📰 What's Making News

Clark County Pumpkin Patches Open for the Season

Decorative gourd season is officially here, and Clark County farms are ready for you. The Columbian has rounded up local pumpkin patches across Vancouver, Orchards, Brush Prairie, and beyond — from u-pick fields to full-on fall festival destinations with corn mazes and hayrides. Whether you're hunting for a front-porch showstopper or just want to wander the rows with a warm drink, this is your one-stop guide. See the full farm-by-farm list from The Columbian.

Friday Night Lights: Weekend Prep Sports Scoreboard

It was a packed weekend on the fields and courts for Clark County high schoolers. The Columbian's scoreboard covers results from Friday and Saturday across football, volleyball, soccer, and more, with upcoming Monday matchups already on deck — including Camas at Heritage in slowpitch softball and Mountain View at Washougal. If you've got a student-athlete in the house, this is your cheat sheet. Check all the scores here.

Clover-Turfgrass Lawns: Will They Work in SW Washington?

Local gardening columnist Allen has an answer for anyone eyeing those trendy clover-turfgrass hybrid lawns. A reader asked whether the low-maintenance blend — popular for reducing mowing and fertilizer — is suited to Southwest Washington's climate and soil. Allen breaks down the pros, cons, and practical steps for making it work in your yard. Read the full column at The Columbian.

What's Moving in Clark County Business

The latest Clark County Business Briefing is out, covering health and business developments across Vancouver and the surrounding area. It's a quick-hit roundup worth scanning if you like to keep a pulse on what's opening, shifting, or growing locally. Read the full briefing here.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Orca-Sniffing Dog Tracks Whales From a Boat Deck

Eba, an 11-year-old corgi-pit bull mix from San Juan Island, works as a wildlife detection dog — sniffing out orca scat from the bow of a research vessel so scientists can study the endangered whales without getting too close. Not your average working dog gig. Read more from The Columbian

Spider Season Hits the PNW — Don't Toss Them Outside

Those big house spiders showing up in your bathtub right now? Experts say indoor species like the giant house spider have evolved to live inside and won't survive if you relocate them to the yard. The more you know. Read more from The Columbian

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Sunday, October 4

• Sunday Brunch at Sons of Norway Columbia Lodge — 9:30 AM at Sons of Norway Columbia Lodge, Vancouver. Scandinavian pancakes, sausages, scrambled eggs, lingonberries and a beverage — with free refills on pancakes. $12. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Market — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park, 8th & Esther St., Vancouver. Our flagship year-round farmers market in the heart of downtown. More info
• Bi-Zi Farms Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze — 10:00 AM at Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver. Wagon rides, a free pumpkin (any size you can carry!), corn maze and nighttime maze access all included with admission. $14–$16. More info
• Pumpkin Lane at Pomeroy Farm — 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (last admission 4 PM) at Pomeroy Farm, Yacolt. Tractor-pulled hayrides past dozens of pumpkin-people scenes, photo ops, farm animals and kids activities. $6–$8. More info
• Walton Farms Pumpkin Patch — 10:00 AM–5:00 PM at Walton Farms, Camas. Admission includes corn maze, train ride, and one pumpkin any size. Dogs welcome on leash. $13 (seniors 55+ $11). More info
• Kids Throw Free at Firehouse Axes — 11:00 AM at Firehouse Axes, Vancouver. Up to two kids ages 10–17 throw free with each paying adult. Reservations recommended. Closed-toe shoes required (crocs available to rent). More info
• Vancouver Pumpkin Patch — 11:00 AM–6:00 PM at Velvet Acres Gardens, Orchards. Pick-your-own pumpkins, corn maze, hay bale pyramid, hayrides, apple cannon, farm animals, vendors and food carts. $12 on weekends. More info
• Luminescence Art Show — 11:00 AM–5:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, 109 W. Ninth St., Vancouver. A showcase of artworks inspired by light from both emerging and established Vancouver artists. Free. More info
• Dozer Day — 11:00 AM–4:00 PM at Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds, Ridgefield. Operate real construction equipment under expert supervision — solo machines for those over 48 inches, guided in-cab experiences for smaller kids. $15. More info
• Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Fall Leaves Special — 12:00 PM (also 2:00 PM) departing from Yacolt. A steam train ride through a 330-foot rock tunnel and across the East Fork of the Lewis River with a stop to visit Yacolt Falls. $16–$22. More info
• The Patch at Whalen Oaks Farm — 12:00 PM at Whalen Oaks Farm, Woodland. A 40+ acre farm with 60+ varieties of pumpkins, squash and gourds. Free parking and no admission fee. U-pick field available. More info
• Whalen Oaks Farm Fall Fest — 12:00 PM–6:00 PM at Whalen Oaks Farm, 636 Whalen Road, Woodland. Food trucks, drinks and local vendors. Free. More info
• Water for Elephants — 1:00 PM at Keller Auditorium, Portland. The critically acclaimed bestselling novel brought to life as a "stunning, emotional, heart-filled" Broadway musical. More info
• Guys and Dolls — 2:00 PM at Winningstad Theatre, Portland. The perfect musical comedy set in Damon Runyon's mythical New York City — gamblers, showgirls and an oddball romance. $48.25. More info
• Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors at the Magenta Theater — 2:00 PM at Magenta Theater, Vancouver. A lightning-fast, laugh-out-loud, 90-minute romp blending Bram Stoker with Mel Brooks and Monty Python. $28. More info
• The Golem's Gift by Northwest Children's Theater — 2:00 PM at The Judy, Portland. A world premiere musical inspired by Jewish folklore about a man made of clay determined to repair the world. Best for ages 8+. $25–$35. More info
• Meet NASA Astronaut Dr. Michael Barratt — 2:00 PM at OMSI, Portland. A short presentation and meet-and-greet with the NASA astronaut who began his journey right here in the Pacific Northwest. Free with RSVP. More info
• Leaf Plates Hand Building Workshop — 3:30 PM–5:00 PM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Create autumn leaf plates using real leaves — no pottery experience needed. $55. More info
• Healthy Kids Run Vancouver — 4:00 PM–5:00 PM at Pacific Community Park, Vancouver. A fun weekly running series for kids of all abilities with age-appropriate dashes and distance races. $8–$54. More info
• Teen Creative Crafts: Spooky Painting — 4:00 PM–5:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Kick off spooky season by creating your own wicked masterpiece. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Beginning Swing and Foxtrot Fusion — 5:30 PM–7:00 PM at Vancouver Fitness Studio, 9212 N.W. Highway 99, Vancouver. Julieann and Joseph Platt lead lessons followed by social dancing. Couples and singles welcome. $15 drop-in or $50 for four weeks. More info
• Haunted Theme Park at Oaks Park — 7:00 PM at Oaks Park, Portland. Two immersive main haunted houses, a Halloween theme park, food, drinks and oddities vendors. $25–$33. More info

Monday, October 5

• HOPE Dementia Support: "Meet Me at the Art Workshop" — 11:00 AM–12:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Guided by art instructor Tricia Hall, participants explore hands-on projects that encourage expression, connection and joy. Free with registration. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting — 12:00 PM–1:00 PM at AC Hotel by Marriott Vancouver Waterfront. Community members are welcome at this weekly gathering. Free. More info
• Penguin Talks: The Life of a Native Bee — 12:00 PM–1:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Biology professor Steven Clark shares where Washington's native bees go after September, why and how bees sting, and why most bees don't live in hives. Free with registration. More info
• Pairs and Spares Monthly Potluck — 1:00 PM. A monthly potluck and social for ages 50+. All are welcome. Call 360-892-8944 for details. More info
• Early Learners Music and Movement — 2:30 PM–3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Songs, rhymes, rhythm and dance for children ages 0–5 and their parents or caregivers. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Great Build Off — 3:30 PM at FVRL Library locations. Put your creativity to the test — design, build and problem-solve your way through a surprise challenge. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Tales with Tails — 4:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Kids in 1st–5th grade can boost reading confidence with 15-minute sessions reading aloud to a therapy dog. Registration required. Free. 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 coasters. No experience needed. $35. More info

Tuesday, October 6

• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM at various locations around Clark County. Free evidence-based exercise classes for adults 60+ tailored to each person's ability. No pre-registration required. More info
• Playgroup at Firstenburg Community Center — 10:00 AM. A safe indoor space for kids ages 9 months–6 years to run, play, jump and explore while parents socialize. $7–$9. More info
• Camas Public Library Food Drive — 10:00 AM at Camas Public Library. Drop off non-perishable food items, hygiene products and laundry pods near the north entrance. Donations benefit the Camas School District's Family-Community Resource Center. More info
• English Conversation Group for Adults — 12:30 PM–2:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Practice speaking and listening in a supportive environment. Free. More info
• New Aging Solo Program Community Meeting — 1:30 PM–3:00 PM at Keller Williams, 2211 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Villages Clark County launches a new program for adults 50+ aging solo — find local resources, support and practical information. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game — 4:30 PM at FVRL Library locations. Create a character and play Dungeons & Dragons with other players. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Teen Make Your Own Merch — 4:30 PM–5:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Design custom prints and buttons and learn how artists turn handmade items into a business. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group — 5:15 PM–6:45 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Dedicated writing time and community for writers of all experience levels — no readings or critiques. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group — 5:30 PM–6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Geared toward beginning Spanish speakers. No registration required. Free. More info
• Living on the Land Class Series — 6:00 PM–8:00 PM at 78th Street Heritage Farm, Hazel Dell. WSU Clark County Extension brings in local experts to teach pasture management, soil health, weed management, wildlife habitat and more for small acreage landowners. $60 for the series. More info
• Page Turners Book Club — 6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. A book club for kids in 4th–6th grade and their adults. Register, pick up the book for free, then keep it after. Free. More info
• Vancouver Audubon Society: "Amazing Adaptations: How Birds Survive Stormy Weather" — 6:30 PM at 13413 NE LeRoy Haagen Memorial Dr., Vancouver. Dr. Jamie Cornelius from Oregon State University shares how birds weather the storms. Free and open to all. More info
• Disney's Worlds Collide Concert Tour — 7:00 PM at Moda Center, Portland. An arena spectacular bringing together the worlds of "Descendants," "ZOMBIES" and "Camp Rock" with an all-star Disney cast. $59.65+. More info
• Science Pub: Smoke and Mirrors — 7:00 PM at OMSI, Portland. Professor DR Schreiber explores how 19th-century magicians used glass mirrors to create a completely new type of magic. More info

Wednesday, October 7

• Marshall House Tour — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Marshall House, Vancouver. Tour this stunning Queen Anne home where General George C. Marshall lived from 1936 to 1938. Free, 30-minute tours. More info
• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Explore the four-story, neo-Georgian brick building constructed by Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart in 1873. Free by reservation. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create — 4:00 PM–5:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop in for creative and interactive projects — stretch your creativity or practice a new artistic skill. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Kids Read to a Dog — 4:00 PM–5:00 PM. Build reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic: The Gathering Social Club — 4:00 PM–6:00 PM at Cascade Park & Vancouver Community Libraries. Open game play — decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Main Street Promise Reopening Celebration — 5:00 PM–8:30 PM on Main Street at Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver. Celebrate the completion of the $21 million Main Street Promise with remarks from Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle, a performance by Metropolitan Performing Arts, live music from Liz Joy and Midnight Theory, and light refreshments. Free. More info
• Caps N Taps Costume and Holiday Decor Swap — 5:00 PM–8:00 PM at Caps N' Taps, 337 N.E. Fourth Ave., Camas. Bring gently used Halloween costumes or holiday decorations and swap them for something new to you. All ages. Free. More info
• Wined Down Wednesdays: Karaoke Night at 14 Acres — 5:00 PM–8:00 PM at 14 Acres Vineyard and Winery, Ridgefield. Sing karaoke and enjoy wine by the glass or bottle. 21+. Free. 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
• All Ages Bingo — 6:00 PM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. Friendly competition, fantastic prizes, snacks and refreshments. $10–$13. More info
• Waltz and Salsa Classes — 6:00 PM–8:00 PM at Clark College O'Connell Sports Center, Vancouver. Julieann and Joseph Platt teach waltz (6 PM) and salsa (7 PM). No previous dance experience required. $69 for the five-week session. More info
• Low-Waste Chef: Reduce Food Waste, Save Money — 6:00 PM–7:30 PM at Waste Connections of Washington, Vancouver. Learn easy meal-planning ideas, food storage tips and creative ways to maximize ingredients. Free. More info
• An Evening with Jeff VanderMeer — 6:30 PM–9:00 PM at Foster Auditorium, Clark College, Vancouver. White Oak Books hosts the bestselling author of the Borne trilogy and the Southern Reach trilogy. $20 (includes a chapbook). More info
• Budget Bites Workshop — 6:30 PM–7:30 PM at PeaceHealth Specialty Clinic, 2312 N.W. 129th St., Vancouver. Sarah Sterling leads this session from PeaceHealth Weight Loss for Life. $35. More info
• Cinema of Horrors Drive-In Movies — 7:30 PM at Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds, Ridgefield. Drive-in horror movies with high-quality sound, in-car audio, Hollywood-quality makeup monsters and terrifying twists. Food and drinks available. $78.22+. More info

Thursday, October 8

• QuiltFest NW: Golden Jubilee — 10:00 AM–4:00 PM at Clark County Event Center, Ridgefield. The Pacific Northwest's largest indoor quilt show featuring 500+ quilts, the Cherrywood Challenge Exhibit, vendors and special displays. Runs Oct. 8–10. $10. More info
• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM at Marshall House, Vancouver. Explore the Queen Anne home of General George C. Marshall, featuring period furnishings, military memorabilia and stunning stained glass. Free. More info

Thursday, October 15

• Step Inside Opal & Ivy — Ribbon Cutting — 4:00 PM at Opal & Ivy, 8606 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Suite C, Vancouver. Tour this community-focused luxury salon, enjoy refreshments and enter a raffle. More info
• Doomscrolling Detox: Finding Your Balance in the Digital Age — 6:00 PM at Red Cross Building, Vancouver. Journalist and media educator T. Andrew Wahl breaks down how to navigate today's information landscape and reclaim your attention. Free. More info

Saturday, October 17

• Secret Spaces Tour: Post Hospital — 9:00 AM. Explore one of Vancouver's most talked-about landmarks — the 1903 Post Hospital, once considered cutting-edge. A fan-favorite Historic Trust event is back. $35. More info

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