📰 What's Making News

Felida Couple Buys Northwest's Premier Miniature Shows

When Parrish and Kris Bleau of Felida decided to go big, they went small — really small. The husband-and-wife miniaturists have purchased the Northwest's marquee miniature shows, turning a shared passion for tiny worlds into a full-scale business venture. It's the kind of only-in-Vancouver story that makes you want to peek inside their workshop. Read the full story in The Columbian.

Dave's Hot Chicken Fires Up Fryers in East Vancouver

The former Jack in the Box off SE 164th has a spicy new tenant. Dave's Hot Chicken has officially opened its East Vancouver location, bringing Nashville-style heat to a corridor that keeps adding dining options. The fast-growing chain is known for its no-frills menu of tenders and sliders scaled from "No Spice" to the dare-worthy "Reaper." If your lunch rotation needs a jolt, this one's worth a drive. Details from The PNW Report.

Toys "R" Us Returns to Vancouver Mall

File this under sentences you didn't expect to read in 2026: Toys "R" Us is coming back, and it's landing at Vancouver Mall. The iconic toy retailer — whose closure left a Geoffrey-sized hole in the hearts of millennials everywhere — is set to reopen a brick-and-mortar store right here in the Couve. The news was first reported by KIRO News Director Frank Lenzi. Start practicing your best "I don't wanna grow up" rendition now. More from The PNW Report.

SW Washington Waterfowl Season Looks Promising After Last Year's Bust

Duck hunters across southwest Washington are cautiously optimistic heading into fall. After a dismal 2025 season, improved weather patterns and better water conditions could bring birds back to local flyways in stronger numbers this year. It's still early — Mother Nature will have the final say — but the forecast has hunters checking their decoys and dusting off their waders with a little more enthusiasm than last October. The Columbian has the outlook.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Sorry, neighbor — today's feed didn't serve up enough Vancouver-area stories to fill this section. We'll be back tomorrow with local bites worth sharing.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Monday, September 28

• Audiobook Walking Club — 9:30 AM at Camas Public Library, Camas. Bring your audiobook of choice and join fellow listeners for a 60-minute group walk followed by optional social time. All paces welcome. Free. More info
• The Portland Maize & Pumpkin Patch — 10:00 AM at Sauvie Island, Portland. Nearly two miles of corn maze pathways plus a full pumpkin patch experience. Open through the end of October. More info
• Tiny Toppings Storytime — 11:00 AM at Eight Cow Creamery, Ridgefield. Kids storytime hosted by Copper Bell Bookshop — every participant gets a coupon for a free kids ice cream scoop with purchase. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting — 12:00 PM at AC Hotel by Marriott Vancouver Waterfront. Community members are welcome to join the weekly lunch meeting from noon to 1 p.m. Free. More info
• Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce Luncheon — 12:00 PM at Washougal Times, Washougal. Brad Richardson of the Clark County Historical Museum shares stories of Camas and Washougal history. Doors open at 11:30 AM. $30–$40. More info
• Early Learners Music and Movement — 2:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Songs, rhymes, rhythm, and dance for children ages 0–5 and their caregivers. Free. More info
• Tales with Tails — 4:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Kids in grades 1–5 can practice reading aloud to Scamp the therapy dog. Sign up for a 15-minute slot. Free; registration required. More info
• Teen & Adult Creative Crafts: Felted Landscapes — 5:00 PM at La Center Community Library. Use supplies provided to create a one-of-a-kind needle-felted landscape. Ages 13+. Free; registration required. More info
• Cosmic Watercolor Splatter Coasters Workshop — 6:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub. Susan Soltau of Dragon Half Art teaches wet-on-wet watercolor blending and splatter techniques. No experience needed; all supplies provided. $35. More info

Tuesday, September 29

• 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 to 6 years to run, climb, and explore while parents socialize. $7–$9. More info
• Camas Public Library Food Drive — 10:00 AM at Camas Public Library. Donations benefit the Camas School District's Family-Community Resource Center. Special need for lunchbox snacks, canned fruit, hygiene items, and laundry pods. Donation box near the north entrance through Sept. 30. More info
• Vancouver Pumpkin Patch — 11:00 AM at Velvet Acres Gardens, Orchards. Pick-your-own pumpkins, corn maze, hay bale pyramid, hayrides, apple cannon, farm animals, vendors, and food carts. $10–$12. More info
• Here for Good 20th Anniversary Luncheon — 11:30 AM at Heathman Lodge, Vancouver. Meals on Wheels People celebrates 20 years, emceed by KGW Meteorologist Rod Hill. Proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels People. $50 per person. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create — 3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Teen Sewing 101 — 4:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Learn to use a sewing machine and create a simple project. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game — 4:30 PM at various FVRL library locations. Create a character and play Dungeons & Dragons with other players. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group — 5:15 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub. A weekly group for writers of all levels featuring dedicated writing time — no readings or critiques. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group — 5:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Casual conversation practice for beginning Spanish speakers. Free; no registration needed. More info
• Letterboxing Workshop — 6:00 PM at La Center Community Library. Create a simple stamp, then hunt for hidden letterboxes on the library grounds. Ages 5+. All materials provided. Free. More info
• Vancouver Wildlife League Monthly Meeting — 6:00 PM at Smith-Reynolds American Legion Post 14, Vancouver. Learn about the pheasant release program and the Ridgefield project. Free. More info

Wednesday, September 30

• Wednesday Wanders — 9:30 AM at Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. A guided nature walk exploring ecosystems along the Columbia River and adjacent wetland. Great for families with kids 6+ and nature-loving adults. Free. More info
• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Tour the striking 1873 neo-Georgian building constructed by Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart. By reservation; open Wed–Fri, 10 AM–2 PM. Free. More info
• Harvest Tours at 14 Acres Vineyard and Winery — 12:00 PM in Ridgefield. Walk the vineyard during harvest time; includes a glass of wine. Ages 21+. $60 per person. More info
• Contemplative Prayer — 12:20 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Vancouver. Quiet prayer with music, 12:20–12:45 PM. Free. More info
• Camas Farmers Market Harvest Festival — 3:00 PM in downtown Camas along Fourth Avenue. Season finale with live pan music by NW Pan Man Terry Baber, cider sips, pumpkin bowling, scarecrow photo ops, cornhole, and more. Free. More info
• La Ratoncita Presumida / The Vain Little Mouse Puppet Show — 3:00 PM at various FVRL library locations. A bilingual Spanish/English puppet show from Venezuela, presented by Melissa and Carlos Bertran. Free. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00 PM at Cascade Park & Vancouver Community Libraries. Open game play — decks provided, or bring your own. Free. More info
• Teen Make Your Own Merch — 4:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Design custom prints and buttons and learn how artists turn handmade items into a business. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Wined Down Wednesdays: Karaoke Night at 14 Acres — 5:00 PM at 14 Acres Vineyard and Winery, Ridgefield. Sing karaoke and enjoy wine by the glass or bottle. Ages 21+. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try dragon boat paddling — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. Free. More info
• Giving Pop-Up in the Ripple Space — 5:30 PM at The Ripple Space, Vancouver. Explore the work of five local nonprofits — including the Clark County Historical Society, Elevate Youth, Enspire Arts, Jane Weber Arboretum, and PEACE NW — and donate directly. $15 admission. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom — 6:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, Vancouver. East Coast and Lindy Hop style — 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
• Waltz and Salsa Classes — 6:00 PM at Clark College O'Connell Sports Center, Vancouver. Waltz 6–7 PM, salsa 7–8 PM with Julieann and Joseph Platt. No experience required. $69 per five-week session. More info
• DIY Eco-Friendly Cleaners Workshop — 6:00 PM at Waste Connections of Washington, Vancouver. Clark County Green Neighbors teaches you to make an all-purpose spray, window cleaner, and gentle scrub. Supplies provided. Free. More info
• Let's Bug Out: A Beginner's Guide to Packing an Essentials Bag — 6:00 PM on Main St., Vancouver. Wild Camp Goods founder Leland Duck walks you through building a basic emergency preparedness bag. Free; space is limited. More info

Thursday, October 1

• Go with the Flow: Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour — 10:00 AM at Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. A free 90-minute walking tour behind the scenes at the Marine Park facility. Ages 8+; closed-toe shoes required. More info
• Bi-Zi Farms Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze — 10:00 AM at Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver. Wagon rides, pick-your-own pumpkins, corn maze, and more. $14–$16. More info
• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM at Marshall House, Vancouver. Tour the beautifully restored Queen Anne home of General George C. Marshall with period furnishings and military memorabilia. Free. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club. A six-week class for beginning and intermediate players with instructor Michael Walker, a Ruby Life Master. $10–$50. More info
• Dine the Couve — 11:00 AM at locations around Clark County. The 11th year of this month-long dining event kicks off — three dishes for $35 or $50 at participating restaurants, cafes, brewpubs, and tasting rooms. Grab the free Dine the Couve Pass to browse menus and earn points. More info
• The Patch at Whalen Oaks Farm — 12:00 PM in Woodland. Over 40 acres with 60+ varieties of pumpkins, squash, and gourds. U-pick field, activities, and free parking. No admission fee. More info
• Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington Chapter #19 Meeting — 12:30 PM at Salmon Creek United Methodist Church, Vancouver. Guest speaker Dina Saunders shares her ancestors' journey to the Oregon Territory. Bring your own lunch for social time; meeting at 1 PM. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Build It — 3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Build with LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes, and more. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Great Build Off — 4:00 PM at various FVRL library locations. A surprise building challenge using provided materials. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Proof Cocktails & Lounge Grand Opening — 4:00 PM at 801 Washington Street, downtown Vancouver. Celebrate the grand opening of this locally owned cocktail and whiskey lounge featuring craft cocktails, a seasonal menu from Executive Chef Carl Henderson, and a collection of more than 2,000 bottles. More info
• Teen Hangout at Vancouver Community Library — 4:30 PM. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks provided by the Friends of Vancouver Community Library. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Potions Classes — 4:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Kids in grades 1–5 make four magical concoctions with their grown-ups. Free; registration required. More info
• 2026 Friend Raiser — 5:00 PM at Friends of the Children – SW Washington Clubhouse, Vancouver. An evening of food, cocktails, silent and live auctions benefiting local youth. $100. More info
• Vancouver Audubon: Annie Cahill from the Wildlife Center of the North Coast — 6:30 PM at 13413 NE LeRoy Haagen Memorial Drive, Vancouver. Learn about wildlife rehabilitation, disease monitoring, and environmental education at the Astoria-based center. Free. More info
• Family Bingo at Kalama Harbor Lodge — 7:00 PM at McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge. Doors at 6 PM, bingo at 7 PM. Fun prizes plus a chance to win an overnight lodge stay in the blackout round. All ages. Free. More info
• Line Dancing at Ashwood Taps & Trucks — 7:00 PM in Washougal. Line dancing with instructor Kat Nichols — beginners welcome, all ages. $10. More info

Friday, October 2

• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program — 12:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+, served noon to 1 PM. Sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• First Friday Art Walk — 5:00 PM in downtown Vancouver. Galleries and art-centric businesses open their doors — most locations open 5–8 PM. Free. More info
• Family and Friends Friday Climb — 5:00 PM. An hour and 45 minutes of unlimited climbing with multiple difficulty levels for ages 4+. All equipment provided. $33–$41. More info
• October Pumpkin Pageant & Harry Potter Costume Contest — 5:00 PM in downtown Camas. The 20th annual Pumpkin Pageant — vote for your favorite carved pumpkin, enter the Harry Potter costume contest, and enjoy special activities. Free. More info
• Live Music: Two Left Feet at 14 Acres Vineyard & Winery — 5:30 PM in Ridgefield. Live music in the tasting room — all ages, no cover, no reservation needed. More info
• Dragon Boat Paddles in Ridgefield — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Free community paddling — ages 14+, no experience needed, equipment provided. More info
• Family Fun Night in Salmon Creek — 6:00 PM at Salmon Creek Grange. Games, light snacks, and laughter on the first Friday of every month. Free; children must be accompanied by an adult. More info
• Bi-Zi Farm Nighttime Corn Maze — 6:00 PM at Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver. Navigate the corn maze after dark — open Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 30. $7.50–$9.50. More info
• Haunted History Walking Tour — 7:00 PM at Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Guides lead you through downtown Vancouver uncovering tales of the strange and peculiar from local history. Friday and Saturday nights in October. $20. More info

Saturday, October 3

• Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day — 8:00 AM. A fun-filled day of mountain biking for kids, hosted by the NW Trails Alliance. More info
• BIPOC Trail Work Party at Beacon Rock — 8:30 AM at Beacon Rock State Park. The Washington Trails Association hosts a trail-building day for folks identifying as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color. Learn trail-building tools and techniques, then put them to use. More info
• OnPoint Community Credit Union Camas Grand Opening — 8:45 AM at 19542 SE Brady Rd, Camas. Ribbon cutting for OnPoint's ninth Southwest Washington location, plus a $5,000 donation to the Camas-Washougal Community Chest. Complimentary food and coffee. More info
• BirdFest & Bluegrass Festival — 9:00 AM in Ridgefield. Celebrating the return of the Sandhill Crane to Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge with live bluegrass, nature activities, and more. More info
• Downtown Longview Harvest Fest — 10:00 AM in downtown Longview. A fall celebration on the first Saturday in October. More info
• Open House: East Vancouver Community Park Concepts — 10:00 AM. The City of Vancouver wants your input on design concepts for a new 14-acre community park near 192nd Ave. and 20th St. All ages welcome; light refreshments provided. More info
• Mushroom Foraging with Mt. St. Helens Institute — 10:00 AM at Pine Creek Information Station. Learn to identify wild edible and inedible mushrooms, then harvest and cook them. More info
• Vancouver's Old Apple Tree Festival — 11:00 AM at Old Apple Tree Park, Columbia Way. Celebrate the oldest living apple tree in the Northwest, planted in 1826, with food, music, history, and free cuttings from Urban Forestry Commissioners. More info
• River Superstars: Salmon and Lamprey — 1:00 PM at Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. A drop-in program for ages 5–12 with hands-on activities exploring the life cycles of salmon and lamprey. Free; no registration required. More info

Sunday, October 4

• Weed Pulling at Grandmother Camus Pollinator Garden — 9:00 AM. Join the Vancouver Bee Project to care for this native and pollinator-friendly garden in partnership with the City of Vancouver's Naturespaces program. Bring gloves and digging tools. Light refreshments provided. More info
• Autumn Nature Walk with a Master Naturalist — 11:00 AM at Plas Newydd Farm. A relaxed walk exploring migrating birds, dormancy-bound plants, and fall fungi. Coffee, tea, and light snacks provided; bring a water bottle and lunch. More info

Tuesday, October 6

• Vancouver Audubon: "Amazing Adaptations — How Birds Survive Stormy Weather" — 6:30 PM at EPS Community Room, Vancouver. Dr. Jamie Cornelius of Oregon State University explores the behavioral and physiological strategies birds use to weather storms, fire, drought, and more. Free. More info

Wednesday, October 7

• Main Street Promise Reopening Celebration — 5:00 PM at the Kiggins Theatre Block, Vancouver. Celebrate the transformation of Main Street with remarks from community leaders, a performance by Metropolitan Performing Arts, and live music from Liz Joy and Midnight Theory. Light refreshments served. More info
• FVRL: Backyard Birdwatching — 6:00 PM. A free beginner-friendly workshop covering equipment, safe bird feeding, identification tools, and common backyard birds. No registration required. More info

Thursday, October 8

• Take Learning Outside — Birds as a Window to Science — 4:30 PM. Educators can earn free STEM clock hours while learning to use binoculars and field guides in the field with Vancouver Audubon's Cameraderie Youth Program. More info
• FVRL: Attracting Worms to Your Garden — 6:00 PM. Discover the benefits of worms and learn how to attract them to your garden beds. Free; no registration required. More info
• The Mazamas: 133 Years of Adventure, Science and Culture — 6:30 PM. Matthew Brock, Library & Historical Collections Manager for the Mazamas, shares the 133-year history of the Pacific Northwest's premier mountaineering organization. More info

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