📰 What's Making News

Columbia River, Ridgefield Volleyball Goes 5 Sets in Instant Classic

If you love a good rivalry, Tuesday night delivered. Columbia River and Ridgefield opened their 2A Greater St. Helens League volleyball season with a five-set battle that lived up to every ounce of hype between these two programs. The two squads have built a reputation for producing nail-biters, and this league opener was no exception. If the rest of the season follows this script, volleyball fans across Clark County are in for a treat. Full recap from The Columbian.

Clark County Arts Commission Sends Artists Into Smaller Communities

A brand-new speaker series from the Clark County Arts Commission is dispatching creative artists — visual, performing, and everything in between — to the county's smaller communities for talks about their craft. The goal is to bring arts programming beyond the usual downtown corridors and into neighborhoods that don't always get a front-row seat. It's a smart, grassroots approach to making the arts feel accessible no matter your zip code. Learn more about the series here.

Clark College Penguins Post 3-1 Mark at NWAC Crossover Tournament

The Clark College volleyball team traveled to Auburn and came home with a 3-1 record at an NWAC Crossover Tournament. It's a strong early-season showing for the Penguins, who are building momentum heading into conference play. Keep an eye on this squad — a weekend like that suggests they're ready to compete. Read the full Clark Report.

What's on Tap: Thursday's Prep Schedule Worth Circling

Thursday brings a packed slate of high school action, headlined by Mark Morris visiting Hudson's Bay at Kiggins Bowl for a 7 p.m. football kickoff. Volleyball matchups include Kelso at Union and Columbia River at Woodland, both at 7 p.m. Tuesday's full scoreboard — covering volleyball, girls soccer, cross country, boys golf, and slowpitch softball — is also available for anyone tracking their favorite program. Check all the scores and schedules.

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⚡ Quick Bites

$25 Million I-5 Overhaul Targets 6 Miles of Rough Pavement

Three coordinated WSDOT projects will smooth out more than 6 miles of Interstate 5 through Clark County, from the I-5/I-205 split up to Northeast 179th Street. Granite Contractors and Kerr Contractors Oregon are handling the work, with completion expected by May 2027.

Emerald Grove's Parade of Homes Enters Week Two

Eight luxury homes in Vancouver's Emerald Grove neighborhood are open for self-guided tours through Sept. 27 as part of the GRO Parade of Homes. General admission is $20, with proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Vote Now: Week 1 High School Athlete of the Week

The Columbian's 2026-27 Athlete of the Week poll is live, with nominees from Camas, Columbia River, Hockinson, and Ridgefield. Voting is sponsored by Killer Burger — cast your pick here.

WSU Student Revives Apple Variety Once Declared Extinct

Tayettin Brodzinski, a Washington State University student who admits she doesn't even like apples, has rediscovered a popular variety long thought to be gone for good. Read the full story from The Columbian.

WinCo Pushes Forward on First Seattle Location

The Boise-based discount grocer — a familiar name to Clark County shoppers — is resuming plans for its first Seattle store after a dustup with an opposition group. Details here.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Wednesday, September 16

• On the Road Tour: Hidden Gems of the Columbia River Gorge — 8:15 AM at 78th Street Heritage Farm, Vancouver. The WSU Extension Master Gardener program takes you on a guided day trip through the Gorge, with stops at an old apple orchard, a historic homestead, a dahlia farm and more. Bring a sack lunch and dress for the weather. $40. More info
• HR Excellence Lab — 9:00 AM at VDA, Vancouver. A three-part pilot program equipping business leaders with practical HR strategies, templates and AI-driven tools. More info
• Road Trip: Seaside SandFest — 9:00 AM. Head to the Oregon coast for a day of sand-sculpting fun in Seaside. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI — 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Artist Sayaka Ganz transforms thousands of discarded plastic objects into stunning, fluid animal sculptures you have to see to believe. On view through September 30. More info
• Vancouver Public Schools Understanding and Insight Tour — 9:30 AM at Bates Center for Educational Leadership, Vancouver. Superintendent Rocky Torres-Morales shares updates on academic performance and invites community input on the district's future. Free. More info
• Marshall House Tour — 10:00 AM at Marshall House, Vancouver. Tour this stunning Queen Anne–style home where General George C. Marshall once lived at the Vancouver Barracks. Free, 30-minute tours run 10 AM–2 PM. More info
• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Explore the 1873 brick masterpiece built by Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart, featuring four stories of neo-Georgian architecture. Free, by reservation. More info
• Crisis Intervention and De-escalation Training — 11:00 AM–noon at NAMI Southwest Washington, Vancouver. NAMI's free monthly C.A.L.M. training covers understanding mental health crises, practical de-escalation techniques and reducing stigma — great for businesses and community organizations. More info
• Camas Farmers Market — 3:00–7:00 PM in Downtown Camas. Note the new temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues. Over 50 small businesses with farm, food and artisan goods. More info
• Trout Hatchery Tour at Columbia Springs — 3:00–4:00 PM at Columbia Springs, Vancouver. Tour the Vancouver Trout Hatchery and learn how the spring-fed pools work. All ages welcome; best for older kids and adults. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Shadow Puppet Craft — 3:30 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Kids ages 5–12 design, cut out and assemble custom shadow puppets, then practice bringing them to life. Free. More info
• Perler Bead Play — 3:30–5:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Kids in grades 1–5 get creative with colorful Perler fuse beads. No registration required. Free. More info
• Kids Read to a Dog — 4:00–5:00 PM. Kids ages 5–9 build reading confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Free. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00–6:00 PM at Cascade Park and Vancouver Community Libraries. Decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create — 4:00 PM at various FVRL locations (Cascade Park Community Library and Washougal Community Library). Drop in for creative, hands-on art projects for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Art and Craft Swap at Caps N' Taps — 5:00–8:00 PM at Caps N' Taps, 337 NE Fourth Ave., Camas. Bring your lovingly used art supplies and crafting materials and trade them for something new. Half-finished project leftovers welcome. Stick around for a beer and a snack. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try dragon boat paddling at no cost — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Dome Ring Workshop at Craft Collective — 5:30–8:30 PM at Craft Collective, Vancouver. Instructor Shelby Evans of Modeco Jewelry teaches the basics of silversmithing — sizing, filing, soldering, shaping and finishing. You'll take home a sterling silver dome ring. $160, ages 18+. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom — 6:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, Vancouver. Intermediate lesson at 6, beginner lesson at 7, social dance 8–9:30 PM. Singles, partners and groups all welcome. $5–$10. More info
• We Compost: Community Action for Zero Food Waste — 6:00–7:00 PM at Washougal United Methodist Church, Washougal. Learn about Clark County's free Community Compost Hubs, get tips for keeping things odor- and fruit-fly-free, and snag a free kitchen compost pail while supplies last. More info

Thursday, September 17

• Federal Public Lands Fee-Free Day — Constitution Day — All day. Entrance fees are waived at national parks and federal public lands across the country. A perfect excuse to visit your favorite spot. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM at various Clark County locations (Battle Ground, Brush Prairie, Camas, Washougal). Free evidence-based exercise for adults 60+, tailored from seated to full mobility. No pre-registration needed. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center, Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses with farm-fresh food and artisan goods. More info
• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM at Marshall House, Vancouver. Explore the Queen Anne home of General George C. Marshall, complete with stained glass, decorative woodwork and military memorabilia. Free. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, Vancouver. A six-week class with instructor Michael Walker, Ruby Life Master, covering opening bidding, slam bidding, takeout doubles and more. $10–$50. More info
• Essential Estate Planning Conversations for Families — 10:00–11:30 AM at The Ripple Space, Vancouver (also available online). Johnson Bixby hosts a free workshop on navigating family conversations about inheritance, fairness and legacy. More info
• Clark County Community Development Learning Lab — 11:00 AM–noon at Clark County Public Service Center, Vancouver. A new topic each month — from building permits to land use — with expert staff and Q&A. Free. More info
• Recycling 101: Learn the Basics — Noon–1:30 PM at Vancouver Fire Station 2. Learn what to recycle curbside and where items go after pickup. Stay an extra 30 minutes for optional Organics 101. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Build It — 3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library (also 4:00 PM at Three Creeks Community Library). LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes and more for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Teen Art Chat at Ridgefield Community Library — 4:00 PM. Bring a piece or two of your art to share, or just come for the camaraderie. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Constitution Day: Founding Ideas, Modern Voices — 4:00–8:00 PM at Fort Vancouver Artillery Barracks, Vancouver. The Historic Trust and League of Women Voters of Clark County host speakers, trivia, a write-your-own-constitution exercise and more. First 100 guests get free pocket Constitutions. Free. More info
• LEGO Club at Camas Public Library — 4:00–5:00 PM. Kindergarten through fifth graders play with the library's LEGO collection. Free. More info
• Welcome to 440 West — Ribbon Cutting — 4:00 PM at 440 W. Columbia Way, Vancouver. Celebrate the newest luxury apartment community on the Waterfront with refreshments, tours and a ribbon cutting. More info
• Teen Hangout at Vancouver Community Library — 4:30–6:30 PM. Games, crafts, snacks and good company for ages 13–19. Snacks provided by the Friends of Vancouver Community Library. Free. More info
• Family Trivia Night — 6:00 PM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. Gather your crew and put your trivia knowledge to the test — prizes for top champions, plus snacks and refreshments. All ages. $25–$31. More info
• Open Mic Night at Dovetail Cellars — 6:00–7:30 PM at Dovetail Cellars, Vancouver. A dedicated lineup of songwriters and small groups perform live on KXRW, Vancouver's local independent radio station. Sign-ups start at 5:30 PM. Free. More info
• Volunteer Training for Adaptive Outrigger Canoe Paddling Clinic — 6:00 PM in Portland. The Columbia River Outrigger Canoe Club (CROCC) hosts a training session for OTs, PTs, adaptive sports staff and anyone interested in supporting adaptive athletes ahead of the September 19 paddling clinic. More info
• Line Dancing at Ashwood Taps & Trucks — 7:00–9:00 PM in Washougal. Kat Nichols leads the dancing — beginners welcome, all ages. $10. More info
• Musical Bingo at Pour Choices Pub — 7:00 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. Test your music knowledge with friends over drinks and friendly competition. More info

Friday, September 18

• Dutch Bros Buck for Kids — 5:00 AM–11:00 PM at all seven Vancouver Dutch Bros locations. For every drink purchased, Dutch Bros donates $1 to Deaf Education Advocates Foundation and Children's Center. More info
• The Portland Maize & Pumpkin Patch — 10:00 AM–5:00 PM on Sauvie Island, Portland. Almost two miles of corn maze pathways, plus pumpkin patch fun. More info
• Playgroup — 10:00 AM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. Ages 9 months–6 years run, climb and explore with safe, clean toys while parents socialize. $7–$9. More info
• Growing Vegetables Without Soil Workshop — 10:00 AM–12:30 PM at 78th Street Heritage Farm, Vancouver. Learn the Kratky method of hydroponic gardening from seedling to harvest. Bring an opaque lidded container. $10. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: Meet Me at Kit-Tea Cafe — 10:00–11:00 AM at Milky & Coco's Kit-Tea Cafe, Vancouver. A warm get-together designed for adults with dementia — drinks and baked goods available for purchase. Free; register at 360-513-5754. More info
• Plas Newydd Farm Excursion & Canopy Time — 10:00 AM in Ridgefield. A guided walk through one of the area's most beautiful farms — observe migratory birds, native plants and the rhythms of the land. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program — Noon–1:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00–3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, Vancouver. A creative space hosted every Friday. Free. More info
• Adaptive Lower Deschutes Multi-Day Whitewater Rafting Trip — 1:00 PM, departing for the Deschutes River (Sept. 18–20). Paddle class II–III rapids through Oregon's high desert with expert guides. More info
• Realms Unknown Fantasy Festival — 2:00 PM at Lewis River Golf Course, Woodland (Sept. 18–20). A three-day, all-genre fantasy festival with camping, cosplay, jousting, live music, artisan vendors, parades and magical creatures roaming the grounds. $40–$120. More info
• Preschool Dot Art — 2:00–2:45 PM at Camas Public Library. Preschoolers and their adults play with shapes and colors using dot art. No registration required. Free. More info
• 7th Annual Elktoberfest — 4:00–10:00 PM at Vancouver Elks Lodge #823. Bands, brats and brews in the lodge's big backyard — Robby Mayer plays hits from the '60s (4–6 PM) and Lip Bomb brings high-energy rock favorites (7–9 PM). Also Saturday 2–9 PM. $10 entry (21+). More info
• Kids Create at Washougal Community Library — 3:30 PM. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Creative Crafts: DIY Squishies — 4:30 PM at Three Creeks Community Library, Vancouver. Make squishy stress-busting toys from fun, simple materials. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• EOCF Battle Ground Garden Grand Opening — 4:30–6:30 PM in Battle Ground. Educational Opportunities for Children & Families celebrates its inaugural outdoor classroom and educational garden with a free community BBQ, greenhouse tours, sensory play areas and raised garden beds. More info
• Family Bingo Night at Camas Public Library — 5:00–6:00 PM in the Totem Pole Room. All ages welcome. Winners receive a colorful Reading Dragons library card. Free; registration required. More info
• Into the Crater Hike with the Mt. St. Helens Institute — 5:00 PM. A bucket-list adventure into the crater of an active volcano with expert geologists and mountain guides — past hummocks, cinder cones, lava beds, waterfalls and the youngest glacier in the world. More info
• Dragon Boat Paddle in Ridgefield — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Free community paddling — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Dice Throne Fridays at Contrarian's Game Cafe — 6:00 PM at Contrarian's Game Cafe, Vancouver. Bring your hero and roll the dice in this weekly battle game night. More info
• Cookie Decorating with Bear Hug Bakery — 6:00–8:00 PM at Lacamas Lake Lodge, Camas. Heather of Bear Hug Bakery walks you through decorating six pre-baked sugar cookies with royal icing. Ages 16+ (8–15 with paid adult). $60. More info
• PassinArt Open House & Block Party — 6:00 PM at Albina Arts Center, Portland. Art workshops, exhibitions, performances, DJ sets and dance to celebrate their new space. Free with registration. More info
• The Sound of Music at Washburn Performing Arts Center — 6:00 PM in Washougal (Sept. 18–26). Columbia Theater Arts Foundation presents the beloved musical. All tickets are pay-what-you-will. More info
• Fort Vancouver Antique Equipment Association Meeting — 6:00–7:30 PM at Old Town Burgers and Breakfast, Battle Ground. If you savor local history, stuck pistons, rust, grease and stubborn bolts, this club is for you. Free. More info
• POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony — 6:00 PM at Armed Forces Reserve Center, Vancouver. A solemn occasion honoring prisoners of war and remembering those missing in action. Free. More info
• American Legion Post 168 Bingo Night — 6:30–8:30 PM at Tum Tum Post 168, Amboy. An evening of bingo supporting local veterans and their families. All welcome. More info
• Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson at Cascades Amphitheater — 6:30 PM in Ridgefield, with special guests Orgy and The Hu. Tickets from $46. More info
• Cozy Mugs Hand Building Workshop — 6:30–8:00 PM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, Vancouver. Hand-build mugs adorned with patterns and designs — an instructor guides you through the whole process. $55. More info
• Haunted Walking Tours — 7:00 PM at Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Guides lead groups through downtown Vancouver sharing tales of lingering spirits, mysterious happenings and forgotten tragedies. About one mile. $15–$20. More info
• Spirit Tales of the Vancouver Barracks — 7:00 PM at The Grant House, Vancouver. Historian Jeff Davis leads a 1.5–2 hour walking tour of the historic Vancouver Barracks and its haunted goings-on since 1849. $17–$22. More info

Saturday, September 19

• ilani Wine & Food Festival 2026 — All day at ilani, Ridgefield. Hundreds of award-winning wines, beers and spirits plus gourmet bites from local restaurants and live cooking demos. More info
• Mud Girl Run — 7:30 AM at Washougal MX Park. A muddy, fun-filled obstacle run — first wave at 8:30 AM. $10+. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park. Vancouver's flagship market, running since 1990, with farm-fresh goods, food and artisan vendors. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Parkrun — 9:00 AM at Salmon Creek Trail, Vancouver. A free, friendly weekly 5K — walk, jog or run. Register online before your first visit. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Become a Nature Detective — 9:00–10:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Ages 3–5 and families explore early science and engineering through playful hands-on challenges. More info
• 27th Annual Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic — 9:00 AM on the Oregon Coast (Sept. 18–20). A beloved longboard surfing competition at Pacific City. More info
• TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition at OMSI — 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Step back to April 1912 with more than 100 authentic artifacts recovered from the wreck site and immersive stories of passengers. More info
• Columbia Springs Repair Event — 10:00 AM–1:00 PM at Fourth Plain Community Commons, Vancouver. Bring your broken household items to be fixed by experienced volunteer fixers — for free. Check-in ends at 12:30 PM. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, Vancouver. Flight simulators, a vertical wind table, historic airplanes and hands-on STEAM exploration for all ages. Free. More info
• Vancouver Audubon's 3rd Annual Migratory Bird Celebration — 10:00 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Learn about the conservation needs of the tens of millions of birds migrating through Southwest Washington. Free and family-friendly. More info
• Perennial Propagation Workshop — 10:00 AM in Battle Ground. Master Gardener Julie Carlsen demonstrates how to multiply your favorite perennials through stem cuttings and root division. $15 (free for NatureScaping members). Registration required. More info
• SOLVE Litter Pickup at Vancouver's Waterfront — 10:00 AM at Waterfront Park, Vancouver. Roll up your sleeves and help keep the spaces we love clean — meet across from Evoke Winery for check-in and supplies. More info
• Adaptive Outrigger Canoe Paddling Clinic with CROCC — 10:00 AM in Portland. The Columbia River Outrigger Canoe Club hosts a hands-on paddling clinic — learn techniques on dry land then hit the water. Paddles, life jackets and snacks provided. More info
• WSU Extension & FVRL: Benefits of Mulch in the Landscape Garden — 10:00 AM. Learn how mulch keeps soil healthy and your plants thriving. Free. More info
• Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery Open House — 10:00 AM. View adult salmon, watch spawning, see fish jumping the ladder and enjoy kids' activities like Migration Golf, fish printing and chalk art. More info
• WSU Extension Harvest Celebration — 10:00 AM. The Clark County Master Gardener program celebrates the season's bounty. More info
• Vancouver Bee Project: 2026 Native Plant & Seed Library Opening Day — 11:00 AM. Pick up free native plants, seeds and resources to create pollinator habitat in your yard, patio or community. While supplies last. More info
• Bridge of the Gods 100th Anniversary Celebration — Noon–8:00 PM at Cascade Locks Marine Park. Food, vendors, live music, a beer garden, Sternwheeler rides and fireworks to close out the night. More info
• On the Move: Incredible Animal Journeys at WREC — 1:00–2:00 PM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Free drop-in program for ages 5–12 exploring the amazing migrations of birds, butterflies, dragonflies and more. More info
• FVRL: How to Winterize Your Garden for Spring Success — 5:00 PM. A free Master Gardener class on putting your garden to bed this fall for a head start on next year's crops. More info
• Het Meer CX — Cyclocross Race — 8:00 PM at Vancouver Lake. Grass, dirt, gravel, pavement and the fan-favorite sand pit — races for all ages and abilities. More info
• 8th Wild Wonder Nature Journaling Conference — Online (Sept. 15–19). Learn to draw and journal in nature with experts including author Amy Tan. More info

Adults

• 27th Annual Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic — 9:00 AM on the Oregon Coast (Sept. 18–20). Registration is filling up fast — join the waitlist if spots are gone. More info

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