📰 What's Making News

Fort Vancouver Marks America's 250th With a Party Fit for the Occasion

Hundreds of visitors in red, white, and blue filled the Fort Vancouver parade grounds Friday afternoon for the country's semiquincentennial — yes, that's the real word for a 250th birthday. The national historic site hosted an America 250 celebration that brought history off the page and onto the grass, with festivities designed to honor the site's deep roots in the Pacific Northwest. If you've ever wanted a reminder that Vancouver's history runs longer and deeper than most cities on this coast, this was it. Full story from The Columbian.

Son Rise Ranch Remembers Cherokee, a 40-Year-Old Mustang Who Changed Lives

Ilura Anderson climbed onto Cherokee's back on a warm Friday evening in May, expecting just another ride at Son Rise Ranch near the Vancouver-Camas border. The beloved 40-year-old mustang had been a quiet, steady presence at the rural Clark County ranch for years, touching the lives of countless riders. Staff and the ranch community are now honoring Cherokee's legacy — a horse they describe as "a beautiful soul." It's the kind of small, deeply felt story that reminds you what makes this corner of the county special. Read the tribute in The Columbian.

Gorge Brush Fire Closes Part of Highway 14 Near Dallesport

A fast-moving brush fire near Dallesport in the Columbia River Gorge prompted evacuation orders and a partial closure of State Highway 14 in Klickitat County late Thursday. The fire is about 73 miles east of Washougal, so Clark County residents aren't directly affected — but if your Fourth of July plans include heading east through the Gorge, check conditions before you go. The highway closure could impact travel significantly on what's already a busy holiday weekend. Details from The Columbian.

How Clean Is Your Favorite Restaurant? New Inspection Scores Are Out

Clark County Public Health released its latest round of restaurant inspection scores covering June 22–27, and the full list is worth a peek before your next dinner out. In the county's scoring system, lower is better — a perfect score is zero, and any establishment hitting 100 points gets shut down. It's one of those quietly useful public records that can make you feel a lot better (or a little queasy) about your go-to spots. Browse the results and see how your favorites fared. See the full list at The Columbian.

Forward this to one Vancouver friend today — it's how we grow.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.

⚡ Quick Bites

Pahlisch Wants Local Artists for Downtown's New 7-Story Building

Pahlisch Commercial is accepting proposals from Southwest Washington artists for original and reproduced artwork at 12th and Main, a mixed-use apartment building going up in downtown Vancouver. It's a paid gig — details and submission info are in The Columbian's call for artists.

Five U-Pick Blueberry Farms Now Open Across Clark County

Blueberry season is officially here, with Prairie Berry Farm, Majestic Farms, Meadowglenn Farm, Indigo Acres, and Fred's Place all open or opening soon for U-pick. Hours vary over the holiday weekend, so check each farm's schedule before you grab your bucket.

Lil Pig Lil Pig Draws Crowds in West Vancouver

Brandon and Marcy Rush — the couple behind Hungry Sasquatch and Thirsty Sasquatch — are packing the house at their restaurant Lil Pig Lil Pig. The Columbian goes behind the lines that keep forming at the West Vancouver spot.

New U.S. Coins Mark the Nation's 250th Birthday

Check your change today: the U.S. Mint has released redesigned nickels, dimes, quarters, and half-dollars celebrating America's semiquincentennial. Here's what to look for in your pocket on this Fourth of July.

Got a neighbor who'd appreciate this? Pass it along.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.

📅 Mark Your Calendar

Saturday, July 4

• The Elbow Room: First Anniversary — Vancouver's beloved cocktail bar (and the city's first James Beard Award nominee!) celebrates one year under chefs Monique King and Paul Rosenbluh and bartender Toby Maloney. Festivities kick off at midnight, with a special brunch from Paul's Restaurant starting at 11 AM. The Elbow Room, Vancouver. More info
• Paul's Restaurant and The Elbow Room One Year Anniversary — Paul's Restaurant and The Elbow Room bar mark their first anniversary under new ownership. On July 4, The Elbow Room hosts a celebration from midnight to 2 AM, followed by brunch in the bar later that day. Paul's Restaurant, Vancouver. More info
• Longview Go 4th Festival — 8:00 AM at Lake Sacajawea Park and various Longview locations. A full day of fun including a vendor marketplace, cardboard boat regatta, Kids Fest, timber show, parade and fireworks. Free. More info
• Rendezvous Days 2026 in Yacolt — 8:00 AM in the Town of Yacolt. A multi-day celebration of America's 250th birthday featuring opening ceremonies, awards and more. Free. More info
• Ridgefield Fourth of July Celebration — 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Overlook Park, Ridgefield. Parade at 11 AM, plus a fun run, outdoor entertainment, contests, games, food trucks and local artisan vendors. Free parking at Ridgefield Costco with a shuttle. Free. More info
• Museum Closure for Independence Day — 8:00 AM. The Clark County Historical Museum will be closed for Independence Day. More info
• Birding Walk at Ridgefield NWR — 8:00 AM at the Carty Unit. Join guide Ron Escano for a relaxed birding walk. Great for beginners and seasoned birders alike. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Market — 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. The flagship farmers market with local produce, goods and community vibes. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Design and Discover at OMSI — 9:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Kids ages 3–5 and their families explore hands-on engineering and STEAM challenges in this bilingual program. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail parkrun — 9:00 AM at Salmon Creek Greenway Trail, Vancouver. A free, fun weekly 5K community event. Walk, jog, run or volunteer. All ages and dogs welcome. Register at parkrun.us for your barcode. Free. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play — 9:15 AM to 10:30 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free bridge lesson followed by assisted play. More info
• Classic 7 MX Series Event — 10:00 AM at Washougal MX Park, Washougal. Motocross racing action all weekend. General admission $20–$40. More info
• Farm Days at Pomeroy Farm — 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Pomeroy Farm, Yacolt. July's theme is Kids Fest. Admission $3 for ages 6 and up; 5 and under free. Free parking. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center — 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Vancouver. Explore flight simulators, a vertical wind table and historic airplanes. Free for all ages. More info
• Ridgefield 4th of July Celebration — 10:00 AM in Downtown Ridgefield. Fun run at 7:30 AM, followed by a full day of community festivities including food, music and family fun. Free. More info
• The American Legion Tum Tum Post 168 Amboy — 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at 21400 N.E. 399th St., Amboy. Monthly meeting supporting veterans, families and communities in North Clark County. Free. More info
• Kids Fest at Pomeroy Farm — 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Pomeroy Farm, Yacolt. Admission $3 for ages 6 and up; ages 5 and under free. Free parking. More info
• Yacolt Freedom Parade and Party in the Park — 10:00 AM in Yacolt. The parade celebrating America's 250th birthday starts on Railroad Avenue, with awards, a party in the park and more afterward. Kids should bring bags for candy. Free. More info
• Play Bridge (0–150 points) — 11:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. $10. More info
• Independence Day: America 250 at Two Rivers Heritage Museum — 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Two Rivers Heritage Museum, Washougal. Celebrate America's 250th birthday by exploring local history from 1776 to the present, plus a History's Mysteries scavenger hunt. Free. More info
• The La Center Historical Museum — 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at La Center Historical Museum. Free admission featuring historical displays of art, technology, science and industry related to the La Center area. More info
• Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Summer Train Rides — 1:00 PM departing from Yacolt. Ride through the tunnel, across the East Fork of the Lewis River, with a stop at Moulton Station to visit Yacolt Falls. Fares $16–$24. More info
• Family Fourth at the AC Hotel Vancouver Waterfront — 5:00 PM on the patio. Games by Bounce-N-Battle, face painting, bubbles, a caricature artist and live music by Baz Moto at 7 PM. No cover charge. Restaurant reservations recommended; call 360-993-8895. More info
• VanCity's Saturday Social Dance and Beginners Lesson — 7:00 PM at VanCity Ballroom, Hazel Dell. A 45-minute lesson followed by social dancing of all styles until 10 PM. No partner needed. $10. More info
• Battle Ground Lake Interpretive Program: Owls — 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Battle Ground Lake State Park. Columbia Springs volunteer Ellen M. Wilson discusses owl adaptations and local species. Bring folding chairs. Free (Discover Pass required for parking). More info

Sunday, July 5

• Mt. St. Helens Summit Climb with MSHI — 6:00 AM. A single-day non-technical scramble to the summit with professional guides and certified volunteer stewards. Designed for novice hikers and experienced mountaineers alike. More info
• "Dirtiest Beach Day of the Year" Volunteer Clean-Up — 8:00 AM. Surfrider chapters across Oregon host beach cleanups the day after the holiday. All ages welcome and gear is provided. More info
• "Dirtiest Beach Day of the Year" WA State Parks Cleanup — 8:00 AM at five Washington state parks including Cape Disappointment. No pre-registration needed — just show up and help. More info
• Free Outdoor Fitness Bootcamps — 9:00 AM. Meet at Northwest Personal Training, 1011 Broadway, Vancouver, then head to scenic outdoor locations for a full-body workout. All fitness levels welcome. Free. More info
• Forest Floor Ecology Hike with MSHI — 10:00 AM. Discover snails, slugs and salamanders of Mt. St. Helens with an MSHI Wildlife Biologist. You may even spot rare Van Dyke's Salamanders and Malone Jumping Slugs. More info
• Intro to WA Native Butterflies and Caterpillars — 10:00 AM at Nature's Haven Nursery, 6403 NE 277th Ave., Camas. Learn about Northwest butterfly species and which native plants support them and their caterpillars. More info
• "Dirtiest Beach Day of the Year" Local Beach Volunteer Events — 10:00 AM. Grab your family, some buckets and trash grabbers and help clean up your favorite local Southwest Washington beach. More info
• Make a Full-Size Broom — 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Vampire Unicorns, 3510 N.E. Third Ave., Camas. Learn the age-old art of broom-making. Completers are eligible for the monthly Broom Club. $125. Register at vampireunicorns.xyz. More info
• Fruit Jar Workshop — 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Make a lidded vessel using pinch pot and coil techniques. Ages 8 and older. Beginner-friendly. $75. Sign up at kilnfolkclaystudio.com. More info

Monday, July 6

• Camp Hope of SW WA — Summer Camps for Kids — 9:00 AM. Outdoor discovery camps for ages 6–17 featuring science explorations, creative crafts and adventurous learning in nature. More info
• Early Learners Play to Learn — 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Battle Ground Community Library. Hands-on early literacy activities for ages 0–5 and their caregivers. Free. More info
• The Great Summer Dash at Vancouver Mall — 10:00 AM at Vancouver Mall. Complete fun challenges, earn points and enter to win prizes all summer long (through Aug. 14). More info
• Community Harvest Volunteer Day — 10:00 AM. Join Latinos Unidos y Floreciendo (LUYF) for a weekly volunteer gathering rooted in stewardship, shared labor and food access. More info
• Storytime in the Park — 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Dorothy Fox Park, 2023 NW 23rd Ave., Camas. Bring a blanket and enjoy a family storytime outdoors. All ages. Free. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: Meet Me at the Art Workshop — 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Guided by art instructor Tricia Hall, participants with dementia explore hands-on projects encouraging expression and joy. Free; register at Eventbrite or call 360-513-5754. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting — 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at AC Marriott on the Vancouver Waterfront. Community members welcome. Free. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Monthly Potluck — 1:00 PM at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 426 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Call 360-892-8944 for details. More info
• Line Dancing — 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Learn line dances for fun and exercise. All welcome. Free. More info
• Summer Movie Mondays at Camas Public Library — 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This week's film: Ice Age. Registration required at CamasPL.org/movies or call 360-834-4692. Free. More info
• Early Learners Music and Movement — 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Songs, rhymes, rhythm and dance for ages 0–5 and their caregivers. Free. More info
• Sodas and Stories — 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Teens in grades 6–12 make a dirty soda and explore new Young Adult releases. Register at CamasPL.org/sodas. Free. More info
• Official Vancouver Fan Zone Watch Party — 5:00 PM at Big Al's, Vancouver. Vancouver, WA is an Official Fan Zone of the FIFA World Cup 26. Massive screens, stadium energy and world-class fun. More info
• ROAD TRIP — Adaptive Bicycling Summer Series — 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Portland International Raceway. Everyone welcome. Bring your own bike or try one of theirs. Helmets required. More info

Tuesday, July 7

• Takohachi Duo — 9:30 AM at Three Creeks Community Library (also at 11:00 AM). Experience the vibrant Japanese street theater tradition of kamishibai — folktales brought to life in an interactive performance for all ages. Free. More info
• StoryWalk at Camas Public Library — 10:00 AM at Dorothy Fox Park. Follow the path to read So Tortoise Dug by Emmy Kastner. Free. More info
• Art Chat at Ridgefield Community Library — 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Bring a piece or two of your own art to share, or just come for the camaraderie. Free. More info
• Kids and Tweens Creative Crafts: DIY Squishies — 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at La Center Community Library. Make squishy stress-busting toys using fun, simple materials. Free. More info
• Q-Tip Painting Kids Camp Make and Take — 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Craft Warehouse, Vancouver. Create blooming flower art using Q-tips as paintbrushes. $5. More info
• English Conversation Group for Adults — 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Practice speaking and listening in a supportive environment. Free. More info
• Paradise of Samoa Polynesian Dance Troupe — 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Celebrate the living traditions of Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa and New Zealand through dance and authentic music. Free. More info
• Teen and Tween Tabletop RPG: Character Creation Workshop — 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Three Creeks Community Library. Learn the basics of Dungeons and Dragons character creation. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Teen Hangout: Introduction to Stop Motion Animation — 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Make storyboards, sets and learn to shoot a short film. Free. More info
• Tween and Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game — 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at various FVRL library locations. Play Dungeons and Dragons 5E and Pathfinder 1E. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group — 5:15 PM to 6:45 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Dedicated writing time for all experience levels — no readings or critiques. Free parking. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group — 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. For beginning Spanish speakers. No registration required. Free. More info
• Page Turners Book Club — 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Camas Public Library. For kids in 4th–6th grade and their adults. Register at CamasPL.org/pageturners, pick up the book, and keep it free after the meeting. More info

Wednesday, July 8

• Rebecca Anstine Gallery: Impressions of the Pacific Northwest — 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on the sixth floor of the Clark County Public Service Center, Vancouver. New exhibit featuring Pacific Northwest artists Oleg Ulitskiy and Elizabeth Ganji. Free. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. Evidence-based group exercise for older adults (age 60+). More info
• Marine Park Beach Clean-Up — 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Marine Park, Vancouver. Walk approximately 2.5 miles of shoreline collecting litter to keep the Columbia River clean. All tools provided. Registration required. Free. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI — 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Sayaka Ganz transforms discarded plastic objects into soaring animals and rushing waves. On view July 1 through September 30. More info
• The Henrik Bothe Library Circus — 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at La Center Community Library. A whirlwind of physical comedy, juggling, magic and plate spinning. Free. More info
• High School Art Exhibit at Camas Public Library — 10:00 AM. The Second Story Gallery hosts artwork from Camas School District high school students in painting, sculpture and mixed media. Free. More info
• Where's Waldo? at Autumn Leaf Books — 10:00 AM in Downtown Camas. Pick up a passport from Autumn Leaf Books and search for Waldo hidden in up to 25 local businesses throughout July. Completed passports earn prizes. Free. More info
• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Free tours of the historic Marshall House featuring period furnishings and General George C. Marshall's study. More info
• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Tours by reservation or for small walk-in groups. Free. More info
• Reading in the Wild — 10:00 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Free outdoor reading series for families with kids ages 3–6. This week's theme: Mammal Mania! Listen to a story, then explore the native plant garden. Free. More info
• Camas Farmers Market — 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM in Downtown Camas (new temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Fresh seasonal produce, flowers, prepared foods, live music and more. More info
• Berry Days at Camas Farmers Market — 3:00 PM. Berry-themed kids crafts, trivia, temporary tattoos and a guessing game. Vote for Camas' Favorite Berry, and enjoy complimentary berry shortcake at 4:30 PM (first 300 customers). More info
• Teen and Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Open game play — decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Teen Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Ages 13–19. Decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids and Tweens Create: Origami — 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop in to fold a selected monthly origami pattern. Ages 5–12. 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 and up. 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
• Gemstone Necklace Workshop — 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Craft Collective, Vancouver. Design and knot a necklace using colorful gemstones and silk cord. No experience needed. $65. More info
• Disabled American Veterans Monthly Meeting — 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at 40 et 8, 2809 N.E. 78th St., Vancouver. Free. More info

Help a friend stay in the loop on Vancouver — forward this issue.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.