📰 What's Making News

Clark County Parks Roll Out New Activities Program

Clark County just launched a new program designed to bring more organized activities and visitor services to county parks — think more programming, more reasons to actually use those green spaces you drive past every day. The trade-off: higher fees are part of the package. If you're a regular at any of the county parks, this one's worth watching as details shake out. Read more from The Columbian.

Yacolt Paints Its Roads Red, White, Blue for America's 250th

Tiny Yacolt is making a big visual statement: the town is striping its roads in red, white, and blue to mark America's 250th anniversary. It's the kind of small-town flourish that reminds you why Clark County's little communities have so much character. Love it or scratch your head at it, it's distinctly Yacolt. See the story at Clark County Today.

Seton Catholic, Columbia River Head to State Semifinals Friday

Two Clark County squads are playing for a spot in state championship games today. Seton Catholic's baseball team faces Montesano at 7 p.m. in the 1A semifinal at Joe Martin Stadium in Bellingham, while Columbia River boys soccer takes on Squalicum at 1 p.m. in the 2A semifinal at Federal Way Memorial Stadium. It's a big Friday under the lights for local fans with travel plans. Full schedule at The Columbian.

Seton Catholic's Tiffany Sheldon, Area Athletes Shine at State Track Meet

Local athletes showed out on Day 1 of the state track and field championships Thursday. Seton Catholic's Tiffany Sheldon earned a third-place finish in the 1A discus, while Samantha Evans of Columbia-White Salmon took second in the 1A girls high jump. Over in the 3A meet, Kelso's Jordyn Robarge — a future Western Washington University thrower — capped her high school career with a state title in girls shot put, launching a winning throw of 41 feet, 9.75 inches. She's believed to be the first Kelso girls shot putter ever to win a state crown. Read the 1A recap and the full Day 1 roundup.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Clark County Taps Portland Veteran as Community Development Director

David Kuhnhausen, who spent nearly 20 years with the City of Portland, has been named Clark County's new Community Development director. He'll oversee permitting, building safety, and the county's Permit Center. Full story here.

Today at Noon: Coffee Corner Talks Main Street Construction

The May Coffee Corner meets today (May 29) from noon to 1 p.m. at Soft Tea / Minari Market, 808 Main Street. It's a casual, open-to-the-public check-in on the Main Street Promise infrastructure project — grab a drink and get the latest. Details here.

Minari Market Opens Inside Soft Tea on Main Street

Leah, daughter of Kenji's Ramen owner, has opened Minari Market at 808 Main Street in downtown Vancouver — an Asian market and instant ramen bar tucked inside Soft Tea, complete with a photo booth and retail shop for Asian snacks and goods. More here.

Xin Ding Draws Early Raves for Wontons, Xiao Long Bao

Vancouver's new Xin Ding restaurant is already turning heads. Early diners are singling out the pork wontons in chili sauce and garlic string beans as standouts, with properly made xiao long bao rounding out a strong opening menu. Read the first impressions.

Fur on the Ferry: Pets Now Allowed Inside Washington State Ferries

Starting Memorial Day weekend, leashed pets are officially welcome inside select passenger areas on Washington State Ferries — no more leaving your dog on the car deck for the whole crossing. Here's the new policy.

Two Bison Calves Arrive at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park near Eatonville welcomed two American bison calves born within a week of each other — a worthy excuse for a summer day trip from Vancouver. See the details.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Friday, May 29

• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. An evidence-based group exercise program helping older adults (60+) stay active, running Wednesdays and Fridays. A second session follows at 10 AM. More info
• Homeschool Open House at Pomeroy Farm — 9:00 AM–12:00 PM at Pomeroy Farm, Yacolt. Homeschool families and small groups (under 20 students) can explore the theme "Children's Work & Play on a Pre-Electric Farm," designed for grades 2–5. $8 per student. More info
• Ridgefield – Learn to Kayak Tour — 9:00 AM at Ridgefield Waterfront Park. Join Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe for a guided paddle through the Columbia River Water Trail near the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. No experience needed. More info
• Volunteer Clean-Up at Countryside Park — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at Countryside Park, Vancouver. Pick up litter and remove invasive plants — training, gloves, tools, water and snacks provided. Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. Free. More info
• Flora & Fauna Friday at Countryside Park — 10:00 AM at Countryside Park, Vancouver. Part of the City of Vancouver's spring volunteer series — roll up your sleeves for hands-on nature stewardship and learn about local ecosystems. More info
• 2026 Columbia Credit Union Tour of Homes: New & Remodeled — 11:00 AM at various locations. Tour beautifully finished projects from Clark County's top builders and remodelers, discover the latest trends, and ask all your questions. More info
• Paint, Sip and Celebrate the Stars and Stripes — 11:00 AM–1:30 PM at Founders Coffee and Mercantile, Battle Ground. A July 4th-themed watercolor painting experience with picnic boxes and Firecracker Fizz sparkling lemonade. $60; registration required. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program — 12:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver. Free lunch served noon to 1 PM for low-income seniors age 60+, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors at Cameo Cafe — 12:00 PM at Cameo Cafe, Vancouver. Join the group for a social lunch. Call 360-892-8944 for details. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00–3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, Vancouver. A free weekly art group open to all. More info
• Friday Night Cruise-In at Alderbrook Park — 4:00–8:00 PM at Alderbrook Park, Brush Prairie. Classic cars, disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, a pool and more. $10 adults, $5 kids/veterans/seniors, free for ages 3 and under. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure — 4:30–6:00 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Ages 9–19 can create a character and play Pathfinder 1E — beginners welcome. Free. More info
• Family and Friends Friday Climb — 5:00 PM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. Ages 4+ can tackle multiple difficulty levels for an hour and forty-five minutes of unlimited climbing. No experience necessary; all equipment provided. More info
• Collaborative Art at Rebecca Anstine Gallery — 5:00–7:00 PM reception at the Rebecca Anstine Gallery (6th floor, Clark County Public Service Center), Vancouver. Two exhibits by Vancouver School of Arts and Academics students on display through June. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try dragon boat paddling for free — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Inspire Vancouver Information Sessions — 5:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub. Learn about the new grant program investing $6 million a year in public arts, culture, heritage and science experiences. Free. More info
• Cake, Canvas and Coffee — 5:30–8:00 PM at Founders Coffee and Mercantile, Battle Ground. Decorate a cake canvas with frosting, sprinkles and expert tips, plus enjoy a fruit pizza dessert bar. $50; registration required. More info
• Catalyst Spring Musical Revue — 6:00 PM at The Judy, Portland. Northwest Children's Theater's youth company performs a revue of Broadway's greatest hits. $5. More info
• Hockinson Fun Days — 6:00–8:30 PM Friday night bingo for prizes at Hockinson High School, with a pancake breakfast, parade, marketplace bazaar and community carnival continuing Saturday. Free. More info
• Fort Vancouver Antique Equipment Association Monthly Meeting — 6:00 PM at Old Town Burgers and Breakfast, Battle Ground. If you love stuck pistons, stubborn bolts and vintage farm equipment, this group is for you. Free. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball Home Game — 6:30 PM at Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. Cheer on Clark County's hometown baseball team. More info
• Evergreen Dance Center Presents: Coppélia — 6:30–8:45 PM at Columbia Theatre, Longview. A performance of the timeless ballet classic. $18–$25. More info
• Jesus and Friends: An Evening of Acoustic Christian Music — 6:30–8:00 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Vancouver. Modern Christian music on acoustic instruments. Free; donations encouraged. More info
• Journey Theater Presents Seussical — 7:00 PM at Manor Church, Battle Ground. The Cat in the Hat narrates this beloved musical about Horton the elephant, the Whos, and the power of imagination. $16–$18. More info
• Drunken Shakespeare — 7:00–9:00 PM at Tap Union Freehouse, Vancouver. A 21+ fundraiser supporting Metropolitan Performing Arts' free summer production of As You Like It. Craft brews and bites; suggested $25 donation. More info
• God of Carnage by Starbird Theatre — 7:30 PM at the Sherman Auditorium, Vancouver. A Tony Award-winning dark comedy about two sets of parents whose civilized meeting spirals hilariously out of control. $23–$25. More info
• Clark College Theatre presents [title of show] — 7:30 PM at Clark College Decker Theatre, Vancouver. A meta-musical love letter to collaboration, following two writers racing to create something new. $12. More info
• Live Music Fridays at Pour Choices Pub — 7:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. Live music with Jeremy Ross — grab your friends and a craft beer. More info

Saturday, May 30

• Our Time to Shine Family Festival — 8:00 AM at WSU Vancouver. A 5K fun run, 1K kids trot, resource fair, bounce house, face painting and more — all benefiting Seedling Psychological Services' mission to provide free or low-cost mental health services to new and expecting families. More info
• Veterans' Trail Work Party at Whistle Punk Day — 8:30 AM. A trail-building work party tailored for veterans and service members — form up, build camaraderie, and maintain hiking trails in the outdoors. More info
• 3rd Annual Coyote-palooza! — 8:30 AM (road trip). A family- and pet-friendly day of discovery about one of nature's most adaptable creatures, featuring hands-on activities for adults and kids. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. Our flagship year-round market with local produce, artisans and more. More info
• Move With MADD Vancouver — 9:00 AM at Frenchman's Bar Park, Vancouver. Mothers Against Drunk Driving's signature walk/run fundraiser for safer roads. $35 registration. More info
• Stewardship Saturday at Columbia Springs — 9:00 AM–12:00 PM at Columbia Springs, Vancouver. Remove invasive species, maintain trails and help improve the site. Tools, gloves and guidance provided. Free. More info
• Secret Spaces Tour: Post Hospital — 9:00 AM. The Historic Trust brings back Secret Spaces Tours for Preservation Month — step inside the 1903-era Post Hospital and see original structural features, including one of the nation's first purpose-built X-ray rooms. $35. More info
• Portland Rose Festival — 9:00 AM (road trip to Portland). The beloved annual festival is underway — head across the river for parades, events and fun. More info
• Weave a Willow Market Basket — 9:00 AM in Ridgefield. Learn traditional European stake-and-strand basketry using cultivated and wild willows grown locally, led by Ridgefield artist Robin Brady. Two-day class. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play — 9:15–10:30 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club. Free lesson followed by play, with assistance available. More info
• Pollinators and Predators: Beneficial Insects for the Garden — 9:30–10:30 AM at Founders Coffee and Mercantile, Battle Ground. Take a bug safari, learn about native pollinators and record sightings with iNaturalist. $15. More info
• Birds and Blooms of Burnt Bridge Creek — 9:30 AM. Join City of Vancouver staff for a springtime walk to identify flowering native plants and listen for migrating songbird songs. Registration required. More info
• Bookmark Contest Celebration — 10:00 AM at Three Creeks Community Library, Vancouver. Find out the winning bookmark designs and grab one of the new bookmarks. Refreshments provided. Free. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at Pearson Field, Vancouver. Flight simulators, a vertical wind table, historic airplanes and STEAM activities for all ages. Free. More info
• Mural Dedication at Two Rivers Heritage Museum — 10:00 AM in Washougal. Celebrate a striking new 24×8-foot historic mural by artist Travis London, depicting early life in Camas and Washougal. Free. More info
• 78th Street Heritage Farm Walking Tours — 10:00 AM at 78th Street Heritage Farm, Vancouver. Free guided tours of the 79-acre historic property with docents sharing its rich agricultural and horticultural history. More info
• 2026 Multicultural Resource Fair — 10:00 AM. Hosted by the Latino Community Resource Group, featuring music, dance, cultural demonstrations and connections with local nonprofits and community organizations. More info
• Vancouver Lake Rowing Club: Return to Rowing — 10:30 AM–12:30 PM at Vancouver Lake Rowing Club. For former rowers, alumni and adults who miss being on the water — reconnect, row and learn about adult/masters programs. Free. More info
• Play Bridge (0–150 Points) — 11:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club. $10. More info
• Paint Your Pet at Craft Collective — 11:00 AM–2:00 PM at Craft Collective, Vancouver. Learn acrylic painting techniques and paint a portrait of your own pet — Kaylynn of Pepper Hill Art leads this beginner-friendly class. Ages 18+. $65. More info
• NAMIWalks — 12:00 PM at Marine Park, Vancouver. The signature mental health fundraising walk — come join the community for a powerful, uplifting event. More info
• Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Summer Train Rides — 12:00 PM departing from Yacolt. Ride through the tunnel, across the East Fork of the Lewis River, and stop at Moulton Station to visit Yacolt Falls. $18–$24. More info
• Bread Day at Cedar Creek Grist Mill — 12:00 PM–4:00 PM at Cedar Creek Grist Mill, Woodland. Taste fresh bread made from flour milled on-site, tour the historic water-powered mill. Free. More info
• Fort Vancouver Rose Society's 71st Annual Rose Show — 1:00–4:00 PM at the Clark County Event Center, Ridgefield. "A Rosy Affair" features hybrid teas, floribundas, miniatures, a photography competition and a new Garden Market with local vendors. Free. More info
• Sidewalk Chalk Day with British Swim School — 1:00 PM at LeRoy Haagen Memorial Park, Vancouver. They bring the chalk; you bring the creativity. Free. More info
• Book Launch: Ellie May and the Midnight Search — 1:00–3:00 PM at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center. Meet search-and-rescue dog Ellie May and handler JW Jones as they launch this children's book about a real SAR team. Free (register ahead). More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Attend Rose Show — 1:00–4:00 PM at the Clark County Event Center, Ridgefield. The group heads to the 71st Annual Rose Show together. More info
• Celebrating 121 Years at Oaks Park — 1:00 PM (road trip to Portland). Unlimited ride wristbands for $19.05, beer tasting on the midway, and free cake and balloons around 2 PM. More info
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Metropolitan Performing Arts — 1:30 PM at 6403 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Adorable actors ages 3–6 sing, dance and act their way through Eric Carle's classic story. Free. More info
• Blueprint Arts Presents: Dreamers of Dreams — 2:00 PM at Rose City Park United Methodist Church, Portland. Sapphire Wind Symphony performs — pay what you want. More info
• Pop-Up Mini Golf — 3:00–5:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Putt through a course designed and built by the Teen Library Council. Free. More info
• Bingo, Dinner and Auction — 5:00–9:00 PM at the Battle Ground Farmers Market. Pulled pork dinner, bingo for prizes and auctions supporting Clark County Fair Swine Barn youth and their 4-H and grange projects. More info
• Blueprint Arts Presents: Ode to Joy — 6:00 PM at Rose City Park United Methodist Church, Portland. Symphony Topaz with special guests — pay what you want. More info
• Vancouver Symphony Orchestra: Dvořák's New World Symphony — 7:00 PM at Skyview Concert Hall, Vancouver. The season finale features rising-star violinist Inés Issel Burzyńska performing Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 2, plus Adams' The Chairman Dances and Dvořák's Symphony No. 9. $15–$63. More info
• Karaoke with The Party People — 7:00–9:00 PM at Kalama Harbor Lodge. All ages welcome; food and beverages available. Free. More info
• VanCity Saturday Social Dance and Beginners Lesson — 7:00 PM at VanCity Ballroom, Hazel Dell. A 45-minute lesson followed by social dancing until 10 PM — ballroom, Latin, swing and country. No partner needed. $10. More info
• Studio 54 Karaoke Costume Party at Pour Choices Pub — 8:30 PM at 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. Disco-themed karaoke night with a costume contest — dust off the sequins and bring your best moves. More info

Sunday, May 31

• Sound Bath at The Lilith House — 11:00 AM–12:30 PM at The Lilith House, Vancouver. Experience the healing sounds of crystal singing bowls led by Rachel Fouts-Carrico. $44.52. More info
• HOPE Dementia Fundraiser Brunch with Taylor Family Farm — 11:00 AM. A four-course brunch supporting HOPE Dementia Support, with food from Taylor Family Farms and two drinks included. More info
• Dinner and Jazz with the Brent Follis Trio — 5:30–7:30 PM at The Grant House on Officers Row, Vancouver. Live jazz in the dining room at Willful Wine. $20 cover goes to the band; dinner reservations start at 4:45 PM. More info

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