📰 What's Making News

Downtown Main Street Reopens After Two-Year Overhaul

Pop the confetti — Vancouver's Main Street is officially open for business again. The major downtown reconstruction project that tested the patience (and bottom lines) of local shop owners wrapped up this week after two full years of construction. If you've been rerouting your downtown errands or skipping your favorite Main Street spots, it's time to head back. The businesses that hung on through the dust and detours could really use a victory lap of foot traffic. Read more from The Columbian.

Voice Actors Train at Downtown Vancouver Recording Studio

There's a recording studio tucked into downtown Vancouver where actors are ditching the on-camera grind and discovering new careers behind the microphone. Voice acting strips away the visual limitations that can narrow an actor's options, opening doors to animation, audiobooks, commercials, and more. It's a cool niche creative business thriving right here — not in L.A., not in Portland, but in our downtown. Read more from The Columbian.

Skyview's Hunter Flory Earns Week 5 Football Honors

Skyview junior Hunter Flory is The Columbian's Week 5 high school football athlete of the week, sponsored by Killer Burger. The defensive standout racked up two tackles, two passes defended, and — here's the showstopper — a 91-yard interception return for a touchdown in Skyview's win over Union. Flory pulled in 345 of 941 reader votes to claim the title. Keep that name on your radar, Storm fans. Read more from The Columbian.

From International Student to Friday Night Star at King's Way Christian

Ethan Moeti-Windley has played American high school football for just eight weeks, and he's already turning heads at King's Way Christian. An international program student, Moeti-Windley has found more than a roster spot — he's found a second family with head coach Dale Rule and the Knights program. It's the kind of story that reminds you what high school sports are really about. Read more from The Columbian.

Jude Travinski Scores 4 TDs in Stevenson's Rout at Kiggins Bowl

Stevenson's Jude Travinski put on a clinic Thursday night at Kiggins Bowl, rushing for four touchdowns as the Bulldogs rolled past Fort Vancouver, 40-12. When one player accounts for that many scores, you know the offensive line was doing its job, too. It was a dominant performance from start to finish for Stevenson. Read more from The Columbian.

Clark County Needs 2 Volunteers for Ethics Review Commission

Want to serve your community in a meaningful way? Clark County is looking for two volunteers to fill open seats on its Ethics Review Commission. Each position is a three-year term that begins immediately and runs through October 2029. It's a real opportunity to help shape accountability at the local level — and all it takes is raising your hand. Read more from The Columbian.

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⚡ Quick Bites

I-5 Rose Quarter Lanes Reopen a Week Early

Clark County commuters, breathe a sigh of relief: ODOT crews began pulling cones and barrels Wednesday night, and I-5 travel lanes through Portland's Rose Quarter started reopening mid-day Thursday. The full project wraps Sunday, October 11 — a week ahead of schedule — ending the detour headaches that have snarled southbound drives for weeks.

Western Community Insurance Parent Plans Major Expansion

The Idaho-based parent company behind Western Community Insurance Co. is scaling up, and the growth touches Southwest Washington. Details on the agricultural insurer's expansion are in The Columbian.

Waterfront Way Speed Tables Swapped for Speed Bumps Monday

Heads up if you drive the waterfront: Vancouver crews will replace all four speed tables on Waterfront Way with speed bumps on Monday, October 12. Flaggers will keep the road open, and work is expected to finish by end of business Monday.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Friday, October 9

• Couve to Columbia Relay Supports Pink Lemonade Project — 8:30 AM at Touchmark at Fairway Village, Vancouver. A relay walk/run celebrating Active Aging Week and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with proceeds supporting the Pink Lemonade Project. Participants dressed in pink take turns completing short legs of the 10-mile route to the Vancouver Waterfront. More info
• Adult & Teen Craft & Chat at La Center Community Library — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at La Center Community Library. Bring your knitting, crochet, spinning, lap quilting, needlepoint or any stitchery project for a free fiber arts social circle. Ages 13+. More info
• Bi-Zi Farms Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze — 10:00 AM at Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver. Paid entry includes a wagon ride, one free pumpkin (any size you can carry!), and admission to the corn maze plus same-day access to the nighttime maze. $14–$16. More info
• QuiltFest Northwest Golden Jubilee — 10:00 AM–4:00 PM at Clark County Event Center, Ridgefield. The Clark County Quilters' 50th annual show features more than 500 quilts, the Cherrywood Challenge Exhibit, a vibrant vendor mall, and door prizes. $10 admission. More info
• Playgroup at Firstenburg Community Center — 10:00 AM. A self-monitored indoor playgroup for ages 9 months–6 years with safe, clean toys while parents meet and socialize. $7–$9. More info
• Game & Puzzle Swap — 10:00 AM at Kindred Vancouver. Refresh your board game, card game, and puzzle collection at this free community swap. Nothing to bring? No problem — everyone is welcome to browse! More info
• Plas Newydd Farm Excursion & Canopy Time — 10:00 AM in Ridgefield. A guided walk exploring beautiful spots on the farm — observe migratory birds, watch native plants, and soak in the rhythms of the land. More info
• Gardner School Book Swap — 11:00 AM–3:00 PM. Families are invited to bring gently used books, puzzles, and games to trade. This year's swap also features a chili cook-off and cornbread competition. Free. More info
• Vancouver Pumpkin Patch — 11:00 AM–6:00 PM at Velvet Acres Gardens, Vancouver. Pick-your-own pumpkins, corn maze, hay bale pyramid, hayrides, apple cannon, farm animals, vendors, and food carts. $10 weekdays. More info
• Home Starts Here Luncheon — 11:30 AM–1:30 PM at NW Furniture Bank, Vancouver. Tour the furniture bank's new facility, hear stories of transformation, and enjoy food from Bleu Door Bakery. Funds raised help furnish homes for families rebuilding their lives. $75. More info
• The Patch at Whalen Oaks Farm — 12:00 PM in Woodland. A sprawling 40+ acre pumpkin patch with 60+ varieties of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, plus a large u-pick field. Free parking and no admission fee. More info
• Fall Creative Art Market — 12:00–6:00 PM at First Congregational United Church of Christ, Hazel Dell. The Society of Washington Artists presents original art, greeting cards, scarves, home decor, and artisan crafts. Free admission. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00–3:00 PM at the NAMI office, 4201 N.E. 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. A weekly art group 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, Vancouver. A musical screening on the second Friday of every month. $10 per person. More info
• Walton Farms Pumpkin Patch — 3:00–5:00 PM at Walton Farms, Camas. Admission includes a corn maze, train ride, and one pumpkin any size. Dogs allowed on leash. $13; seniors 55+ $11; 2 and under free. More info
• Girls on the Rock — 5:00 PM. An all-girls climbing event for ages 6–13 offering a fun and supportive environment to build confidence and try something new. No experience or equipment needed. $19–$24. More info
• Pumpkin Lane After Dark — 5:30 PM at Pomeroy Farm, Yacolt. A cozy evening hayride down scarecrow-adorned Pumpkin Lane, plus wine, s'mores from the fire, and BBQ from Mosscrowe BBQ. $40, includes hayride, beverage token, and two s'mores. More info
• Live Music: Owen Kortz at 14 Acres Vineyard & Winery — 5:30–7:30 PM in Ridgefield. All ages welcome, no cover, no reservation needed. Wine by the glass and bottle available. More info
• Project Huddle Knit/Crochet Circle — 5:30–8:00 PM at Dandelion Teahouse and Apothecary, Vancouver. Bring your projects to work on — or bring unfinished projects and scraps for others to use. Free. More info
• Ridgefield Dragon Boat Paddles — 5:30 PM in Ridgefield. Try dragon boat paddling — no experience needed, ages 14+, and it's completely free. A fun, team-oriented activity on the water. More info
• Bi-Zi Farm Nighttime Corn Maze — 6:00–10:00 PM at Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver. Navigate the maze after dark on Friday and Saturday nights through October. $9.50; $7.50 for ages 62+ and military. More info
• Jesus and Friends: An Evening of Acoustic Christian Music — 6:30–8:00 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Vancouver. Modern Christian music performed on acoustic instruments, second Friday of each month. Free; donations encouraged. More info
• Haunted Theme Park at Oaks Park — 7:00 PM at Oaks Park, Portland. Two immersive haunted houses, additional haunted houses with an upgraded ticket, plus a Halloween theme park with food, drinks, and oddities vendors. $25–$33. More info
• Fiddlin' & Folktales — 7:00–8:30 PM at the Historic Covington House, Vancouver. Enspire Arts presents lively fiddling by Seth Moran and heartfelt folktales with storyteller Will Hornyak in the cozy charm of a historic cabin. $12–$20. More info
• Haunted History Walking Tour — 7:00 PM at Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Museum guides lead groups along Main Street and beyond to uncover the unexplained — tales of what haunts the buildings and streets of downtown Vancouver. $20. More info
• Flynn Creek Circus: The Cricket and the Wren — 7:00 PM at Clark College, Vancouver. An all-human circus featuring aerialists, jugglers, and knife throwers telling the story of a merchant's daughter on a harrowing yet wonderful journey. $27–$98. More info
• Spirit Tales of the Vancouver Barracks — 7:00 PM. Historian Jeff Davis leads a 1.5–2 hour walking tour covering haunted history from 1849 through 2011. Meet at the Grant House parking lot. $17–$22. More info
• Guys and Dolls — 7:30 PM at Winningstad Theatre, Portland. The perfect musical comedy set in Damon Runyon's mythical New York City — gamblers, romance, and Broadway magic. $48.25. More info
• Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors at Magenta Theater — 7:30 PM at 1108 Main St., Vancouver. A lightning-fast, laugh-out-loud, 90-minute comedy romp where five actors play over a dozen roles in this hilarious send-up of the literary classic. $28–$30.20. More info
• Love Street Playhouse presents The Women of Lockerbie — 7:30 PM at 126 Loves Ave., Woodland. A moving story of grief, healing, and community set seven years after the Pan Am Flight 103 tragedy. $26. More info
• "Friday Frolic" Scottish Dance Class — 7:30–9:00 PM at Columbia Dance Center, Vancouver. New dancers welcome — no partner or special clothing needed (soft-soled shoes recommended). $8; first class free. More info
• Cinema of Horrors Drive-In Movies — 7:30 PM at Clark County Event Center, Ridgefield. Drive-in horror movies with high-quality sound, in-car audio, and Hollywood-quality monsters. Food and drinks available. Tickets from $78.22. More info
• Live Music: Robby Mayer at Pour Choices Pub — 7:30–9:30 PM at 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Robby Mayer makes his Pour Choices debut — grab your favorite drink and come give him a warm welcome. More info

Saturday, October 10

• BlackPearl Halloween Horse Show — 6:30 AM–6:00 PM at the Dr. Jack Giesy Arena, Clark County Event Center, Ridgefield. A fundraiser supporting equine performing arts. Spectators are free! More info
• Washington State Parks Fee-Free Day — 7:00 AM. No Discover Pass needed! Celebrating World Mental Health Day, this is a perfect excuse to explore Washington's state parks at no cost. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. The flagship market has been running since 1990 — shop local produce, artisan goods, and more in the heart of downtown. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Become a Nature Detective at OMSI — 9:00–10:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Kids ages 3–5 and their families build, test, design, and improve through playful hands-on STEAM challenges. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Park Run — 9:00 AM at Klineline Pond and Salmon Creek Regional Park. A free weekly 5K — walk, jog, or run at your own pace. All ages, abilities, and dogs welcome. First-timer orientation at 8:50 AM. More info
• Second Saturday at Jane Weber Arboretum — 9:00 AM–12:00 PM at 9215 S.E. Evergreen Hwy., Vancouver. Volunteers work together on fall chores at the arboretum. Free. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play — 9:15–10:30 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club. Get a free bridge lesson, then play with assistance available if needed. More info
• Water Center Backyard Habitat Garden Cleanup — 9:30 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Help keep the Backyard Habitat Certified gardens in shape — weeding, trimming, and blackberry removal. Tools and gloves provided. Registration required. More info
• Walk with a Doc — 9:30 AM. A free monthly walking program — hear a short health topic from a healthcare provider, then enjoy a healthy walk at your own pace. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, Vancouver. Explore flight simulators, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes. Free admission for all ages. More info
• The Halloween Ball with Northwest Children's Theater — 10:00 AM at The Judy, Portland. A costume parade, interactive live storytime, dance party, and sing-along. Shows at 10 AM, 12:30 PM, and 3 PM. Best for ages 4+. $16. More info
• Pumpkin Lane at Pomeroy Farm — 10:00 AM–5:00 PM in Yacolt. Take a hayride down Pumpkin Lane past dozens of pumpkin people scenes, pick the perfect pumpkin, visit farm animals, and enjoy kids' activities. $8 adults; $6 kids 3–11; 2 and under free. More info
• Harvest Market in Woodland — 10:00 AM at Rusted Roots Apparel & Gifts, Woodland. A vendor market on the enclosed porch with local vendors, a pumpkin scavenger hunt, and design-your-own trick-or-treat bags for kids. More info
• Cozy Mugs Hand Building Workshop — 10:00–11:30 AM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, Vancouver. Hand-build a mug with patterns and decorations under step-by-step instructor guidance. $55. More info
• Perennial, Bulb and Seed Swap — 10:00 AM–1:00 PM at NatureScaping Wildlife Botanical Gardens, Brush Prairie. Bring potted perennials, bulbs, or seeds from your garden and swap with fellow gardeners. Free. More info
• Adopt-A-Park Event at St. Helens Park — 10:00 AM. Help beautify St. Helens Park by removing ivy and spreading mulch. Training, gloves, tools, water, and snacks provided. Family-friendly and great for teens. More info
• Wild Edibles: Native & Non — 10:00 AM at Good Year Farms, Washougal. Learn about edible native and introduced plants already in your yard, with ethical harvest practices, preparation techniques, and tastings. More info
• Sensory Storytime — 10:30–11:30 AM at Vancouver Community Library. An interactive storytime with sensory play, freedom of movement, and visual aids in a smaller group setting for children ages 3–9. Registration required. Free. More info
• Spanish Storytime — 10:30 AM at Camas Public Library. A bilingual storytime with stories and songs in Spanish and English for children and families. No registration required. Free. More info
• Shine the Light: Mental Health Awareness Summit — 11:00 AM–4:00 PM at Clark College Gaiser Hall, Vancouver. An afternoon of mental health education and connection featuring NAMI programs including de-escalation training. Free. More info
• Play Bridge (0–150 points) — 11:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club. $10. More info
• Paper Collage at Art at the Cave — 12:00–5:00 PM at Art at the Cave, Vancouver. Drop in for a free, stress-free collage session hosted by artist Greg Bee. Bring supplies or use what's there. More info
• ilani Oktoberfest — 12:00–7:00 PM at ilani Casino Resort, Ridgefield. Bavarian food, German and local beers, traditional dishes, music, contests, and games on the rooftop Biergarten. Two sessions available. $29 for 21+. More info
• Teen Sewing 101 — 2:00–4:00 PM at La Center Community Library. Learn how to use a sewing machine and create a simple project. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Swan Lake by Oregon Ballet Theatre — 2:00 PM at Keller Auditorium, Portland. Tchaikovsky's hauntingly emotional score performed live by the OBT Orchestra. $75. More info
• The Golem's Gift by Northwest Children's Theater — 2:00 PM at The Judy, Portland. A world premiere musical inspired by Jewish folklore about a man made of clay determined to repair the world. Best for ages 8+. $25–$35. More info
• LEGO Halloween Build Event at Barnes & Noble — 2:00 PM at Barnes & Noble, Vancouver. Come in your favorite Halloween costume for a LEGO-themed mini build. Perfect for ages 10+ and LEGO enthusiasts of all ages. Free; contact store to RSVP. More info
• Classic Cocktail Sessions & Book Signing at The Elbow Room — 2:00–6:00 PM at The Elbow Room, 1800 Broadway, Vancouver. James Beard Award-winning bartender Toby Maloney leads a cocktail class from 2–4 PM, followed by happy hour and a book signing with acclaimed author Jim Meehan from 4–6 PM. Free. More info
• Floating Pumpkin Patch at Kids Club — 3:30 PM at Kids Club Fun & Fitness, Vancouver. Pick your pumpkin from the pool during open swim! Ages 0–12; all children must be accompanied by an adult in the pool. $20 for 2 adults and 1 child. More info
• Ben Grace at 14 Acres Vineyard and Winery — 5:30–7:30 PM in Ridgefield. Live music with wine by the glass and bottle. Free. More info
• Wine and Paint: Watercolor Ravens — 6:00–8:30 PM at Pomeroy Cellars, Yacolt. Artist Coiya Jaquith guides you step-by-step through a watercolor painting of autumn ravens. $49 includes all materials and a glass of wine. More info
• Second Saturday Jazz: Lukas Gienapp and Max LaCour — 6:00 PM. This piano and bass duo plays traditional jazz, fusion, and original compositions. Tony will be on-site with wood-fired pizzas. More info
• Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub — 8:30 PM at 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Let your inner entertainer shine — come solo or bring friends for a fun night out. More info

Sunday, October 11

• Vancouver Audubon's Young Birders Club — 8:00 AM at WSU-Vancouver Campus. Youth ages 8–18 search for migratory birds and irruptive finches. Birders of all levels welcome — binoculars available to share. More info
• Mushroom Foraging with Mt. St. Helens Institute — 10:00 AM at Pine Creek Information Station. Learn to identify wild edible and inedible mushrooms, practice ethical harvesting, and cook your finds into delicious dishes. Plan on getting your shoes and hands dirty! More info

Wednesday, October 14

• Ridgefield Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan — Open House Workshop — 4:30–6:30 PM at Columbia Assembly Room, Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center. Help shape the future of Ridgefield's parks, trails, and recreation by sharing your feedback. More info

Thursday, October 15

• Clark College Native Plant Center Fall Sale — 12:00 PM at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way. Stock up on native plants — remember, fall is the best time to plant outdoors! Sale runs Oct. 15–17. More info
• Step Inside Opal & Ivy — Ribbon Cutting — 4:00 PM at 8606 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Suite C, Vancouver. Celebrate this community-focused luxury salon with a tour, refreshments, and a raffle. Open since January 2026, Opal & Ivy brings independent stylists together in a warm, welcoming space. More info
• LCNN Seeds for Education — Seed Sorting & Packing — 4:00 PM at Good Year Farms, Washougal. Join local gardeners in sorting and packing seeds for school gardens across the region. More info
• Doomscrolling Detox: Finding Your Balance in the Digital Age — 6:00 PM at the Red Cross Building, Vancouver. Journalist and media educator T. Andrew Wahl breaks down how we got here and offers practical tools for navigating today's information landscape. Free. More info
• Open Mic at Dovetail Cellars — 6:00 PM. Host Jeff Keddie welcomes a dedicated lineup of songwriters and small groups, broadcast live on KXRW. Sign-ups start at 5:30 PM. More info

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