📰 What's Making News

Xavier Lions Scores Four TDs as Hudson's Bay Dominates at Kiggins Bowl

Friday night football is officially back, and Hudson's Bay made a statement in its opener. Xavier Lions rushed for four touchdowns and kicker Brant Maclaren added two field goals as the Eagles rolled past Stevenson 47-18 at Kiggins Bowl. It was the kind of performance that has Bay fans buzzing heading into Week 2. Full recap from The Columbian.

Heritage's Toa Vaa Punches In Two Scores in Convincing Road Win

The Heritage Timberwolves traveled to Yelm and came home with a 33-7 victory to open the 2026 season. Toa Vaa led the charge with two rushing touchdowns in a game that was never really in doubt. It's a confident start for a Heritage squad looking to build momentum early. Read more at The Columbian.

134 Yards, 80-Yard Punt Return: Woodland Pulls Away From Kalama

Woodland's Dayton Morris piled up 134 rushing yards and a touchdown, but it was Adam Ortiz's 80-yard punt return for a score that blew the game open. The Beavers pulled away late for a 36-6 win over Kalama in a non-league matchup Friday night. Two highlight-reel performances in one game — not a bad way to kick off the season. Full story from The Columbian.

Fumbles Sting Evergreen in Season-Opening Loss at McKenzie Stadium

Evergreen's opener didn't go as planned. Three first-half fumbles put the Plainsmen in a hole they couldn't climb out of, falling 21-7 to Kamiakin of Kennewick at McKenzie Stadium on Friday night. It's a tough pill, but there's a lot of season left for Evergreen to regroup. Read the full recap.

Week 1 Scoreboard: Every Clark County Result in One Place

Want the full picture from opening weekend? The Columbian's Week 1 scoreboard has every result from across the area, including Seton Catholic's 56-20 loss at Onalaska, where the home team racked up a staggering 584 rushing yards. Bookmark this one for your Saturday morning coffee. See all the scores here.

Know someone who'd love a daily Vancouver dispatch? Forward this their way.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.

⚡ Quick Bites

NASA Administrator Tours Washougal Manufacturer, Can't Spot the Flaw

NASA chief Jared Isaacman visited United Precision Corp. in Washougal this week — and when challenged to find a bad seal among the company's precision parts, he couldn't pick it out. That's the kind of quality control that keeps Clark County manufacturers in the aerospace conversation.

Cheeky Noodles Brings Mac-and-Cheese Obsession to Ridgefield

New comfort-food spot Cheeky Noodles has opened in Ridgefield with a menu built around creative variations on macaroni and cheese. If "big, cheesy energy" sounds like your love language, this one's worth the drive.

Orchards Elementary Scores Brand-New Soccer Mini Pitch

Students Guillermo Barbosa-Sanchez and Amiyah Clark netted the ceremonial first goals on a new soccer mini pitch at Orchards Elementary, donated by the RAVE Foundation. The pitch gives kids a dedicated space for the sport right on school grounds.

Tri-Mountain Golf Course Seeks Private Operator Under 50-Year Lease

Clark County is preparing to issue a request for proposals to find a private operator for the county-owned Tri-Mountain Golf Course near Ridgefield, with a lease that could run up to 50 years starting Jan. 1, 2027.

Friday Night Lights Recap: Battle Ground, La Center Win Thrillers

Addison Roa-Cooper's go-ahead rushing TD with 1:05 left lifted Battle Ground over Ridgefield 24-17, while Zayne Latham's 40-yard fumble-return score carried La Center past Montesano 26-20. Freshman QB Stephen Foerstner threw for 136 yards and two TDs in Hockinson's 36-6 rout of Fort Vancouver.

Dave's Hot Chicken on 164th Ave: Neighbors Want a Timeline

A Reddit thread is buzzing with locals eager to know when Dave's Hot Chicken on 164th Avenue will finally open its doors. No official date yet, but the anticipation alone tells you something about Vancouver's appetite for the Nashville-style chain.

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

📅 Mark Your Calendar

Saturday, September 5

• Summit Climb on Mt. St. Helens – 6:00 AM. Embark on a single-day non-technical scramble to the summit with professional mountain guides and certified volunteer climbing stewards — designed for both novice hikers and experienced mountaineers. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Market – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM. The flagship year-round farmers market at 8th & Esther St., next to beautiful Esther Short Park. More info
• Ridgefield Multicultural Festival – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Ridgefield Overlook Park. A free festival celebrating History and Healing through music, dance, food, traditional dress, crafts, games and stories — plus First Saturday and Farmers Market vendors. More info
• Heritage Choir Fall Street Fair – 9:00 AM at Heritage High School, Vancouver. A community festival supporting the Heritage Choir program with handmade crafts, artisan goods, food vendors, live music performances and more. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Parkrun – 9:00 AM at Salmon Creek Trail, Vancouver. A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5K community event — walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. Register at parkrun.us for your personal barcode. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Design and Discover – 9:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Little engineers ages 3+ work with their families to build, test, design and improve through playful hands-on challenges. More info
• Sons of The American Legion Squadron 168 – Amboy – 9:00–10:00 AM at American Legion Tum Tum Post 168, Amboy. Monthly meeting supporting veterans and their families in North Clark County. Free. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Park Run – 9:00 AM at Klineline Pond and Salmon Creek Regional Park. Free weekly 5K — all ages, abilities and dogs welcome. First-timer orientation at 8:50 AM. More info
• Candle Making Workshop – 9:00 AM (and 11:00 AM session) at Kindred Vancouver, 2213 Main St. Pick your own vessel and fill it with natural soy wax, essential oils, herbs and flowers. $28 includes materials. More info
• ROAD TRIP: NWTA "Good Dirt!" MTB Event – 9:00 AM in Cascade Locks. The last Good Dirt mountain bike event of the season — trail system with green, blue and black runs plus scenic Gorge views. Three guided groups available. More info
• ROAD TRIP: Bird Language – Sit Spot & Habitat Mapping – 9:00 AM at Whitaker Ponds, NE Portland. Learn how to interpret what birds are saying about predators, food and the landscape with local naturalist Rey Snyder. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play – 9:15–10:30 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free bridge lesson followed by assisted play. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, Vancouver. Free STEAM education through aviation — flight simulators, a vertical wind table and historic airplanes on display. More info
• The Portland Maize & Pumpkin Patch – 10:00 AM–5:00 PM on Sauvie Island. Almost 2 miles of corn maze pathways plus a full pumpkin patch — fall fun has arrived. More info
• Pop-Up History Museum: Meeting History – Exploring Ridgefield's Told & Untold Stories – 10:00 AM at The Greely Building, Ridgefield. Free. Discover the industries, institutions and cultural forces that shaped Ridgefield, including lesser-known stories from its past. More info
• The American Legion Tum Tum Post 168 – Amboy – 10:00–11:00 AM at 21400 NE 399th St., Amboy. Monthly meeting supporting veterans, their families and communities in North Clark County. Free. More info
• Flora of Battle Ground Lake Hike – 10:00 AM–11:30 AM at Battle Ground Lake State Park. Washington State Parks aide Easton Lane leads a one-mile informative plant hike through the Upper Trail. Free (Discover Pass required for parking). Email [email protected] to sign up. More info
• Matcha Set Workshop – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Create a ceramic matcha bowl and whisk holder while enjoying a matcha drink from Short and Sweet. No experience necessary. $85. More info
• Native Habitat Garden Tour in Felida – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at 10918 NW 27th Ct., Vancouver. Vancouver Bee Project volunteer Steve has planted 500+ native plants — come see late-summer biodiversity in bloom. Also open Sunday. More info
• Fall Watercolor Workshops – 10:30 AM–12:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Kathryn Garcia-Stackpole of Kathryn By Design teaches florals, apples and pumpkins. Beginners welcome. $125 includes all materials. More info
• End of Summer Fun at Tesla Vancouver – 11:00 AM–2:00 PM. Games, activities, prizes, treats and a dunk tank for the sales manager. They're also accepting donations of unused school supplies for local students. Free. More info
• Play Bridge (0–150 Points) – 11:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. $10. More info
• Magpie Dreams Grand Opening – 11:00 AM–7:00 PM at 1001 Main St., Suite B, Vancouver (below Short and Sweet). A new artist collective with 20+ vendors selling original art, houseplants, vintage finds, pottery, jewelry, candles and more. Prizes and gifts for the first 39 shoppers. More info
• WNPS Plant Hike in the Gorge – 11:00 AM at Wind River Arboretum (about 14 miles north of Carson). Join Steve Clark with the Washington Native Plant Society to look for rare native plants, including a huge Fremont's silktassel bush. More info
• The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 168 – Amboy – 11:30 AM at American Legion Tum Tum Post 168, Amboy. Monthly meeting dedicated to supporting veterans, military families and communities. Free. More info
• La Center Historical Museum – 12:00–4:00 PM. Free admission — open the first and third Saturday of every month. Run exclusively by volunteers and donations. More info
• Bi-Zi Farms Sunflower Festival – 12:00–8:00 PM at Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver. Photos with beautiful sunflowers and adorable farm animals, hayrides, and a cut sunflower included with every paid entry. $12. More info
• On the Move: Incredible Animal Journeys – 1:00–2:00 PM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Free drop-in program exploring migrations of birds, butterflies, dragonflies and more. Ages 5–12 with an adult. More info
• Chinese Storytelling & Crafting – 2:00–3:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Storyteller Kenny Chen brings traditional Chinese stories to life, followed by a hands-on craft. Free. More info
• FVRL: Mushroom Hunting for Beginners – 2:00 PM. A free Fort Vancouver Regional Library workshop covering skills and tools needed for accurate mushroom identification — more than just a slideshow of edibles. No registration required. More info
• Concert on the Patio – 5:00 PM at Bookish, Camas. Family Rhythms hosts a free lakeside patio concert featuring covers the whole family will love. Donations to the Family Rhythms scholarship fund gratefully accepted. More info
• Candlelight: The Lord of the Rings – 6:30 PM at The Old Church Concert Hall, Portland. A string quartet performs the unforgettable music from the Lord of the Rings trilogy by candlelight, celebrating the 25th anniversary. $44.50–$78. More info
• Haunted History Walking Tour – 7:00 PM starting at Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Guides lead groups along Main Street and beyond to uncover the strange, peculiar and unexplained side of local history. $20. More info
• VanCity's Saturday Social Dance & Beginners Lesson – 7:00 PM at VanCity Ballroom, 9212 NE Hwy 99, Hazel Dell. A 45-minute lesson followed by social dancing of all styles until 10 PM. No partner needed. $10. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro – 7:00 PM at 12514 NW 36th Ave., Vancouver. Enjoy food, cocktails, local wine and live music on the pet-friendly patio. First come, first served seating. More info
• Haunted Walking Tours – 7:00 PM at Clark County Historical Museum. Guides lead groups of 25 through downtown Vancouver sharing tales of lingering spirits, mysterious happenings and forgotten tragedies. $15–$20. More info
• Saturday Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub – 8:30 PM at 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Let your inner entertainer shine — come solo or with friends. More info

Sunday, September 6

• ROAD TRIP: Timberline Daydream MTB Event – 6:30 AM registration opens at Timberline. Three timed downhill mountain bike runs with lift service back up the mountain. OBRA membership required. $70 adult / $35 juniors. More info
• Kids Throw Free at Firehouse Axes – 11:00 AM at Firehouse Axes, Vancouver. Up to two kids ages 10–17 throw free with each paying adult. Closed-toe shoes required (crocs available to rent). Reservations recommended. More info
• Autumn Pumpkins Workshop – 3:30–5:00 PM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Craft ceramic pumpkins using the pinch pot method — no experience necessary. Family-friendly for ages 5+ with parental help. $55. More info
• Richie Jen: Miracle Concert 2026 – 8:00 PM at The Cowlitz Ballroom, Ridgefield. One of Mandopop's most beloved stars brings his "Miracle" world tour to Clark County. More info

Monday, September 7

• Clark County Parks & Nature – Fee Free Day: Labor Day – 7:00 AM. Enjoy free access to Clark County regional parks all day — perfect for a picnic, a hike or just soaking in the scenery. Picnic shelters can be reserved online. More info
• 40 et 8 Labor Day Car Show: Custom, Classy and Classic – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at 2809 NE 78th St., Vancouver. Vehicles of all makes and models, music, raffles, vendors, food, drinks, prizes and trophies. Free for spectators. More info
• SWWDSC Community Walk Abouts – 10:00 AM at Stewart Glen Trailhead off Fruit Valley Road. The SW Washington Down Syndrome Community invites families, self-advocates, caregivers, siblings and friends for a relaxed, family-friendly walk. More info
• Clark County Genealogical Society Research Book Club – 12:00–1:30 PM, online. September's book is The Family Tree Problem Solver by Marsha Hoffman Rising. Members and non-members welcome. Visit ccgs-wa.org for the link. More info
• Bigfoot Adventure on the Portland Spirit – 2:00 PM from Caruthers Landing Dock, Portland. An 80-mile round-trip high-speed jetboat tour to Multnomah Falls with exclusive narration by Cliff Barackman of "Finding Bigfoot." $64–$72. More info
• Cosmic Watercolor Splatter Coasters Workshop – 6:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Susan Soltau of Dragon Half Art teaches wet-on-wet blending and splatter techniques to create galactically inspired coasters. No experience needed. $35. More info

Tuesday, September 8

• Enhance Fitness Classes – 8:30 AM at various locations around Clark County. Free evidence-based exercise classes for adults 60+ — instructors tailor movements to each person's ability. No pre-registration required. More info
• Playgroup – 10:00 AM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. Ages 9 months–6 years. A safe indoor space for kids to run, play, climb and explore while parents socialize. $7–$9. More info
• Take Your Genealogy Search Beyond with Free Research Guides – 10:00–11:30 AM at Clark County Genealogical Society, 3205 NE 52nd St., Vancouver. Break out of the usual search patterns and discover new family research resources. $20. More info
• Camas Public Library Food Drive – 10:00 AM. All September long, Camas Library is collecting non-perishable food, lunchbox snacks, hygiene items and laundry pods to benefit the Camas School District's Family-Community Resource Center. Donation box near the north entrance. More info
• I Got You Poo Ribbon Cutting – 10:00 AM at the Salmon Run Bell Tower in Esther Short Park. Meet this veteran-owned Vancouver business offering professional pet waste removal and lawn deodorizing services. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game – 4:30 PM at Ridgefield Community Library and Three Creeks Community Library. Ages 9–19. Create a character and play Dungeons & Dragons — beginners and experienced players welcome. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group – 5:15–6:45 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. A weekly gathering for writers of all levels with dedicated writing time — no readings or critiques. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group – 5:30–6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Geared toward beginning adult Spanish speakers. No registration required. Free. More info

Wednesday, September 9

• Build Garden Boxes for the Community Pollinator Garden – 9:00–11:30 AM at Curtin Springs Wildlife Habitat. Volunteers 13+ can help build garden boxes. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a water bottle. All tools provided by Clark County. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI – 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Artist Sayaka Ganz transforms discarded plastic objects into soaring animals, rushing waves and sculptures bursting with motion and color. On view through September 30. More info
• Providence Academy Tours – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Tour the stunning 1873 neo-Georgian brick building constructed by Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart. Free, by reservation. More info
• Contemplative Prayer – 12:20–12:45 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1309 Franklin St., Vancouver. Quiet music and contemplative prayer midweek. Free. More info
• Wearable Art at Art at the Cave – 1:00–2:00 PM Artists Talk and Runway Show at 108 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Sixty garments hand-crafted by 25 local artists plus work from eight jewelers. Free. More info
• Serving Up Civic Engagement: City Boards & Commissions Open House – 2:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Stop by for sandwiches and refreshments and chat with current City commissioners and staff about volunteer board opportunities. More info
• Camas Farmers Market – 3:00–7:00 PM in downtown Camas (temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Local farm, food and artisan vendors every Wednesday. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00–6:00 PM at Cascade Park and Vancouver Community Libraries. Open game play — decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create: Origami – 4:00 PM. Drop in for creative, hands-on origami projects. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle – 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try dragon boat paddling for free — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Leathercrafting Workshop with Dragon Half Art – 5:30 PM at The Arts Centered, Vancouver. A hands-on session for beginners and seasoned 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 PM, beginner lesson at 7 PM, social dance 8–9:30 PM. Singles, partners and groups welcome. $5–$10. More info
• Disabled American Veterans Monthly Meeting – 6:30–8:00 PM at 40 et 8, 2809 NE 78th St., Vancouver. Chapter 4's monthly meeting. Free. More info
• Moving a Loved One into Memory Care – 6:30–7:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Tami Calais guides attendees through helpful questions to determine if it's the right time to transition. Free. Register at camaspl.org/MEMORYCARE. More info

Thursday, September 10

• East Vancouver Market – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center, 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd. Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food and artisan products. Free parking. More info
• Marshall House Tours – 10:00 AM at Marshall House, Vancouver. Tour the beautifully preserved Queen Anne home of General George C. Marshall, featuring period furnishings, stained glass and military memorabilia. Free. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Michael Walker, Ruby Life Master, instructs beginning and intermediate players. $10–$50. More info
• GRO Parade of Homes – 10:00 AM–7:00 PM in the Emerald Grove community of Salmon Creek. Eight custom homes featuring contemporary architecture, smart home tech, wellness amenities and energy-efficient innovation. Open through Sept. 27. $20. More info
• Soil Health & Cover Crops Workshop – 11:00 AM with the Clark County Conservation District. Learn practical soil health practices, see a rainfall simulator demo and take home fall cover crop seed. Free. More info
• Menchie's Hazel Dell Fundraiser for Naydenov XCEL Booster Club – 3:00 PM. Treat yourself to frozen yogurt and support local gymnasts with competition expenses. More info
• Grand Opening: Exit 16 Sips & Scoops – 4:00 PM at 305 NW Pacific Hwy, La Center. La Center's new hometown spot for great food, refreshing drinks and handcrafted ice cream (including alcohol-infused flavors for adults). Come meet the team and tour the new space. More info
• Teen Hangout at Vancouver Community Library – 4:30–6:30 PM. Ages 13–19. Hang out with friends, play games, craft and chat. Snacks provided by the Friends of Vancouver Community Library. Free. More info
• "Take Learning Outside" Kick-Off Event – 4:30 PM at 28908 NW Main Ave., Ridgefield. Free event for educators to earn STEM clock hours while meeting community partners focused on outdoor teaching and learning. More info
• Composting: Find the System That Works for You – 4:30 PM. A free Clark County Composter Recycler workshop covering indoor and outdoor composting options to keep food waste out of the landfill and turn scraps into garden gold. More info
• Scarecrow Making Workshop – 5:30–7:30 PM at Pomeroy Farm, Yacolt. Learn the art of scarecrow making with longtime "Pumpkin Lane" expert Martha Todd and take your creation home. $35. Proceeds benefit the Pomeroy Living History Farm nonprofit. More info
• Backpacking 101: Adventure by Bicycle – 6:00 PM on Main St., Vancouver. A free Wild Camp Goods workshop with local cyclist Jasmine "Tater Tot" Baker covering everything you need to know about bikepacking. More info

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