📰 What's Making News

Downtown Vancouver Gets a New Photo Gallery Called Lightly Spiced

Photographer Abhi Gupta has opened Lightly Spiced, a brand-new photography gallery in downtown Vancouver that showcases his striking work. The gallery brings a fresh creative voice to the downtown corridor and gives locals another reason to spend an afternoon exploring the neighborhood. If you've been looking for unique, locally made art for your walls — or just want to see something beautiful on a summer stroll — this one's worth a visit. Read more from The Columbian.

Ridgefield Raptors Rip Off Three Straight Wins, Outscore Opponents 43-4

The Ridgefield Raptors are suddenly scorching hot. After snapping a 10-game losing streak Saturday in Bend, the club has rattled off three consecutive victories — including an 8-3 win over the Marion Berries on Monday night at home. Three Raptors pitchers combined to limit Marion to just four hits. That 43-4 combined score over the streak is the kind of turnaround that makes mid-summer baseball fun again. Full recap here.

Vancouver Named One of the West's Top Retirement Destinations

Vancouver just landed on a list of the nine best places to retire in the western United States — and honestly, it tracks. The recognition highlights the city's access to healthcare, outdoor recreation, and relative cost-effectiveness compared to other West Coast metros. It's the kind of outside validation that locals already know in their bones but still feels good to see in print. See the full story.

Know a Community Champion? First Citizen Nominations Now Open

The Greater Vancouver Chamber is accepting nominations for the 2026 First Citizen Award, which honors individuals whose leadership and service have made a lasting impact on Southwest Washington. If someone in your life has poured their energy into making this community better — through volunteerism, mentorship, or quiet behind-the-scenes work — this is your chance to put their name forward. Past recipients represent a who's-who of local changemakers. Nominate someone here.

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⚡ Quick Bites

July 16 Lightning Strike Sparks Fire Inside Woodland Business

Last week's dramatic sunrise thunderstorms did more than light up Instagram feeds — a lightning bolt struck a Woodland industrial building on West Scott Avenue, igniting a fire inside the walls that brought Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue to the scene. The National Weather Service confirmed multiple cloud-to-ground strikes across Clark and Cowlitz counties during the July 16 storms. Full story here.

Furry Friends Caring for 255 Cats, Kittens — and Needs Your Help

Vancouver's Furry Friends rescue is bursting at the seams with roughly 180 kittens and 75 adult cats as year-round kitten season strains staff and supplies. The no-kill shelter is actively looking for foster volunteers, adopters, and supporters — adoption events run at the PetSmart location and at Milky and Coco's Kit-Tea Café. Details and how to help.

Daybreak Regional Park Closes Lower Section Aug. 3 Through Oct. 15

Heads up if you use the boat launch or lower trails at Daybreak Regional Park in Battle Ground — Clark County Public Works is shutting that portion down starting Aug. 3 for East Fork Lewis River habitat and flood restoration work. The upper park areas remain open, and volunteer planting opportunities are expected once construction wraps. Read more.

60,000-Acre Kaiser Canyon Fire Displaces Over 1,000 in Okanogan County

The Kaiser Canyon Fire near Nespelem in Okanogan County has burned more than 60,000 acres and displaced over 1,000 residents. If you're looking to help from here in Clark County, The Columbian has compiled a list of ways to donate and support evacuees.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Wednesday, July 22

• Mt. St. Helen's Summit Climb with MSHI — 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
• Rebecca Anstine Gallery presents Impressions of the Pacific Northwest — 8:00 AM. Showcasing the work of Pacific Northwest artists Oleg Ulitskiy and Elizabeth Ganji, who celebrate the region's moody landscapes and vibrant moments. Free admission. Rebecca Anstine Sixth Floor Gallery, Vancouver. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM. Evidence-based group exercise for older adults (age 60+) hosted by the Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest Washington. Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. More info
• Free Financial Planning Day — 9:00 AM–6:00 PM. Get a complimentary one-on-one session with a certified financial planner at Johnson Bixby, 275 W. Third St., Suite 600, Vancouver. Schedule a 30-minute session on Zoom or in person. Free. More info
• Mt. St. Helen's Eruption Hike with MSHI — 9:00 AM. A guided nature hike exploring the hummocks created by the May 18, 1980 eruption, winding through huge mounds of rocks and debris before ascending the Boundary Trail. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI — 9:30 AM. Sayaka Ganz's stunning sculptures transform thousands of discarded plastic objects into soaring animals and rushing waves. On view through September 30. OMSI, Portland. More info
• Takohachi Duo — 10:00 AM. This vibrant Japanese street theater tradition weaves folktales into a dynamic, interactive kamishibai experience for all ages. La Center Community Library. Free. More info
• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM. Free tours of the historic Marshall House on Officers Row, featuring period furnishings, military memorabilia, and an interpretation of General George C. Marshall's study. Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Vancouver. More info
• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM. Free tours by reservation or for small walk-in groups. Providence Academy, Vancouver. More info
• High School Art Exhibit at Camas Public Library — 10:00 AM. The Second Story Gallery hosts its annual exhibition of artwork from Camas School District high school art students, featuring painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Free. More info
• Where's Waldo? at Autumn Leaf Books — 10:00 AM. As one of only 300 participating bookstores nationwide, Autumn Leaf Books invites the community to search for Waldo hidden in up to 25 local businesses throughout downtown Camas. Pick up a passport and collect stamps! Free. More info
• Reading in the Wild — 10:00 AM. Free outdoor reading series for families with kids ages 3–6 at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. This week's theme: Un-Bee-lievable Pollinators! More info
• Chipper's Preschool Rides at Oaks Park — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM. Littlest friends enjoy kiddie rides and selected family rides, then visit Chipper the Squirrel during snack and story time. Ages 6 and younger. $13.50 per child. Oaks Park, Portland. More info
• Creature Teachers — 10:30 AM–12:00 PM. School-aged children and their adults gather for an educational presentation about reptiles, followed by a meet-and-greet with the animals. Registration required. Camas Public Library. Free. More info
• Brain Health and Dementia Awareness — 1:00–3:00 PM. Hope Dementia Support hosts a community conversation about brain health and aging, reducing risk, and resources for individuals and families. Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. Free. More info
• Meet Me at the Wildlife Refuge — 1:30–3:30 PM. HOPE Dementia Support presents naturalist-led activities to explore nature and see local wildlife. Register in advance. Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Free. More info
• Silver Trails Community Walk — 2:00 PM. A walking program for adults 65+ from Parks Foundation of Clark County, Community in Motion, and Vancouver Parks. Easy 1–2 mile walks through beautiful local parks and trails. More info
• Camas Farmers Market — 3:00–7:00 PM. Find the market at its new temporary location on Birch Street, between 3rd and 4th Avenues, in the heart of downtown Camas. More info
• Trainer in the Park — 3:30–5:30 PM. Free training advice session with Julie Mills from Paws Down Pets at Dakota Dog Park, 1515 NE 164th Ave., Vancouver. Look for the green DogPaw flags. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00–6:00 PM. Open game play — decks provided or bring your own. Cards donated by magikids.org. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens STEM Lab — 4:00–5:00 PM. Hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math activities for ages 5–12. Washougal Community Library. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM. Try dragon boat paddling at no cost — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. More info
• Leathercrafting Workshop with Dragon Half Art — 5:30 PM. A hands-on leathercraft session for beginners and seasoned crafters alike. Walk away with something genuinely cool. $40–$45. The Arts Centered, Vancouver. More info
• Poetry Street PNW Open Mic — 6:00 PM. Read aloud your original or favorite work, and listen to monthly featured poets. All ages welcome. Camas Public Library. Free. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom — 6:00 PM. 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. Vancouver. More info
• Ciencias Night at OMSI — 6:00 PM. A night celebrating the local Latinx community with museum exploring, science demonstrations, vendor tables, and cultural celebration. OMSI, Portland. $8–$10. More info
• Nexus Nights at Contrarian's Game Cafe — 6:00 PM. Riftbound weekly constructed play — 3 rounds of Swiss, Nexus Packs for all participants. Contrarian's Game Cafe, Vancouver. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball — 6:30 PM. Watch Clark County's hometown baseball team at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. More info
• Evanescence 2026 World Tour — 7:00 PM. The massive global headlining tour featuring classic hits alongside new music. Cascades Amphitheater, Ridgefield. Tickets from $35. More info

Thursday, July 23

• Lakes Trail at Snow Lake — WTA Backcountry Response Team — 8:00 AM. A longer hike along the gorgeous Lakes Trail with views of Mount St. Helens, continuing into the coveted Mt. Margaret Backcountry with camping at Snow Lake. More info
• Cape Horn Lower Trail — WTA Work Party — 8:30 AM. Join WTA to brush back vegetation, restore a rocky talus section, and level out shifting tread on the spectacular Cape Horn Trail in the Columbia River Gorge. More info
• Days of Aloha — 9:00 AM. Four days celebrating Hawaiian arts and culture at Clark College and Esther Short Park in Vancouver (July 23–26). Immerse yourself in hands-on workshops, hula competition, and more. More info
• Tending and Traditional Ecological Knowledge at Sandy River Delta — 9:30 AM. Join Confluence, Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership, and local Indigenous partners for land tending focused on cattail wetland rehabilitation. 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, Vancouver. More info
• Tiny Art Show at Camas Public Library — 10:00 AM. The 6th annual Tiny Art Show is back — come see what the Camas community has created. Free. More info
• Vancouver Bridge Club Introductory Bridge Class — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM. A six-week introductory class at 6503 Mill Plain Blvd., Suite H. $10 per lesson or $50 for all six. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM. Instructed by Ruby Life Master Michael Walker at the Vancouver Bridge Club. $10–$50. More info
• Family Storytime at Ridgefield NWR — 10:30–11:00 AM. The Ridgefield Community Library crew hosts storytime at the new Community Nature Center building on the Carty Unit. Center open 10 AM–12 PM. Refuge daily entrance fee applies. More info
• Teddy Bear Picnic — 11:00 AM–12:00 PM. Preschoolers ages 3–5 bring their favorite stuffed animal for a morning picnic with story time, games, and snacks. Heritage Park at Lacamas Lake, Camas. Free. More info
• Clark County Play Day: Orchards Community Park — 3:00–6:00 PM. Learn about the upcoming park improvement project and provide feedback while enjoying lawn games and light refreshments. 9800 NE 54th St. More info
• Poindexter Corrective Exercise Center Ribbon Cutting — 4:00 PM. Celebrate the relocation of Poindexter Corrective Exercise Center to 6833 NW Friberg-Strunk St., Building B, Camas. Tour the new space and connect with the community. More info
• Teen Hangout — 4:30–6:30 PM. Hang out with friends, play games, craft, and chat. Ages 13–19. Snacks provided by Friends of Vancouver Community Library. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure — 4:30–6:30 PM. Create a character and take on challenges with a team in this interactive Dungeons & Dragons experience. Ages 9–19. Cascade Park Community Library. Free. More info
• Road Cycling 101 — 5:30 PM. Join the Vancouver Bicycling Club's Charla Burke for fun group rides exploring trails, neighborhoods, and parks. 5–10 miles at 10 mph on flat terrain. More info
• Waterfront Concert Series — 6:30 PM. Free live music on the north shore of the Columbia River. Bring a picnic or grab food from a local waterfront restaurant. Vancouver Waterfront Park. More info
• Shoestring Circus: Dreamland — 7:00 PM. Aerialists fly, acrobats tumble, and a cast of delightful oddballs keeps things just the right amount of ridiculous inside the vintage circus tent at Hazel Dell Commons. $17–$55. More info
• Lord of the Rings Trivia at Firehouse Axes — 7:00 PM. The ultimate journey through Middle Earth with Rogue Trivia, covering the movie trilogy. Party size 1–8. $5/person. Firehouse Axes, Vancouver. More info
• Line Dancing at Ashwood Taps and Trucks — 7:00–9:00 PM. Line dancing with Kat Nichols — open to all ages, beginners welcome. $10. Washougal. More info
• Musical Bingo at Pour Choices Pub — 7:00 PM. Sing along to favorite hits, mark your card, and win prizes with hosts Juels and Marissa. 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. More info

Friday, July 24

• Volunteer Gleaning: SWWA Victory Garden — 9:00 AM. Join Urban Abundance volunteers at the community garden to keep things growing. Produce will be donated to LULAC. 2311 NE 68th St., Vancouver. More info
• Family Mountain Bike Ride Days at Timberline Lodge — 9:30 AM. Kids and teens 17 and under ride free with an adult day ticket or season pass at Timberline Bike Park. Bike and gear rentals available on-site. Mt. Hood, OR. More info
• Adult & Teen Craft and Chat — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM. Bring your current craft project and join a no-stakes session. Ages 13+. La Center Community Library. Free. More info
• Camas Days 2026 — 10:00 AM–11:00 PM. Two full days of parades, music, street vendors, a wine and microbrew street, and kids' activities in downtown Camas. Kids Parade at 12:15 PM, beer and wine garden with live music from 5–11 PM. Free. More info
• School Supply Swap — 10:00 AM. Bring extra supplies you have and take what you need for the upcoming school year. Runs through July 26. Kindred Vancouver. Free. More info
• Summer Craft & Play with Drip Drop Art Studio — 10:00 AM. Sensory bins, art projects, and a Maker Station for kids 5+. Drip Drop Art Studio, Vancouver. $18. More info
• Lunchtime Walking Tour: Kauffman Ave — Urban & Rural — 12:00 PM. Join historian Tracy Reilly-Kelly to explore hidden stories, from Vancouver's First Fruit Valley to the early Hidden brick yards. Free. Corner of Fourth Plain and Kauffman, Vancouver. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal — 12:00–1:00 PM. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+ sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry at Calvary Chapel Vancouver. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00–3:00 PM. Weekly art group at the NAMI Southwest Washington office, 4201 NE 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. Free. More info
• Adaptive Mountain Bike Skills Camp — 1:00 PM. A three-day aMTB skill-building camp for Off Road Hand Cycles with Oregon Adaptive Sports. Off Road Hand Cycles available for confirmed attendees. More info
• Kids Hero Quest for Young Adventurers — 1:30–2:30 PM. Kids ages 5–9 and their caregivers team up to battle monsters, avoid traps, and discover treasure in this beginner-friendly tabletop adventure. Three Creeks Community Library. Free. More info
• HOPE Walk at Columbia River Trail — 1:30 PM. A gentle, guided walk for people living with dementia and their care partners. RSVP required. More info
• Kids Outdoor Games — 2:00–3:00 PM. Run, jump, and activate your brain with games at Battle Ground Community Library. 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
• Base Camp at Mount St. Helens — 3:00 PM. Camp on the north side of Mount St. Helens for the weekend with guided hikes, evening dinners, and grand views. Science and Learning Center above Coldwater Lake. $275. More info
• Four Days of Aloha — 3:30 PM. The festival continues with the Hapa Haole Hula Competition and Mele on the Lawn. Esther Short Park. More info
• Kids Create — 3:30–4:30 PM. Drop in for creative and interactive projects. Ages 5–9. Washougal Community Library. Free. More info
• Tween Hangout — 4:00–5:30 PM. Games, crafts, and fun for ages 9–12. Snacks provided by Friends of Vancouver Community Library. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Cruise-In — 4:00–8:00 PM. Friday night cruise-in with disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool, and more included in admission. $5–$10. Brush Prairie. More info
• Teen Bad Art — 4:30–5:30 PM. A hilariously fun program where perfection is not allowed. Make your worst art and vote for the most impressively bad piece. Vancouver Community Library. Free. More info
• ZooNights — 5:00 PM. Summer Friday evenings at the Oregon Zoo with live music, food carts, keeper chats, and animal encounters. Portland. $13–$26. More info
• Bag Charm Bar Class: Girls' Night Out Edition — 5:00 PM. Design a custom bag charm with beads and charms at Craft Warehouse, Vancouver. Beginner-friendly. $15. More info
• Into the Crater Hike with MSHI — 5:00 PM. A bucket-list adventure into the crater of an active volcano, past canyons, pumice fields, lava beds, waterfalls, and wildflowers to the youngest glacier in the world. More info
• Historic Trust Summer Concert: Bottleneck Blues Band — 5:30–8:30 PM. Live blues on the lawn at the O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver. Food trucks and beer garden available. Free admission. More info
• Dragon Boat Paddle in Ridgefield — 5:30 PM. Free community paddling — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. Ridgefield. More info
• Metropolitan Performing Arts presents The Prom — 6:00 PM. The Drama Desk Award-winning musical performed by the Summer Intensive program. $16–$20. 6403 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. More info
• Good Times and Wine at English Estate Winery — 6:00–8:00 PM. Live music from Nashville-recorded country artist Tom Mann, plus an on-site food truck. Free admission. 17806 SE First St., Vancouver. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro — 7:00 PM. Enjoy food, cocktails, local wine, and live performances on the pet-friendly patio. 12514 NW 36th Ave., Vancouver. More info
• Pour Choices Summer Concert Series: UN4CALLED — 7:30 PM. Classic rock with a shot of country. 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. More info
• La Center Our Days Celebration — 8:00 PM. The annual community festival kicks off with a Twilight Parade, followed by a full day on July 25 with a 5K, car show, pancake breakfast, kid zone, live music, and more. Downtown La Center. Free. More info

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