📰 What's Making News

Kafiex Roasters Earns Micro Roaster of the Year Honor

Vancouver's own Kafiex Roasters just added another trophy to the shelf — the shop has been named Micro Roaster of the Year. The locally owned roastery opened its first Vancouver location back in 2018 and has been racking up recognition ever since. If you've been a fan from the early days, consider this your permission to feel smug about it. And if you haven't tried them yet, now you've got a very good reason to fix that. Read more from The Columbian.

Ridgefield Girls Soccer Grinds Out Season-Opening Win Over Skyview

Head coach Mallory Hall didn't expect polished play from Ridgefield in the season opener — but she got something better. The Spudders gutted out a 2-1 victory over Skyview on Tuesday night, showing the kind of resilience that tends to pay dividends come October. It's a promising early signal for a program that keeps trending upward. Read more from The Columbian.

Remi Buckley's Second-Half Strike Lifts Columbia River Past Union

Columbia River's Remi Buckley picked the perfect moment to make her mark, scoring off an assist from Keke Mabini in the second half to give the Chieftains a 2-1 win over Union on Tuesday. It was the kind of clutch finish that gets a team buzzing early in the season. Two tight 2-1 results across the county made for a great opening night of girls soccer in Clark County. Read more from The Columbian.

Pilot Walks Away Unharmed After Plane Crash Near Camas

A small plane went down Tuesday afternoon at Grove Field airport north of Camas, and — remarkably — the pilot walked away without a scratch. Details on the cause are still emerging, but the outcome is about as good as you can hope for in a situation like this. The airport is operated by the Port of Camas-Washougal. Read more from The Columbian.

Clark College Penguins Split Results in NWAC West Play

Both Clark College soccer teams battled South Puget Sound to identical 2-2 draws, part of a week that saw the men's squad go 0-1-1 in NWAC West Region action. The Penguins showed fight in both matches, but the draws highlight how tight the conference competition is this fall. Full results and what's ahead are in the latest Clark Report. Read more from The Columbian.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Clark County's First Soccer Mini-Pitch Opens at Orchards Elementary

Seattle Reign FC forward Jordyn Bugg joined students at Orchards Elementary School yesterday to cut the ribbon on a brand-new soccer mini-pitch — the first of its kind in Clark County. The project is a partnership between the Rave Foundation, CVS Health, and Evergreen Public Schools, designed to give kids a dedicated space for the sport right on campus. Full story here.

Want a Seat on a City Board? Apply by September 30

Vancouver's 2026 fall application for city boards and commissions is open now through September 30. If you're curious about what's available, drop by the Serving Up Civic Engagement Open House today, September 9, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Cascade Park Community Library. Details and application link here.

Samish Tribe Names Newest Baby Southern Resident Orca

The Samish Indian Nation held a naming ceremony Sunday on Samish Island for the Pacific Northwest's latest baby Southern Resident orca whale — a welcome addition to the critically endangered population. Read about the ceremony here.

Patriots Fans Gathering at Gossip and the Grain for Season Opener

New England faithful in Southwest Washington are meeting up at Gossip and the Grain (164th and Fourth Plain) for the Patriots-Seahawks season opener. If you've been quietly repping that Flying Elvis logo in Seahawks country, you're not alone. Join the crew here.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Wednesday, September 9

• Build Garden Boxes for the Community Pollinator Garden — 9:00 AM at Curtin Springs Wildlife Habitat. Roll up your sleeves and help build garden boxes for a community pollinator garden! Open to volunteers aged 13+. Wear closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather. All tools provided by Clark County. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI — 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. See artist Sayaka Ganz transform thousands of discarded plastic objects into soaring animals and rushing waves in this stunning 3D impressionism-meets-environmentalism exhibit, on view through September 30. More info
• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Tour the stunning 1873 neo-Georgian building constructed by Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart. Open Wednesday–Friday, 10 AM–2 PM by reservation. Free admission. More info
• Fort Vancouver Kiwanis — 11:30 AM–1:00 PM at Brothers Cascadia Brewing Evergreen Pub, 108 W. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Free to attend. More info
• Wearable Art at Art at the Cave — 1:00 PM at Art at the Cave Gallery, 108 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Catch the Artists Talk and Runway Show featuring 60 garments hand-crafted by 25 local artists, plus work from eight jewelers. Free admission. More info
• Serving Up Civic Engagement: City Boards and Commissions Open House — 2:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Stop by for sandwiches, refreshments, and a chance to chat with current City commissioners and staff about volunteer board opportunities. No registration required. More info
• Camas Farmers Market — 3:00–7:00 PM in Downtown Camas (temporary location on Birch Street, between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Browse the region's best farm, food, and artisan vendors at this beloved weekly market. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00–6:00 PM at Cascade Park and Vancouver Community Libraries. Bring your own deck or use one provided (cards donated by magikids.org). Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create: Origami — 4:00 PM. Drop in for a creative origami session for 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 theARTcentered, Vancouver. A hands-on leathercraft 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 the 40 et 8, 2809 NE 78th St., Vancouver. Chapter 4's monthly gathering — all welcome. Free. More info
• Moving a Loved One into Memory Care — 6:30–7:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Tami Calais leads a free workshop with helpful questions to determine if it's the right time to transition to memory care. Register at camaspl.org/MEMORYCARE or call 360-834-4692. More info

Thursday, September 10

• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM at various locations around Clark County. Free evidence-based exercise classes for adults 60+ with instructors who tailor movements to each person's ability. No pre-registration required — just arrive early if it's your first time. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center, 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products. 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 stained glass, decorative woodwork, period furnishings, 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. Instructor Michael Walker (Ruby Life Master) covers opening bids, slam bidding, takeout doubles, and more. $10–$50. More info
• GRO Parade of Homes — 10:00 AM–7:00 PM in the Emerald Grove community of Salmon Creek. The Building Industry Association of Clark County showcases eight custom homes featuring smart home tech, wellness amenities, and energy-efficient design. $20 at groparadeofhomes.com. 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. More info
• Menchie's Hazel Dell Fundraiser for Naydenov XCEL Booster Club — 3:00 PM. Grab frozen yogurt and support local gymnasts — proceeds help cover competition expenses. More info
• Preschool Shape Detective — 3:30–4:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Preschoolers ages 3–5 and their adults use shape finders as magnifying glasses to explore the library. Register at CamasPL.org/shapedetective or call 360-834-4692. Free. More info
• Grand Opening of Exit 16 Sips & Scoops — 4:00 PM at 305 NW Pacific Highway, La Center. Help welcome La Center's new hometown spot for great food, craft beverages, and handcrafted ice cream (including alcohol-infused flavors for adults). More info
• Teen Hangout at Vancouver Community Library — 4:30–6:30 PM. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks for ages 13–19, provided by the Friends of Vancouver Community Library. Free. More info
• "Take Learning Outside" Kick-Off Event for Educators — 4:30 PM at 28908 NW Main Ave., Ridgefield. Year 4 of this free workshop series connects educators with outdoor teaching ideas and community partners. Earn up to 2 STEM clock hours. More info
• Composting: Find the System That Works for You — 4:30 PM. A free workshop from the Clark County Composter Recycler program covering indoor and outdoor composting methods to turn kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich soil. More info
• Scarecrow Making Workshop at Pomeroy Farm — 5:30–7:30 PM at Pomeroy Farm, 20902 NE Lucia Falls Rd., Yacolt. Learn the art of scarecrow making with longtime "Pumpkin Lane" expert Martha Todd and take your creation home. $35/person. Register at eventbrite.com. More info
• Vancouver Sons and Daughters of Italy Meeting — 6:00 PM at Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 3500 NW 129th St., Vancouver. Dinner is included. Free. More info
• Backpacking 101: Adventure by Bicycle — 6:00 PM on Main St., Vancouver. Wild Camp Goods hosts a free workshop with Jasmine "Tater Tot" Baker, a local bicycle mechanic, for an intro to bikepacking. More info
• Southwest Washington Woodturners Monthly Meeting — 7:00–9:00 PM at Friends of the Carpenter, 1600 W. 20th St., Vancouver. Open to experienced and novice woodturners. Free. More info
• Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic Featuring Adrienne Awen — 7:00 PM at Art at the Cave, 108 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Awen weaves harp melodies, vocals, and effects inspired by the natural world. Suggested $5 donation. More info

Friday, September 11

• Patriot Day Ceremony — 9:00 AM at Vancouver City Hall. A solemn community gathering to honor the memory of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Free. More info
• Adult & Teen Craft & Chat at La Center Community Library — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM. Bring your knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, or any fiber arts project to this social circle. Ages 13+. Free. More info
• The Portland Maize & Pumpkin Patch — 10:00 AM–5:00 PM on Sauvie Island, Portland. Nearly 2 miles of corn maze pathways, plus a pumpkin patch. More info
• GRO Parade of Homes — 10:00 AM–7:00 PM in Salmon Creek. Eight custom homes on display. More info
• Playgroup — 10:00 AM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. A safe indoor space for ages 9 months–6 years to run, climb, and explore while parents socialize. $7–$9. More info
• Book Swap at Kindred Vancouver — 10:00 AM–4:00 PM at 2213 Main St., Vancouver. Bring clean, gently used books and take home as many new-to-you titles as you like — no trade required. Free. More info
• Canopy Time at Plas Newydd Farm — 10:00 AM. A guided nature walk blending phenological observation and nature journaling on one of the area's most beautiful farms. More info
• Fall Watercolor Workshop — 10:30 AM–12:30 PM at the 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. Register at kathrynbydesign.art. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program — 12:00–1:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lunch for seniors age 60+, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• Home School Rides at Oaks Park — 12:00 PM at Oaks Amusement Park, Portland. Unlimited ride bracelets for homeschool families. $21.50. More info
• Blood Drive at Magenta Theater — 12:00–5:00 PM at 1108 Main St., Vancouver. Donors get a $5 discount on tickets for Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, plus a free Hello Kitty item. Sign up at redcrossblood.org (code: magentatheater). More info
• Rose City Comic Con — 1:00 PM at Oregon Convention Center, Portland. Portland's premier pop culture convention — a fun, family-friendly 3-day celebration of comics, gaming, cosplay, and fandoms. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00–3:00 PM at the NAMI office, 4201 NE 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. A creative gathering hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Southwest Washington. Free. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: Meet Me at the Movies — 1:00 PM at Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver. A musical screening on the second Friday of every month. $10 per person. More info
• Base Camp at Mount St. Helens — 3:00 PM at the Science and Learning Center above Coldwater Lake. A rare weekend camping experience on the north side of the mountain with guided hikes, evening dinners, and stargazing. $275. More info
• Alderbrook Park Cruise-In — 4:00–8:00 PM at Alderbrook Park, Brush Prairie. Classic cars, disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool access, and more. $5–$10 admission. More info
• Ridgefield Lions Oktoberfest — 4:00–10:00 PM at Abrams Park, Ridgefield. Hammerschlagen, live music by Freight Train Jaine and Double Down, stein-hoisting and Best Dressed contests. Ages 21+ on Friday. Tickets from $27.38. More info
• Into the Crater Hike with the Mt. St. Helens Institute — 5:00 PM. A bucket-list guided adventure past hummocks, lava beds, waterfalls, wildflowers, and the youngest glacier in the world. More info
• Project Huddle Knit/Crochet Circle — 5:30–8:00 PM at Dandelion Teahouse and Apothecary, 109 W. Seventh St., Vancouver. Bring your projects or your unfinished scraps to share. Free. More info
• Ridgefield Dragon Boat Paddles — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield. Free community paddling — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Battle Ground Legacy Night — 6:15–9:00 PM at Battle Ground District Stadium. All Battle Ground alumni are invited to watch BGHS vs. Prairie, with alumni recognition and a dress-in-your-graduation-decade theme. $10 adults. More info
• Jesus and Friends: An Evening of Acoustic Christian Music — 6:30–8:00 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1309 Franklin St., Vancouver. Modern Christian music on acoustic instruments. Free; donations encouraged. More info
• Haunted History Walking Tour — 7:00 PM starting at the Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Guides lead you through downtown's haunted tales and strange local history. $20. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro — 7:00 PM at 12514 NW 36th Ave., Vancouver. Enjoy food, cocktails, and live local music on the pet-friendly patio. More info
• Spirit Tales of the Vancouver Barracks — 7:00 PM starting at The Grant House, Vancouver. Historian Jeff Davis leads a 1.5–2 hour walking tour through over 150 years of history and hauntings. $17–$22. More info
• The Weeds: Trio of Innovative Original Irish Melodies — 7:30 PM at Old Liberty Theater, Ridgefield. This Carmel, California family trio blends traditional Irish melodies with innovative original compositions on fiddle, mandolin, banjo, harp, and piano. $22. More info
• "Friday Frolic" Scottish Country Dance Class — 7:30–9:00 PM at Columbia Dance Center, 1700 Broadway, Vancouver. No partner or special clothing needed (soft-soled shoes recommended). $8; first class free. More info

Saturday, September 12

• VAS BirdBlitz 2026 on iNaturalist — 6:00 AM. Team up with Vancouver Audubon Society to find and document birds across Clark, Skamania, and Klickitat counties in the lead-up to the Migratory Bird Celebration. Upload photos and recordings to iNaturalist. More info
• Summit Climb on Mt. St. Helens — 6:00 AM. A single-day guided scramble to the summit with professional mountain guides. Designed for both novice hikers and experienced mountaineers. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park. Vancouver's flagship year-round market, running since 1990, with the best local produce, food, and artisan goods. More info
• Vancouver Peace and Justice Fair — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park. Explore booths from 36 sponsors and 48 exhibitors, enjoy live music from the Red Rubies Vietnam Dancers, Punjabi Sikh Dancers, Portland Sage Singers, Bard Owls, and more. Free admission. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Parkrun — 9:00 AM at Klineline Pond/Salmon Creek Regional Park. A free weekly 5K — walk, jog, or run at your own pace. All ages, abilities, and dogs welcome. Register at parkrun.us/salmoncreektrail. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Sasquatch Science Team at OMSI — 9:00–10:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Curious kids and families use their five senses to explore and wonder about Sasquatch. More info
• Litter Pick-Up at Frenchman's Bar Regional Park — 9:00–11:30 AM. Join Clark County Public Works to slam dunk the junk at one of our favorite parks. Wear closed-toe shoes, bring water and a snack. More info
• Uptown Vancouver Community Clean-Up — 9:00 AM. Meet at Kindred, 2213 Main St., Vancouver, for gloves, picker-uppers, and buckets. Help keep Uptown beautiful! More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play — 9:15–10:30 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lesson followed by assisted play. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM. Flight simulators, a vertical wind table, historic airplanes, and hands-on STEAM activities for all ages. Free admission. More info
• Dandelion Wish Fair — 10:00 AM at Dandelion Teahouse & Apothecary, Vancouver. An outdoor popup makers market with local vendors offering skincare, plants, jewelry, quilts, and more. More info
• 2026 Catio Tour — 10:00 AM in SE Portland. Peek into some of the most creative outdoor cat enclosures in the area, from simple setups to jaw-dropping backyard showpieces. $15. More info
• Flower Bouquet Workshop at OMSI — 10:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Learn flower arranging with Lexie Criscola of Fruits of Orange using locally grown, seasonal flowers. Take-home bouquet included. $55. More info
• Nature Days at Columbia Springs — 10:00 AM–1:00 PM at Columbia Springs, Vancouver. Free, self-guided nature exploration with volunteer-led activities, games, and guided walks. This month's theme: Fire, Fungi & Other Community Builders. More info
• Bird Stories of Plas Newydd Farm Writing Workshop — 10:00 AM in Ridgefield. Author Kate Gray leads a writing workshop inspired by the farm's feathered friends. No experience necessary. Coffee, tea, and light refreshments provided. More info
• Sensory Storytime — 10:30–11:30 AM at Vancouver Community Library. An interactive storytime with sensory play, visual aids, and smaller group sizes for children ages 3–9 with sound sensitivity. Registration required. Free. More info
• Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Summer Train Rides — 12:00 PM departing from Yacolt. Ride through the tunnel, across the East Fork of the Lewis River, and stop at Moulton Station to visit Yacolt Falls. $18–$24. More info
• Paper Collage at Art at the Cave — 12:00–5:00 PM at Art at the Cave, Vancouver. Greg Bee hosts a free, stress-free, social collage session every second Saturday. Bring supplies or use what's there. More info
• Bi-Zi Farms Sunflower Festival — 12:00–8:00 PM at Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver. Photos with beautiful sunflowers, hayrides, farm animals, and one cut sunflower included with admission. $12. More info
• The Waterfront Vancouver Bluegrass Festival — 12:30 PM at Waterfront Park, 695 Waterfront Way, Vancouver. Free all-day bluegrass featuring Jackstraw, The Rosa Lees, Stillhouse Junkies, and the Jason Carter Band. Continues Sunday with Thunder Ridge, Tuesday String Band, Whiskey Deaf, and Never Come Down. More info
• Camas Car Show — 2:00–7:00 PM in Downtown Camas. Stroll the streets and enjoy classic and custom cars and trucks at this 19th annual event. Free admission for spectators, with raffles and a dance performance at 5 PM. More info
• OMSI Public Star Party: Autumn Night Sky — 8:00 PM at Stub Stewart State Park, Buxton, OR. Free stargazing with OMSI, Rose City Astronomers, and Oregon Parks and Recreation. Telescopes and binoculars of all sizes available. Parking $10/vehicle. More info

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