📰 What's Making News

Backyard Fire Pits Are Off-Limits Across Clark County

If you were planning a s'mores night this week, hold that thought. Clark County has prohibited recreational fires in Camas, Washougal, La Center, Ridgefield, Woodland, and all of unincorporated Clark County due to extreme fire danger. Fire Marshal Donna Goddard says the ban is aimed at preventing escaped campfires from sparking larger grass or brush fires during this dangerously dry stretch. Camp stoves and gas grills are still permitted, but open flames in fire pits and on the ground are a no-go until conditions improve. Read the full details from The Columbian, and check the Southwest Clean Air Agency's Interactive Burn Map via Clark County Today for area-specific restrictions.

Mars Encounters Draws Crowds at the Clark County Fair

Forget the corn dogs for a minute — families at the Clark County Fair are lining up for Mars Encounters, an interactive exhibit where kids roleplay as colonists on a Martian mining operation. Created by Kalama-based 3E Encounters and the Milauskas family, the attraction features live shows, a mining experience, and a new AI character named Alik (short for Artificial Learning Intelligence Kiosk). It's the latest offering from the team behind past fair favorites Dino Encounters and Ice Age Encounters. Clark County Today has the full story.

Today at the Fair: $8 Military Tickets, Bull Riding, a Donut Eating Contest

Tuesday is Military Appreciation Day at the Clark County Fair, with gate admission just $8 for military personnel. The grandstand arena hosts the Hell on Hooves Roughstock Rodeo tonight, and the daytime lineup includes Barnyard Races, a K-9 demonstration, Magician Adam the Great on the Family Fun Stage, and a donut eating contest on the community stage. DogTown and Pirate's Parrot round out the family-friendly entertainment. See the full Tuesday schedule at Clark County Today.

Archer Aviation Acquires Boeing's Insitu in Bingen

Insitu, the drone-maker based in Bingen on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, has a new owner. Archer Aviation has acquired the company from Boeing, marking a notable shift for a firm that's been a major Gorge-area employer for years. The deal puts Insitu under the umbrella of a company focused on electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. It's a story worth watching for anyone in the region's aerospace and tech sector. The Columbian has the details.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Five Below Opens at Vancouver Plaza

The discount retailer — known for its $1-to-$5 price points on everything from tech accessories to candy — is setting up shop at Vancouver Plaza, adding another draw to the busy shopping center. Full details here.

SR 14 Camas Slough Bridge Gets Full Deck Overhaul

Crews started work Sunday on the SR 14 West Camas Slough Bridge, stripping old pavement, repairing the deck, and laying new waterproofing before a full repave. If you commute between Camas and Washougal, expect lane restrictions and plan extra time. Read more on Reddit.

Perseids Peak This Week — and 2026 Could Dazzle

Conditions are lining up for a stronger-than-usual Perseids meteor shower, with peak viewing expected in the next couple of nights. Darker skies away from city lights will give you the best show. Here's what to expect.

Bloodworks Northwest Down to a 1-2 Day Supply

Bloodworks Northwest says its reserves have hit unprecedented lows and is urging Western Washington residents to schedule a donation now. Walk-ins are welcome at local donor centers. Find out how to help.

20 Middle Schoolers Study Geology at Mount St. Helens

GeoGirls, a five-day science and tech camp at Mount St. Helens, wrapped up its latest session with 20 middle school girls collecting field data and learning volcanology hands-on — right in our backyard. See the full story.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Tuesday, August 11

• Clark County Fair – 10:00 AM at Clark County Fairgrounds, Ridgefield. Blast off to fun with rides, entertainment, food, and hands-on space adventures. Carnival opens at noon daily. $8.50–$11.50. More info
• Chippers Preschool Rides at Oaks Park – 10:00 AM at Oaks Park, Portland. Kiddie rides and select family rides for ages 6 and under, plus snack and story time with Chipper the Squirrel. $13.50 per child; one adult rides free. More info
• Columbia Springs "Explore with the Interns" – Macroinvertebrates & Insects – 10:00 AM at 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver. Stop by the lawn near the fish feeding pond for hands-on activities with the interns. Free. More info
• Columbia Springs "Explore with the Interns" – Invasive & Native Species – 10:00 AM at 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver. Explore hands-on activities about invasive and native species on the lawn near the fish feeding pond. Free. More info
• Sensory Storytime at Ridgefield Community Library – 10:30 AM at Ridgefield Community Library, Ridgefield. An interactive storytime with sensory play, visual aids, and smaller group sizes for ages 3–9. Free. More info
• Pressure Canner Gauge Testing – 1:00 PM at Second Mile Marketplace and Food Hub, Vancouver. Bring your canner lid with the gauge attached for free accuracy testing before canning season. More info
• Reptile Man – The Fascinating World of Reptiles – 2:00 PM at various FVRL Library locations. Live reptiles, big laughs, and up-close encounters with the Oregon Reptile Man. Free. More info
• Teen Make Your Own Merch at Battle Ground Community Library – 2:00 PM at Battle Ground Community Library. Design custom prints and buttons and learn how artists turn handmade items into a business. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game – 4:30 PM at various FVRL Library locations. Play Dungeons & Dragons 5E and Pathfinder 1E — all experience levels welcome, ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Eastside Community Picnic and Neighborhood Night Out – 5:00 PM at LeRoy Haagen Memorial Community Park, Vancouver. Food carts, music, bounce house, inflatable obstacle course, kids activities, and booths from local nonprofits and businesses. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group – 5:15 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, Vancouver. A weekly gathering for writers of all levels — introductions, dedicated writing time, and wrap-up discussion. No readings or critiques. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group – 5:30 PM at Camas Public Library, Camas. A casual group for beginning Spanish speakers. No registration required. Free. More info
• Back Yard Barbecue Cookie Decorating Workshop – 6:00 PM at Craft Collective, Vancouver. Learn beginner-friendly piping and flooding techniques to decorate six themed sugar cookies. No prior experience needed. $65. More info
• Identifying Shorebirds Online Workshop – 6:00 PM, online. Bird Alliance of Oregon teaches you to ID shorebirds by size, shape, color, habitat, and behavior — perfect timing as late-summer migrants pass through. More info
• Science Pub: Titanic – Beyond the Wreck – 7:00 PM at OMSI, Portland. Dr. Steve W. Ross shares insights from recent deep-sea explorations of the RMS Titanic shipwreck and western North Atlantic ocean science. More info
• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – 7:30 PM at Keller Auditorium, Portland. The six-time Tony Award-winning Broadway spectacular brings the next chapter of the wizarding world to the stage. More info

Wednesday, August 12

• Skywatch: Dawn Planet Alignment – Pre-dawn skies. Six planets — Jupiter, Mercury, Mars, Uranus, Saturn, and Neptune — line up along the ecliptic. Mars and Saturn are easiest to spot with the naked eye. More info
• Rebecca Anstine Gallery presents "Impressions of the Pacific Northwest" – 8:00 AM at the Rebecca Anstine Sixth Floor Gallery, Vancouver. Work by artists Oleg Ulitskiy and Elizabeth Ganji celebrating the region's moody landscapes and vibrant moments. Free. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes – 8:30 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. Evidence-based group exercise for older adults (age 60+), with a second session at 10:00 AM. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI – 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Artist Sayaka Ganz transforms thousands of discarded plastic objects into soaring animals and fluid sculptures. On view through September 30. More info
• Gravity Catastrophe: A Science Show – 2:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. An educational journey through centripetal force, gravity, vortexes, and more. Note: contains fog effects and loud sounds. Free. More info
• Camas Farmers Market – 3:00 PM in Downtown Camas (new temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Farm-fresh produce, food, and artisan goods every Wednesday through 7:00 PM. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00 PM. Open game play — decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Teen Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library, Vancouver. Open play for ages 13–19 — decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create: Origami – 4:00 PM at Washougal Community Library, Washougal. Drop in and fold a selected monthly origami pattern, ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle – 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch, Ridgefield. Try dragon boat paddling — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. Free. More info
• Leathercrafting Workshop with Dragon Half Art – 5:30 PM at The Arts Centered, Vancouver. A hands-on 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 6:00 PM, beginner lesson at 7:00 PM, social dance 8:00–9:30 PM. Singles, partners, and groups welcome. $5–$10. More info
• End of Summer Concert on the Lawn – 6:00 PM at La Center Community Library, La Center. Bring a picnic dinner and blanket for live music from Sunny South Bluegrass Band on the front lawn. Free. More info
• Disabled American Veterans Monthly Meeting – 6:30 PM at American Legion 40 et 8, Vancouver. Chapter 4 holds its monthly meeting with dinner included. Free. More info
• "Noticing": A Conversation with Richard Louv and Sally Jewell – 6:30 PM, livestream on the Children & Nature Network YouTube channel. The bestselling author of "Last Child in the Woods" discusses his newest book with former REI CEO Sally Jewell. More info

Thursday, August 13

• WTA Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Trail Work Party – 9:00 AM at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Join Washington Trails Association to brush back overgrown vegetation on the trails. No experience necessary. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market – 10:00 AM at Columbia Tech Center, Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses with farm, food, and artisan products. Runs until 2:00 PM. More info
• Marshall House Tour – 10:00 AM at the Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute tours of this historic gem, available through 2:00 PM. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding – 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, Vancouver. Class for beginning and intermediate players with instructor Michael Walker, a Ruby Life Master. $10–$50. More info
• Vancouver Bridge Club Introductory Bridge Class – 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, Vancouver. A six-week introductory class — perfect for newcomers. $10–$50. More info
• Bee Amazed at Camas Public Library – 3:00 PM at Camas Public Library, Camas. Discover Oregon's 500+ bee species with hands-on science activities for school-age children. Registration required. Free. More info
• Okojie Wellness Ribbon Cutting – 4:00 PM at Okojie Wellness, 2100 SE 164th Avenue Suite F101, Vancouver. Celebrate the opening of their new clinic — tour the space and meet the team. More info
• Trans360 Ribbon Cutting – 4:00 PM at Trans360, 611 SE Kaiser Ave Bldg 60, Vancouver. Celebrating over 40 years of driver training and transportation safety education with the opening of a new facility. More info
• Teen Hangout – 4:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library, Vancouver. Games, crafts, snacks, and conversation for ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure – 4:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Create a character and dive into Dungeons & Dragons, ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Summer Nights Sips & Bites in Downtown Camas – 5:00 PM in Downtown Camas. Tropical-themed evening with craft cocktails, small bites, live music, and after-hours shopping at 15+ locations. Ages 21+. $25. More info
• Bingo Nights Supporting dogpaw – 6:00 PM at Latte Da Coffee House and Wine Bar, Vancouver. Play 10 games with 3 cards each to win prizes and support local off-leash dog parks. Pups welcome on the covered patio. $20. More info
• Vancouver Sons and Daughters of Italy Meeting – 6:00 PM at Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Vancouver. Monthly meeting with dinner included. Free. More info
• An Evening with Hiroya Tsukamoto – 6:30 PM at Three Creeks Community Library. World-renowned Japanese-born guitarist and composer blends masterful guitar technique with heartfelt storytelling. Free. More info
• Recycling 201: Beyond Curbside – 6:30 PM at City Marine Park Engineering, Vancouver. Discover local recycling and reuse options for plastic bags, appliances, bulky items, and household hazardous waste. Registration required. Free. More info
• Southwest Washington Woodturners Monthly Meeting – 7:00 PM at Friends of the Carpenter, Vancouver. Open to experienced and novice woodturners. Free. More info
• Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic featuring Eric Fair-Layman – 7:00 PM at Art at the Cave, Vancouver. Poet and author Eric Fair-Layman (aka Papasquatch) takes the mic — attendees can read their own poetry too. $5 suggested donation. More info

Friday, August 14

• PCT Trail Days at Cascade Locks – 7:00 AM at Marine Park, Cascade Locks, OR. The 19th annual celebration of hiking, camping, and outdoor stewardship with 100+ exhibitors, gear expo, activities, and presentations. More info
• Cascade Park Kiwanis Fundraising Rummage Sale – 9:00 AM at Fourth Plain Church of the Nazarene, Vancouver. Find tools, kids' clothing, bikes, toys, sports equipment, and DVDs. Proceeds support children's programs. More info
• Volunteer Gleaning: SWWA Victory Garden – 9:00 AM at 2311 NE 68th Street, Vancouver. Help keep the community garden growing — harvested produce goes to LULAC and other local organizations. More info
• Family Mountain Bike Ride Days at Timberline Lodge – 9:30 AM at Mt. Hood, OR. Kids 17 and under ride free with an adult day ticket. Bike and gear rentals available on-site. More info
• Summer Craft & Play with Drip Drop Art Studio – 10:00 AM at Drip Drop Art Studio, Vancouver. Maker Station fun for kids 5+ with recyclables, pom poms, wood items, and more. $18. More info
• Drip Drop Art Craft & Play – 10:00 AM at Drip Drop Art Studio, Vancouver. Sensory bins and art projects for ages 1–5, plus a Maker Station add-on for older siblings. $24. More info
• Plas Newydd Farm Excursion & Canopy Time – 10:00 AM in Ridgefield. Explore the farm on a guided walk — observe migratory birds, native plants, and the rhythms of the land. More info
• Unicorn Storytime at Cascade Park Community Library – 11:00 AM at Cascade Park Community Library. Enjoy a magical storytime and meet special unicorn guests Mystical and Pearl. Free. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program – 12:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver. Free lunch served noon to 1:00 PM for low-income seniors age 60+. More info
• Law Firm Hosts Long-Term Care Planning Seminar – 12:00 PM. Attorney Karen Webber of Pettis Webber Pacific presents a free seminar on incapacity and long-term care planning. Registration required — call 360-696-2069. More info
• NAMI Art Group – 1:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, Vancouver. A creative art group meeting every Friday. Free. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: Meet Me at the Movies – 1:00 PM at Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver. A musical on the big screen on the second Friday of every month. $10. More info
• Kids Hero Quest for Young Adventurers – 1:30 PM. Kids ages 5–9 and their caregivers team up for a beginner-friendly tabletop adventure with monsters, traps, and treasure. Free. More info
• Chor Anno presents Voices in the Vineyard – 3:00 PM at Columbia Ridge Winery, Ridgefield. Sip wine, enjoy food, and listen to Chor Anno perform — tickets include a glass of wine and a four-variety tasting. $75–$95. More info
• Kids Create – 3:30 PM at Washougal Community Library, Washougal. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Tween Hangout at Vancouver Community Library – 4:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, and snacks for ages 9–12. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Cruise-In – 4:00 PM at Alderbrook Park, Brush Prairie. Classic cars plus disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool, and more. $5–$10. More info
• ZooNights – 5:00 PM at the Oregon Zoo, Portland. Live music, food carts, keeper chats, animal encounters, and elephant ears — plus beer and wine for adults. $13–$26. More info
• Into the Crater Hike with the Mt. St. Helens Institute – 5:00 PM. A bucket-list scramble into the crater of an active volcano with expert geologists and mountain guides. More info
• Project Huddle Knit/Crochet Circle – 5:30 PM at Dandelion Teahouse and Apothecary, Vancouver. Bring your knitting or crochet projects — or your unfinished scraps for others to use. Free. More info
• Ridgefield Dragon Boat Paddles – 5:30 PM at Ridgefield. Free community paddling — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Hollie Olson at English Estate Winery – 6:00 PM at English Estate Winery, Vancouver. Jazz, blues, R&B, and original songs from pianist and vocalist Hollie Olson. No cover — food truck on site. More info
• Sip and Paint Pottery with Valo Cellars – 6:00 PM at Valo Cellars on the Vancouver waterfront. Paint pottery pieces while sipping wine — includes one glass of wine. $20 plus pottery ($15–$45). More info
• Friday Night Movies in the Park: Super Mario Galaxy – 6:30 PM at Fruit Valley Park, Vancouver. Free outdoor movie screening with pre-show activities and food vendors. All ages. More info
• Jesus and Friends: An Evening of Acoustic Christian Music – 6:30 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Vancouver. Modern Christian music on acoustic instruments. Free, donations welcome. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro – 7:00 PM at Farrar's Bistro, Vancouver. Food, cocktails, local wine, and live performances on the pet-friendly patio. More info
• Pour Choices Summer Concert Series: Allie Childers – 7:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. Laid-back acoustic vibes and feel-good summer music. No cover. More info
• ZZ Top Performs at ilani – 8:00 PM at ilani's Cowlitz Ballroom, Ridgefield. Rock, blues, and boogie legends bring five decades of hits to the stage. $99.90–$355.90. More info

Saturday, August 15

• Mt. St. Helens Summit Climb with MSHI Geologist – 6:00 AM. A single-day non-technical scramble to the summit with professional mountain guides — designed for novice hikers and experienced mountaineers alike. More info
• Clark County Parks Fee-Free Day: National Relaxation Day – 7:00 AM. Free access to Clark County regional parks all day — paddle, hike, bike, birdwatch, or just relax. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market – 9:00 AM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. The flagship market with local produce, food, and artisan goods runs until 3:00 PM. More info
• Wander Clark County: HerStory Walking Tour (Early) – 9:00 AM at Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. A walking tour celebrating the remarkable women who shaped Vancouver and Clark County. $10. More info
• Stewardship Saturday at Columbia Springs – 9:00 AM at Columbia Springs, Vancouver. Spend the morning removing invasive species, maintaining trails, and improving the site. Tools and gloves provided. More info
• Whipple Creek Regional Park Trail Maintenance – 9:00 AM at Whipple Creek Regional Park. Brush cutting and adding gravel to trails. Email [email protected] to sign up. More info
• Frenchman's Bar Beach Cleanup – 9:00 AM at Frenchman's Bar Regional Park. Help Clark County Public Works clean up the beach — all tools supplied, just wear closed-toe shoes. More info
• Kids Crochet at Hook & Needle – 10:00 AM at Hook & Needle, downtown Vancouver. A one-hour beginner crochet class for ages 10+ taught by Becka of Radiant Beans. Adult must be on site. More info
• Goat Adventure at Your Library – 10:00 AM. A mobile petting zoo brings goat friends to the library. Free. More info
• Safe Routes to School Summer Fair – 10:00 AM. Plan your walk, roll, or bike route to school, join the Bike Rodeo, or learn to ride. Bring your bicycle, tricycle, or scooter and a helmet. More info
• Sunflower Festival at O'Keefe Farms – 10:00 AM in Brush Prairie. Stroll through acres of blooming sunflower fields, enjoy food, local vendors, and live music, and take home fresh-cut blooms. More info
• Open House: East Vancouver Community Park Planning – 10:00 AM. Help design a new 14-acre community park near 192nd Ave. and 20th St. All ages welcome; light refreshments provided. More info
• Wander Clark County: HerStory Walking Tour (Late) – 11:00 AM at Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Same great tour celebrating the women who built our community. $10. More info
• Water Resources Education Center: Amazing Aquifers – 1:00 PM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Drop-in program for all ages — plus explore the exhibit hall and outdoor garden spaces. Free. More info
• Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub – 8:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. Let your inner entertainer shine — come solo or bring friends. More info

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