📰 What's Making News

Clark County Fair Closes Today With Tuff Trucks, Pie-Eating Showdown

If you haven't made it out to the fairgrounds yet, today is your last chance. The 2026 Clark County Fair wraps up Sunday with a packed schedule headlined by Tuff Trucks tearing through the grandstands at both 2 and 7 p.m. Between those mud-slinging spectacles, catch a pie-eating contest, Barnyard Races, DogTown performances, Mars Encounters live shows, and Tyzen The Comedy Hypnotist on the community stage. The carnival midway will be humming all day, so grab the family and give the fair a proper send-off. Full schedule here.

Clark County Business Briefing: Who's Moving, Hiring, Growing

The Columbian's latest business roundup spotlights the movers and shakers across Clark County's commercial landscape. From new filings and leadership changes to expansions worth watching, the briefing is a quick-scan snapshot of the local economy in motion. If you like knowing which businesses are making moves before the signs go up, this is your read. See the full briefing.

Washington Ranks High for Solo Women Travelers — Here's Why

A new travel feature makes the case that Washington state is one of the country's most rewarding destinations for women traveling alone. The piece draws inspiration from Cheryl Strayed's legendary Pacific Crest Trail hike and highlights the mix of well-maintained trails, welcoming small towns, and stunning natural diversity that make the state feel both adventurous and safe. Whether you're dreaming of a weekend escape to the Gorge or a longer solo road trip, it's worth bookmarking. Read the full story.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Wildlife Biologists Warn: Stop Approaching Jimothy the Raccoon

Jimothy, the compact raccoon with an unusually short spine who became a Seattle sensation about a month ago, is drawing crowds — and that's a problem. Wildlife biologists are reminding fans that getting too close stresses wild animals and puts both species at risk. Read more from The Columbian.

Padel Courts Pop Up in Seattle as Racket Sport Gains Ground

Move over, pickleball — padel, a wall-enclosed racket sport wildly popular in Europe and Latin America, is making its Pacific Northwest debut in Seattle. The sport blends elements of tennis and squash on a smaller court, and local players say it's easier to pick up than you'd think. Read more from The Columbian.

Brown Patches on Your Lawn? How to Check for Grubs Before You Panic

Those ugly brown spots could be drought, dog damage, or fungus — but grubs are a common culprit this time of year. A simple "peel-back" test on a one-square-foot section of turf tells you whether larvae are the real problem. Read more from The Columbian.

Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries Spotlight Sci-Fi for Every Reader

Not sure where to start with science fiction? Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries just published a curated guide breaking the genre into approachable subgenres — from climate fiction to space opera — with staff-picked recommendations for newcomers and longtime fans alike. Read more from The Columbian.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Sunday, August 16

• Sunday Sounds Concert Series — 8:00 AM at Columbia Tech Center Park, Vancouver. The final concert of the summer series features genre-defying crowd favorites. Free admission, with food and refreshments available from local vendors (or bring your own picnic). Parking available off S.E. Cardinal Ct. More info
• Free Outdoor Fitness Bootcamps — 9:00 AM at Northwest Personal Training, 1011 Broadway, Vancouver. Full-body muscle and cardio workout at scenic Vancouver locations. All fitness levels welcome — just fill out a waiver at nwpersonaltraining.com before you go. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Market — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park (8th and Esther St.), Vancouver. The flagship farmers market has been a community staple since 1990. More info
• Sunflower Festival at O'Keefe Farms — 10:00 AM–7:00 PM at O'Keefe Farms, 17604 N.E. 182nd Ave., Brush Prairie. Wander through 60 varieties of sunflowers, enjoy live music from Fortunate Gold, Kiley Jean, and Mark Leedy and the Lewis River Blues Band, grab food from Krisey's Kitchen, Taco Tom's, and Lemon Smash Lemonade, and browse 30 craft vendors. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids. More info
• Clark County Fair — 10:00 AM–10:00 PM at Clark County Fairgrounds, Ridgefield. Blast Off to Fun with rides, entertainment, food, and hands-on space adventures. Carnival opens at noon. Admission $8.50–$11.50. More info
• Living History: Fort Vancouver Dragoons — 11:00 AM–1:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Academia Duellatoria brings history to life with a look at the equipment and training of U.S. Army Dragoons stationed at Fort Vancouver in 1855, plus a live saber-fighting demonstration from a licensed fencing instructor. Free. More info
• Mad About Plaid Open House at the Valiant Ballroom — 12:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, 815 Washington St., Vancouver. Most Everything Vintage drops its fall and winter collection — 800+ pieces of wool, plaid, tweed, and knit clothing and accessories. Enter through the Narnia wardrobe. No ticket needed. More info

Monday, August 17

• Paddle For Life — 8:00 AM–5:00 PM at Port of Ridgefield Kayak Launch. Dragon boating for camaraderie and fun, supporting the physical and emotional empowerment of women in Clark County who have experienced breast cancer. More info
• Camp Hope of SW WA — Summer Camps for Kids — 9:00 AM. Outdoor Discovery Camps for ages 6–17 featuring science explorations, creative crafts, and nature adventures. More info
• Pomeroy Farm Kids Workshops — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at Pomeroy Farm, 20902 N.E. Lucia Falls Road, Yacolt. Today's workshop: How to Homestead. $35 per child per class or $150 for the whole week (Aug. 17–21). Best for ages 6–12; children must be accompanied by an adult. More info
• Storytime in the Park — 10:30–11:00 AM at a Camas park. Join the Camas Library staff for a family storytime outdoors — bring a blanket to sit on! Free, all ages. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting — 12:00–1:00 PM at the AC Marriott on the Vancouver waterfront. Community members are welcome. Learn more at vancouverrotaryclub.org. More info
• Washington State International Kite Festival (Road Trip) — 12:00 PM at Bolstad Beach Approach, Long Beach. Choreographed kite ballets, mass ascensions, workshops, competitions, and activities for all ages along the shoreline. More info
• Line Dancing — 1:30–3:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Grab any shoes you've got and learn line dances for fun and exercise. Free. More info
• Bigfoot Adventure on the Portland Spirit — 2:00 PM departing from Caruthers Landing Dock, Portland. An 80-mile round-trip jetboat ride to Multnomah Falls with exclusive Bigfoot narration by Cliff Barackman of Animal Planet's "Finding Bigfoot." $64–$72. More info
• Vancouver Chrysanthemum Society Meeting — 2:00–3:30 PM at 78th Street Heritage Farm, 1919 N.E. 78th St., Vancouver. Visitors, non-members, and anyone interested in growing chrysanthemums are welcome. More info
• Early Learners Music and Movement — 2:30–3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Songs, rhymes, rhythm, and dance for ages 0–5 and their parents or caregivers. Free. More info
• Preschool Restaurant — 3:30–4:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Preschoolers and their adults can cook, serve, and pretend as they explore a restaurant through imaginative dramatic play. Free, no registration required. More info
• Summer Lecture Series with the Humane Society — 5:30–7:30 PM at Humane Society for Southwest Washington, 1100 NE 192nd Ave., Vancouver. Free. More info
• Adaptive Bicycling Summer Series (Road Trip) — 6:00–8:00 PM at Portland International Raceway. Adaptive Sports Northwest welcomes everyone to try adaptive cycling. Bring your own bike or try one of theirs. Helmets required. More info
• Cosmic Watercolor Splatter Coasters Workshop — 6:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Susan Soltau of Dragon Half Art teaches wet-on-wet watercolor blending and splatter techniques to create nebula-like patterns. No experience needed; all supplies provided. $35. More info

Tuesday, August 18

• Family Nature Walk at La Center Community Library — 10:00–11:30 AM at Heritage Park, 525 E Heritage Loop, La Center. A guided family walk exploring local forest and wetlands. Free. More info
• Sherlock Holmes Mystery at Three Creeks Community Library — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM. Test your detective skills with a Holmesian-style mystery — play solo or with a small group. Free. More info
• Chipper's Preschool Rides at Oaks Park — 10:00 AM–12:30 PM at Oaks Park, Portland. Little ones (age 6 and under) enjoy kiddie rides and selected family rides, then visit Chipper the Squirrel for snack and story time. $13.50 per child; one adult rides free. More info
• Startup Conversations in the Couve — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at the Vancouver Innovation Center, 18110 S.E. 34th St., Vancouver. Speaker: Caroline Caswell, marketing partner at venture capital firm Operator Collective. $10; networking encouraged. More info
• 78th Street Heritage Farm Walking Tours with WSU Extension Master Gardeners — 10:00 AM at 78th St., Hazel Dell. Explore the historic 79-acre property with its demonstration gardens, on the Washington Historic Register since 2012. More info
• Meaningful Movies at Three Creeks Community Library — 1:00–3:00 PM. Catch a compelling documentary or thought-provoking film, then stay for an open discussion. Free. More info
• Tween and Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game — 4:30–6:30 PM at various FVRL library locations. Create a character and dive into Dungeons and Dragons 5E or Pathfinder 1E. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group — 5:15–6:45 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Dedicated writing time with introductions and a concluding discussion — no readings or critiques. All experience levels welcome. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group — 5:30–6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. A casual group for beginning Spanish speakers. No registration required. Free. More info

Wednesday, August 19

• Rebecca Anstine Gallery: Impressions of the Pacific Northwest — 8:00 AM–5:00 PM at the Rebecca Anstine Sixth Floor Gallery, Clark County Public Service Center, Vancouver. Artists Oleg Ulitskiy and Elizabeth Ganji celebrate the region's moody landscapes and vibrant moments. Free. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30–9:30 AM and 10:00–11:00 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, 12919 N.E. 159th St., Brush Prairie. Evidence-based group exercise for older adults (age 60+). More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI — 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Artist Sayaka Ganz transforms discarded plastic objects into soaring animals, rushing waves, and fluid sculptures bursting with motion and color. On view through September 30. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: "Meet Me at the Museum" — 10:00–11:00 AM at Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver. Interactive exhibits, guided tours, and engaging activities. Register at eventbrite.com. Free. More info
• Teen Escape Room at Ridgefield Community Library — 1:00 PM. Navigate an underwater adventure escape room — find clues and solve puzzles before time runs out. Designed for teens of various skill levels. Free. More info
• Silver Trails Community Walk — 2:00 PM. A walking program for adults 65+ from Parks Foundation of Clark County, Community in Motion, and Vancouver Parks. Easy 1–2 mile walks through beautiful local parks and trails. More info
• Camas Farmers Market — 3:00–7:00 PM in Downtown Camas (new temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Fresh produce, prepared foods, artisan goods, and community spirit every Wednesday. More info
• Kids and Tweens Creative Crafts: DIY Squishies — 3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Make your own squishy stress-busting toys using fun, simple materials. Free. More info
• Hatchery Tours and Forest Walks at Columbia Springs — 3:30 PM at Columbia Springs, Vancouver. Guided tours of the Vancouver Trout Hatchery and guided hikes on the trails with rotating topics. Free. More info
• Tummy Time — 3:30–4:45 PM at Camas Public Library. For babies under 18 months. Register at CamasPL.org/tummytime. Free. More info
• Kids and Tweens Create — 4:00–5:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop in for creative, interactive projects — use your imagination, stretch your creativity, or try a new artistic skill. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Teen and Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00–6:00 PM. Open game play — decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids Read to a Dog at Cascade Park Community Library — 4:00–5:00 PM. Build reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Introduction to Sewing Machines — 4:30–6:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Learn to thread a sewing machine, select stitches, and create a potholder. Ages 9+. Space limited to eight; registration opens one week before. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try dragon boating at no cost — no experience needed, equipment provided. Paddlers must be 14+. More info
• Leathercrafting Workshop with Dragon Half Art — 5:30 PM at The Arts Centered, Vancouver. A hands-on leathercraft session for beginners and experienced crafters alike. $40–$45. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom — 6:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, 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
• End of Summer Concert on the Lawn — 6:00–7:00 PM at La Center Community Library. Bring a picnic dinner and blanket for a free evening of live music featuring the Vancouver Community Jazz Band. More info

Thursday, August 20

• Plein Air Painting Workshop with Scott Gellatly — 8:00 AM at Plas Newydd Farm, Ridgefield. A two-day workshop exploring the fundamentals of plein air painting with strategic color concepts to capture light, atmosphere, and emotion. More info
• Mount Adams Car Camp Logout — WTA Backcountry Response Team — 8:30 AM. A volunteer trail work party based on the southwestern corner of Mount Adams. Camp centrally, then clear fallen logs and fix trail surfaces by day. More info
• Volunteer Gleaning: Foley Pear Orchard — 9:00 AM. Help Urban Abundance share fresh, local food with neighbors across Clark County. Bring boxes, water, and sun protection. More info
• Gorge Morning Walks — 9:00 AM at Mosier Totem Pole Plaza. A casual 3.5-mile hike with 600 feet of elevation gain with Friends of the Gorge. No registration needed. All welcome, including babies in carriers and leashed dogs. More info
• On the Road Tour: Herbs, Seeds and Spores — 9:45 AM–4:45 PM. WSU Extension Master Gardeners lead a tour visiting Garden Delight Herb Farm, the Jane Weber Evergreen Arboretum (with the historic 1867 Stanger House), and the Pacific Spore urban mushroom farm with grower Payne Taylor. Meet at 78th Street Heritage Farm. $40. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center, 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses with farm, food, and artisan products. Free parking. More info
• Vancouver Bridge Club Introductory Bridge Class — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 Mill Plain Blvd., Suite H. Part of a six-week series. $10 per lesson or $50 for all six. More info
• The Craft of Writing: Workshop and Writers Group — 10:30 AM at Vancouver Community Library. Writing prompts, exercises, craft discussion, and workshopping in a welcoming environment. Free. More info
• Ridgefield Family Story Time at the Wildlife Refuge — 10:30–11:00 AM at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Community Nature Center, 28908 N.W. Main Ave., Ridgefield. The Nature Center is open 10 AM–noon and nearby trails are open for walking. Free (refuge daily entrance fee applies). More info
• Paddlesport Clinic with NW Association of Blind Athletes — 12:00 PM. Contact [email protected] or 360-682-1662 for details. More info
• Graze Craze Grand Opening — 4:00 PM at 14313 NE 20th Avenue, Ste A 102, Vancouver. The Greater Vancouver Chamber celebrates the grand opening of Graze Craze with a ribbon cutting. They specialize in handcrafted charcuterie boards and grazing experiences. More info
• Teen Hangout — 4:30–6:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks for ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Tween and Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure — 4:30–6:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Dungeons and Dragons for ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Bingo Nights Supporting dogpaw — 6:00–8:00 PM at Latte Da Coffee House and Wine Bar, Vancouver. Play 10 games with 3 cards each for $20 — all proceeds support local off-leash dog parks. Bring your pup along under the covered patio! More info
• Open Mic Night at Dovetail Cellars — 6:00–7:30 PM at Dovetail Cellars, 404 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Hosted by Jeff Keddie, live on KXRW — Vancouver's local independent radio station. Sign-ups start at 5:30 PM. Free. More info
• Symphony Series at the Grant Street Pier: Brass Quintet — 6:00–7:00 PM at Grant Street Pier, Vancouver Waterfront. The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet performs along the Columbia River. Enjoy from the pier, promenade, or nearby waterfront restaurants. Free. More info
• Portland Urban Wildlife Information Network Workshop (Road Trip) — 6:30 PM at Bird Alliance of Oregon, 5151 NW Cornell Rd., Portland. Celebrate a year of urban wildlife discoveries with highlights from wildlife monitoring and research. Food and drinks provided. More info
• Line Dancing at Ashwood Taps and Trucks — 7:00–9:00 PM at Ashwood Taps and Trucks, Washougal. Kat Nichols leads the dancing — beginners welcome, all ages. $10. More info
• History on Tap: The Campbells and The Columbian — 7:00 PM at Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver (doors at 6 PM). Learn about the Campbell family's newspaper legacy and The Columbian's history with fourth-generation owner Will Campbell. $5; registration required at eventbrite.com. More info
• Musical Bingo at Pour Choices Pub — 7:00 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Hosted by Juels and Marissa — test your music knowledge, sing along, and see if you can shout BINGO first. More info

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