poetry, architecture, and the voice of Shahram Nazeri. More info
• VanCity's Saturday Social Dance and Beginners Lesson — 7:00 PM at VanCity Ballroom, 9212 NE Hwy 99, Hazel Dell. $10. A 45-minute lesson followed by social dancing until 10 PM — no partner or experience needed. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro — 7:00 PM at Farrar's Bistro, 12514 NW 36th Ave., Vancouver. Enjoy food, cocktails, local wine, and live performances on the pet-friendly patio. More info
• The Bridges of Madison County — 7:30 PM at Magenta Theater, Vancouver. $32. The Tony Award-winning musical based on the best-selling novel, brought to life on Magenta's stage. More info
• Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons — 8:30 PM at The Old Church Concert Hall, Portland. $43.50–$67.50. A multi-sensory concert experience under the gentle glow of candlelight. More info
• Saturday Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub — 8:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Let your inner entertainer shine. More info

Sunday, June 21

• Clark County Parks & Nature Fee-Free Day: Summer Solstice — 7:00 AM. Celebrate the longest day of the year with free access to Clark County regional parks. More info
• Free Outdoor Fitness Bootcamps — 9:00 AM at Northwest Personal Training, 1011 Broadway, Vancouver. A full-body muscle and cardio workout at various scenic locations. All fitness levels welcome. More info
• Mt. St. Helens Eruption Hike with MSHI — 9:00 AM. A guided nature hike exploring the hummocks deposited by the May 18, 1980 eruption. More info
• Father's Day Potter's Wheel Class — 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. $35–$75. Step-by-step guidance to throw a vessel on the potter's wheel — open to all ages. Staff will trim, fire, and glaze your piece at no extra cost. More info
• Couve Auto Show: Clark County Father's Day Car Show — 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Vancouver Mall. Free. Classic, custom, and modern cars plus live music, food vendors, raffles, and family-friendly entertainment. Bring nonperishable food for the Clark County Food Bank. More info
• Classic 7 MX Series Event — 10:00 AM at Washougal MX Park, Washougal. $20–$40. Motocross racing action all day. More info
• Forest Floor Ecology Hike with MSHI — 10:00 AM. Uncover the world of snails, slugs, and salamanders with an MSHI Wildlife Biologist on the slopes of Mt. St. Helens. More info
• Flora & Fauna Solstice Celebration at Plas Newydd Farm — 1:00 PM at Plas Newydd Farm, 33415 NW Lancaster Rd., Ridgefield. Free (donations accepted). A costumed bike ride at 1 PM followed by a community potluck barbecue at 2 PM. Bring a dish to share. More info
• Donuts and Dunks with Dad — 2:00 PM at Goldfish Swim School, Vancouver. Free for enrolled swimmers and families; $10/swimmer or $30/family max for non-members. Swim with Dad and enjoy a donut after. More info
• Takohachi Duo — 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Free. Experience kamishibai, a vibrant Japanese street theater tradition weaving folktales into an interactive performance for all ages. More info

Monday, June 22

• Summer Camp at Silver Buckle Youth Equestrian Center — 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM at 11611 NE 152nd Ave., Brush Prairie. $200/session. Kids ages 5+ learn horse safety, grooming, and care, with a supervised ride at week's end, plus art projects and team challenges on the 40-acre property. More info
• Audiobook Walking Club — 9:30 AM. Hosted by Camas Public Library at a different outdoor location each month. Bring your audiobook, walk for 60 minutes, then enjoy 30 minutes of social time. More info
• Camas Library Storytime in the Park — 10:30 AM at Forest Home Park, 640 NW Logan St., Camas. Free. Join Camas Library staff for a family storytime outdoors — bring a blanket. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting — 12:00 PM at AC Hotel by Marriott Vancouver Waterfront. Free. Community members are welcome at the weekly gathering. More info
• Summer Movie Mondays — 2:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Free. Kicking off with The Land Before Time. Registration required at camaspl.org/movies. More info
• Monday Night Trivia at Pour Choices Pub — 6:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Gather your smartest friends and compete for bragging rights. More info
• Vancouver Audubon Solstice Picnic — 8:00 PM in Yacolt Burn State Forest. Bring a lawn chair and watch Common Nighthawks swooping and diving in the dimming light. Songbirds, flycatchers, and owls possible too. Email Randy Hill to register. More info

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