📰 What's Making News

Fort Vancouver Throws a Free Daylong Party for America's 250th Birthday

Mark your calendar for July 3: the Fort Vancouver Parade Grounds will host "Vancouver Celebrates America 250," a free noon-to-11 p.m. festival packed with live entertainment, food vendors, historic weapons demonstrations, guided tours of the Marshall House, and even a pet costume contest. The National Park Service, The Historic Trust, and the City of Vancouver are co-hosting the event, which wraps up with an outdoor screening of A League of Their Own after dark. It's shaping up to be one of the biggest community gatherings of the summer — and you won't need to spend a dime to enjoy it. Full details here.

Cedar Creek Grist Mill Packs In Crowds — Then Asks for Help

Scores of visitors braved a sudden summer rainstorm and barely-there parking on Saturday to line up for Strawberry Shortcake Day at the historic Cedar Creek Grist Mill near Woodland. The annual tradition proves the 1876 mill's enduring draw, but organizers say the landmark is showing its age and facing mounting maintenance needs. Volunteers keep the gears turning — literally — though the wear-and-tear list is growing faster than the volunteer roster. If you've never visited Clark County's only surviving 19th-century grist mill, this is your nudge to go before the next round of repairs begins. Read the full story in The Columbian.

Washington, Denmark Team Up on Industrial Symbiosis Partnership

Denmark and Washington state are launching a first-of-its-kind partnership to bring "industrial symbiosis" — a model where one company's waste becomes another's raw material — to the Pacific Northwest. The concept has been a hit across Europe, and officials see the Vancouver-area industrial corridor as a natural proving ground. The idea is straightforward: connect nearby manufacturers so leftover heat, water, or materials get reused instead of dumped. It's still early days, but the collaboration could put Clark County businesses on the map for a very different kind of innovation. Here's how it would work.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Work-Zone Speed Camera Fines Rise Statewide Today

Starting Wednesday, July 1, Washington drivers caught speeding through highway work zones will face higher fines from automated cameras. Worth a reminder next time you're rolling through construction on I-5 or I-205. Full details here.

Blazers Lock In Robert Williams III on Multi-Year Deal

The Portland Trail Blazers signed center Robert Williams III to a multi-year contract extension Tuesday, adding stability to their frontcourt heading into next season. Read more from The Columbian.

Olympia's $263M Capitol Campus Overhaul Nears the Finish Line

Construction barriers are coming down as the multiyear, $263 million modernization of the Washington state Capitol Campus in Olympia enters its final stages. If you're planning a summer road trip to the capital, the views are about to get a lot better. Here's the latest.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Wednesday, July 1

• Camas Library Storywalk @ Dorothy Fox Park – 8:00 AM. Follow the path at Dorothy Fox Park to read So Tortoise Dug by Emmy Kastner — a fun, interactive way to enjoy reading and the outdoors together. Camas, WA. More info
• TOPS 1056 – 8:15 AM. TOPS WA 1056 Vancouver meets every Wednesday at Fourth Plain Nazarene Church, 16807 N.E. Fourth Plain Blvd. Weigh-in 8:15–9:15 AM, meeting 9:30–10:30 AM. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes – 8:30 AM. The Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of SW Washington hosts group exercise for older adults (age 60+) at Bethel Lutheran Church in Brush Prairie. Sessions at 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI – 9:30 AM. Experience Sayaka Ganz's stunning sculptures made from discarded plastic objects — animals, waves, and forms bursting with motion and color. On view July 1 through September 30 at OMSI, Portland. More info
• Providence Academy Tours – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM. Free tours of the beautiful Providence Academy in Vancouver. Check in at Suite 103 inside the front door. More info
• Creature Teachers – 10:00 AM. Meet cool reptiles and creepy crawlies at the La Center Community Library. Learn about the wild, weird, and wonderful world of animals. Free. More info
• Marshall House Tours – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM. Free tours of the historic Marshall House on Officers Row at Fort Vancouver, featuring period furnishings, military memorabilia, and General George C. Marshall's study. More info
• Reading in the Wild @ Water Resources Education Center – 10:00 AM. A free outdoor reading series for families with kids ages 3–6. This week's theme is all about birds — read stories and then explore the native plant garden for bird spotting and nature activities. More info
• High School Art Exhibit at Camas Public Library – 10:00 AM. The Second Story Gallery hosts its annual showcase of artwork by Camas School District high school students, featuring painting, sculpture, and mixed media. On display all July. Free. More info
• Where's Waldo? at Autumn Leaf Books – 10:00 AM. Autumn Leaf Books in Downtown Camas is one of only 300 bookstores nationwide hosting the Where's Waldo? search adventure all July. Grab a passport, find Waldo hidden in up to 25 local businesses, and collect stamps for prizes. Free. More info
• Official Vancouver Fan Zone Watch Party – 1:00 PM. Vancouver, WA is an Official Fan Zone of the FIFA World Cup 26! Head to Big Al's for massive screens, stadium energy, and world-class soccer action. More info
• Minions & Monsters Opening Day Event at OMSI – 2:00 PM. Catch the new Minions film at OMSI with showings at 2 PM, 4:15 PM, and 6 PM. Tickets include movie snacks, a beverage, door prizes, and a pass for free future museum admission. $15–$20 at OMSI, Portland. More info
• Camas Farmers Market – 3:00–7:00 PM. Every Wednesday in the heart of Downtown Camas (temporary location on Birch Street, between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Local produce, artisan goods, and community vibes. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create – 4:00 PM. Drop in for creative and interactive art projects at Washougal Community Library. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00–6:00 PM. Open game play at Cascade Park Community Library. Decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids Read to a Dog at Cascade Park Community Library – 4:00 PM. Build reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Teen Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00–6:00 PM. Open game play for ages 13–19 at Vancouver Community Library. Decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens STEM Lab – 4:00–5:30 PM. Hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math activities for ages 5–12. Vancouver Community Library, Columbia Room. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle – 5:30 PM. Try dragon boat paddling for free at the Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Ages 14+, no experience needed, equipment provided. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom – 6:00 PM. East Coast and Lindy Hop style swing dancing in Vancouver. Intermediate lesson at 6 PM, beginner lesson at 7 PM, social dance 8–9:30 PM. $5–$10. More info
• Wild Wednesdays at the Oregon Zoo – 6:00–9:00 PM. Experience the zoo after hours without the crowds — this 21+ evening features themed cocktails, keeper chats, live entertainment, and animal encounters. Portland. More info
• Northwest Youth Music Games at McKenzie Stadium – 6:00 PM. Drum Corps International brings world-class marching ensembles to McKenzie Stadium in Vancouver. $25–$60. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball Home Game – 6:30 PM. Cheer on Clark County's hometown baseball team at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. More info

Thursday, July 2

• Longview Go 4th Festival – 9:00 AM–9:00 PM. A multi-day festival at Lake Sacajawea Park in Longview kicks off with food vendors, Firefighter Hole-In-One Golf, and more. Free. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM. Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products at Columbia Tech Center, 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd. More info
• Go With the Flow: Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour – 10:00–11:30 AM. Tour Vancouver's Marine Park Wastewater Treatment Facility and see what happens to all the water that goes down the drain. Ages 8+, closed-toed shoes required. Free. More info
• Tiny Art Show at Camas Public Library – 10:00 AM. The Tiny Art Show is back for its 6th year — stop by to see what the Camas community has created. On display all July. Free. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding – 10:00 AM. A class for beginning and intermediate bridge players at Vancouver Bridge Club with instructor Michael Walker, a Ruby Life Master. $10–$50. More info
• The Craft of Writing: Workshop & Writers Group – 10:30 AM. Join a lively crew of creatives at Vancouver Community Library for writing prompts, craft discussion, and workshopping. Free. More info
• Garrison Flag Raising at Fort Vancouver – 11:00 AM. Fort Vancouver National Historic Site conducts a special raising of the historic Garrison Flag to kick off Independence Day weekend. The flag will fly all weekend. Free. More info
• Crown Park Grand Reopening – 11:00 AM–4:00 PM. Camas celebrates the reopening of one of its most beloved parks with a ribbon cutting, Cowlitz Tribe blessing, Bike Rodeo, relay race, food, games, and more. More info
• Kites for Youth 2026 – 12:00 PM. A free community event by Odyssey World International Education Services. Get the kids outdoors and watch their imaginations soar. Open to the public. More info
• Card Making Club at Craft Warehouse – 1:00 PM. Free card-making club at Craft Warehouse in Hazel Dell, 9307 N.E. Fifth Ave. Discover new paper crafting products, try techniques, and enter for door prizes. More info
• Discover The Culinary Collective – Ribbon Cutting – 4:00 PM. Welcome Vancouver's only dedicated kitchen store with a ribbon cutting at 1012 Washington Street, Suite 120. Explore premium kitchen tools, unique ingredients, and gifts just in time for the holiday weekend. More info
• Teen Hangout – 4:30–6:30 PM. Games, crafts, snacks, and good vibes for ages 13–19 at Vancouver Community Library. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure – 4:30–6:30 PM. Create a character and play Dungeons & Dragons at Cascade Park Community Library. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Road Cycling 101 – 5:30 PM. Join Vancouver Bicycle Club Ride Leader Charla Burke for fun group rides exploring trails, neighborhoods, and parks. 5–10 miles, 10 mph pace, flat terrain. More info
• Finishing Salts Workshop – 6:00–7:00 PM. Learn basic blending techniques and make your own finishing salts to take home at Vampire Unicorns, 3510 N.E. Third Ave., Camas. $35. More info
• Macro Photography Online Workshop – 6:00 PM. Wildlife photographer Brian Magnier discusses gear, camera settings, framing, and techniques for stunning close-up nature photography, hosted by Bird Alliance of Oregon. More info
• Drawing Wildflowers from Photographs (Online) – 6:30 PM. Botanical drawing class with Crystal Shin using colored pencils, hosted by the Washington Native Plant Society. More info
• Family Bingo at Kalama Harbor Lodge – 7:00 PM. Free bingo at McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge. Doors at 6 PM, bingo at 7 PM. Fun prizes — win the blackout round for an overnight stay. All ages welcome. More info
• Descendants of a Revolution: An Evening with the Fort Vancouver Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution – 7:00 PM. The Clark County Historical Museum Speaker Series presents John Russell and Peri Muhich sharing family connections to the Revolutionary War at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center. $5. More info

Friday, July 3

• Federal Public Lands Fee-Free Day – 7:00 AM. In honor of Independence Day, there are no entrance fees at federal public lands across the U.S. A perfect excuse to explore! More info
• SW WA Victory Garden Work Party – 9:00 AM. Join the Friday morning garden shift with Urban Abundance at the SWWA Victory Garden. Good people doing good things together, outdoors. More info
• Summer Reading Kick-Off: Happy 250th Birthday America! – 10:00 AM. Games, crafts, trivia, and prizes at the La Center Community Library. All ages. Free. More info
• HOPE Walk @ Salmon Creek Trail – 10:00 AM. A gentle, welcoming walk for people living with dementia, care partners, families, and friends. Open to everyone. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal – 12:00–1:00 PM. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+ at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• Vancouver Celebrates America 250 – 12:00 PM. Live music, family games, food vendors, guided Marshall House tours, historic weapons demonstrations, and a screening of A League of Their Own under the stars at Fort Vancouver Parade Grounds. Free. More info
• NAMI Art Group – 1:00–3:00 PM. Join the National Alliance on Mental Illness of SW Washington for a creative art group every Friday at the NAMI office, 4201 N.E. 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. Free. More info
• Washougal Community Market – 2:00–6:00 PM. Small businesses, artisans, authors, musicians, bakers, and food vendors at Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main St., Washougal. Free. More info
• Kids Create – 3:30–4:30 PM. Creative and interactive art projects for ages 5–9 at Washougal Community Library. Free. More info
• Tween Hangout at Vancouver Community Library – 4:00–5:30 PM. Games, crafts, snacks, and good times for ages 9–12. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Cruise-In – 4:00–8:00 PM. Classic cars, disc golf, train rides, bounce houses, mini golf, pool access, and more at Alderbrook Park in Brush Prairie. $5–$10 admission. More info
• Battle Ground America 250 Celebration – 4:00–10:00 PM. Free hot dogs, ice cream, cotton candy, food trucks, bounce houses, kids' crafts, costumed historical figures, and a professional fireworks show at 9:45 PM. Maddox Industrial Transformer, Battle Ground. Free. More info
• Nature Lovers Book Group – 4:00 PM. Discuss Flight Paths by Rebecca Heisman. In-person and virtual options available. More info
• First Friday Art Walk – Downtown Vancouver – 5:00–8:00 PM. Explore gallery spaces and art-centric businesses throughout downtown Vancouver. Free. More info
• One Community, Many Hands: Celebrating America's 250th! – Downtown Camas – 5:00 PM. Carnival-inspired games, community service, art shows, after-hours shopping, dining, music, and more. Free. More info
• ZooNights at the Oregon Zoo – 5:00 PM. Summer Friday evenings with live music, food carts, keeper chats, animal encounters, elephant ears, and local beer and wine for adults. Portland. $13–$26. More info
• RedDoor Gallery First Friday Party – 5:00–8:00 PM. Complimentary beverages, American Birthday Cake, charcuterie, and chocolate truffles at Clark County's premier fine art gallery. Wear red, white, and blue! Camas. Free. More info
• Attic Gallery presents America the Beautiful – 5:00–8:00 PM. Opening reception with live music, free cupcakes and wine at Attic Gallery, 419 N.E. Cedar St., Camas. Free. More info
• Celebration of Youth Art – 5:00–8:00 PM. Art by artists ages 6–26 plus lemonade slushies by Sourpuss Lemonade at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free. More info
• Live Music at El Coyote Tacos y Tequila – 5:00 PM. Flywheel Trio and Midnight Theory perform during First Friday Art Walk in downtown Vancouver. More info
• Rendezvous Days 2026 in Yacolt – 5:30 PM. Yacolt's multi-day America's 250th Birthday celebration kicks off with Opening Ceremonies, awards, and a full weekend of community events. Free. More info
• Dragon Boat Paddle in Ridgefield – 5:30 PM. Free community paddling at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Ages 14+, no experience needed, equipment provided. More info
• Family Fun Night in Salmon Creek – 6:00 PM. Games, light snacks, and laughter at the Salmon Creek Grange. Free, first Friday of every month. Children must be accompanied by an adult. More info
• Star-Spangled Banner Contest at Drop the Mic Karaoke – 6:00 PM. Sing the national anthem for a chance to perform at local sporting events and win a $25 gift card. Sign-ups at 5 PM. 224 N.E. Third Ave., Camas. Free. More info
• Good Times and Wine at English Estate Winery – 6:00–8:00 PM. Live music from Sparrow Wren plus on-site food from Venue 1903 at English Estate Winery, 17806 S.E. 1st St., Vancouver. Free admission. More info
• First Friday Open Sculpting at Kilnfolk – 6:30–8:00 PM. Learn the basics of sculpting with clay — mugs, vases, gnomes, animal sculptures, and more. No experience needed. Kilnfolk Clay Studio, 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. $50. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro – 7:00 PM. Enjoy food, cocktails, local wine, and live music on the pet-friendly patio at Farrar's Bistro, 12514 N.W. 36th Ave., Vancouver. More info
• Movie in the Park: A League of Their Own – 9:00 PM. Bring blankets and lawn chairs for a screening of A League of Their Own (PG) under the stars at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Sponsored by Kaiser Permanente. Free. More info

Saturday, July 4

• The Elbow Room: First Anniversary Celebration – Festivities begin at midnight (the night of July 3) and continue until 2 AM, with a special brunch starting at 11 AM. The James Beard Award-nominated cocktail bar celebrates one year under the ownership of chefs Monique King and Paul Rosenbluh and bartender Toby Maloney. More info
• Ridgefield Fourth of July Celebration – 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Parade at 11 AM, plus a fun run, outdoor entertainment, contests, games, food trucks, and artisan vendors at Overlook Park. Free parking at Ridgefield Costco with shuttle. Free. More info
• Birding Walk at Ridgefield NWR – 8:00 AM. Join experienced guide Ron Escano for a relaxed birding walk at the Carty Unit. Great for beginners and seasoned birders alike. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM. STEAM education through aviation with flight simulators, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes. Free, all ages. More info
• Kids Fest at Pomeroy Farm – 10:00 AM–5:00 PM. Family fun in Yacolt on July 4 and 5. $3 admission for ages 6+, free for ages 5 and under. Free parking. More info
• Yacolt Freedom Parade and Party in the Park – 10:00 AM. Parade celebrating America's 250th birthday, followed by awards and a Party in the Park. Kids should bring bags for candy. Free. More info
• Fourth of July at Two Rivers Heritage Museum – 12:00–4:00 PM. Explore Camas-Washougal history from 1776 to the present and join the History's Mysteries Scavenger Hunt. 1 Durgan St., Washougal. Free. More info
• VanCity's Saturday Social Dance and Beginners Lesson – 7:00 PM. A 45-minute lesson followed by social dancing of all styles until 10 PM at VanCity Ballroom in Hazel Dell. No partner needed. $10. More info

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