📰 What's Making News

Columbia River's Marcus Boykin Plays On While Awaiting Kidney Transplant

Columbia River High junior Marcus Boykin needs a kidney transplant, but you wouldn't know it watching him on the football field — the place he calls home. The story of how this young athlete finds comfort and normalcy through the game, even as he navigates a serious health journey, is one of those pieces that reminds you why high school sports matter far beyond the scoreboard. His teammates and coaches at Columbia River have rallied around him, and the community support has been unmistakable. Read his full story in The Columbian.

Riley Jones' Penalty Kick Ends Ridgefield's Unbeaten Run

Something had to give when undefeated Woodland met undefeated Ridgefield in 2A Greater St. Helens League girls soccer Thursday night — and Riley Jones made sure it went Woodland's way. Jones converted a second-half penalty kick for the game's only goal, lifting the Beavers to 4-0 and handing the Spudders their first loss of the season at 3-1. It was exactly the kind of tightly contested league match that sets the tone for October. Full recap here.

Mark Morris O-Line Dominates Hudson's Bay in 21-14 Victory

Daniel Kobayashi Gallagher delivered the highlight reel, but it was the Mark Morris offensive line that controlled the line of scrimmage Thursday night in a 21-14 win over Hudson's Bay. The Monarchs' big guys up front opened lanes all evening, turning a competitive game into a statement performance. It's an early-season result Hudson's Bay will look to avenge down the road. Read the full game recap from The Columbian.

Your Weekend Plans: Fantasy Festival, Elktoberfest, Farm Tour

If your weekend is still wide open, consider this your permission slip to get a little weird. The Realms Unknown Fantasy Festival takes over Lewis River Golf Course in Woodland Friday through Sunday with cosplay, jousting, live music, artisan vendors, on-site taverns, and enough pirates and faeries to fill a storybook. Prefer your weekends with a pint? Elktoberfest and a Harvest Celebration Farm Tour are also on the calendar. Get all the details and plan your route here.

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💬 Community Buzz

The community conversation was a little quiet this week — we'll be back with more local discussions worth your time in the next issue!

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⚡ Quick Bites

Clark County Pursues $2 Million for Clean Water Projects

Clark County Public Works' clean water division is applying for $2 million in grants from the state Department of Ecology after the county council approved the applications on Tuesday. The funding would support local water quality efforts across the county. Read more

80,000 New Residents Expected — Vancouver Weighs How to Fund It

Vancouver has added roughly 10,000 residents since 2020, and projections call for another 80,000 over the next two decades. City leaders are now working through how to pay for the infrastructure that kind of growth demands. Read more

Free Native Seeds, Plants Available Saturday at Main Street Church

The Vancouver Bee Project opens its native plant and seed library from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main St. The free program helps gardeners of all levels create habitat for native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Read more

4A GSHL Reveals Double-Matchup Football Schedule

The 4A Greater St. Helens League has rolled out a new double-matchup football schedule this season. Hosts Paul Valencia, Tony Liberatore, and Cale Piland break down what it means for Camas, Skyview, Union, and the rest of the league on the latest Study of Sports podcast. Listen here

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Friday, September 18

• Dutch Bros Buck for Kids – 5:00 AM–11:00 PM at all seven Vancouver Dutch Bros locations. For every drink purchased, Dutch Bros donates $1 to Deaf Education Advocates Foundation and Children's Center. More info
• The Portland Maize & Pumpkin Patch – 10:00 AM at Sauvie Island, Portland. Nearly two miles of corn maze pathways to explore — allow 45 minutes to an hour to solve. Open Friday–Monday through September. More info
• Playgroup – 10:00 AM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. Ages 9 months–6 years. A safe indoor space for little ones to run, climb and explore while parents socialize. $7–$9. More info
• Growing Vegetables Without Soil Workshop – 10:00 AM–12:30 PM at 78th Street Heritage Farm, Vancouver. Learn the Kratky method of container gardening from seedling to harvest — no soil needed. Bring an opaque lidded container. $10. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: Meet Me at Kit-Tea Café – 10:00 AM at Milky & Coco's Kit-Tea Café, Vancouver. A free get-together designed for adults with dementia. Drinks and baked goods available for purchase. Register at 360-513-5754. More info
• Plas Newydd Farm Excursion & Canopy Time – 10:00 AM in Ridgefield. A guided walk through one of the most beautiful spots on the farm — observe migratory birds, native plants and seasonal rhythms. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program – 12:00 PM–1:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• NAMI Art Group – 1:00–3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, Vancouver. A weekly creative gathering at 4201 N.E. 66th Ave., Suite 105. Free. More info
• Adaptive Lower Deschutes Multi-Day Whitewater Rafting Trip – 1:00 PM Friday through Sunday evening on the Deschutes River. Paddle Class II–III rapids through Oregon's high desert with expert guides. More info
• Realms Unknown Fantasy Festival – 2:00 PM at Lewis River Golf Course, Woodland. A three-day, all-ages fantasy festival with camping, cosplay, jousting, artisan vendors, live music, parades and magical creatures galore. $40–$120. More info
• 7th Annual Elktoberfest – 4:00–10:00 PM at Vancouver Elks Lodge #823. Two days of bands, brats and brews — live music from Robby Mayer and Lip Bomb on Friday, plus food, vendor marketplace and kids' carnival games. $10 entry. More info
• Preschool Dot Art – 2:00–2:45 PM at Camas Public Library. Preschoolers and their grown-ups play with shapes and colors using dot art. Free, no registration required. More info
• Kids Create at Washougal Community Library – 3:30 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop in for creative, hands-on projects for ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Creative Crafts: DIY Squishies – 4:30 PM at Three Creeks Community Library, Vancouver. Ages 5–12 make squishy stress-busting toys. Free. More info
• EOCF Battle Ground Garden Grand Opening – 4:30–6:30 PM at EOCF's Battle Ground Early Learning Center. Tour the new outdoor classroom and educational garden, enjoy a free community BBQ, greenhouses, sensory play areas and raised garden beds. More info
• Family Bingo Night – 5:00–6:00 PM at Camas Public Library, Totem Pole Room. All ages welcome — winners receive a colorful Reading Dragons library card. Registration required at CamasPL.org/BINGO. Free. More info
• Into the Crater Hike with the Mt. St. Helens Institute – 5:00 PM. A bucket-list adventure into the crater of an active volcano with expert geologists and mountain guides. 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
• Mac Potts at 14 Acres Vineyard and Winery – 5:30–7:30 PM at 14 Acres Vineyard, Ridgefield. Live music with wine by the glass or bottle. Free. More info
• Dice Throne Fridays at Contrarian's Game Cafe – 6:00 PM at Contrarian's Game Cafe, Vancouver. Bring your hero and battle it out in this weekly dice game night. More info
• Cookie Decorating with Bear Hug Bakery – 6:00–8:00 PM at Lacamas Lake Lodge, Camas. Heather from Bear Hug Bakery walks you step-by-step through decorating six sugar cookies with royal icing. Ages 16+ (ages 8–15 with a paid adult). $60. More info
• PassinArt Open House & Block Party – 6:00 PM at Albina Arts Center, Portland. Art workshops, exhibitions, performances, DJ sets and dance. Free with registration. More info
• The Sound of Music – 6:00 PM at Washburn Performing Arts Center, Washougal. Columbia Theater Arts Foundation presents this beloved musical, Sept. 18–26. Pay-what-you-will tickets. More info
• Fort Vancouver Antique Equipment Association Meeting – 6:00–7:30 PM at Old Town Burgers and Breakfast, Battle Ground. A club for lovers of vintage farm equipment, local history and "stuck pistons, rust, grease and stubborn bolts." Free. More info
• POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony – 6:00 PM at Armed Forces Reserve Center, Vancouver. A solemn ceremony honoring America's prisoners of war and those still missing in action. Free. More info
• The Wayfinder's Quest at Kids Club – 6:30 PM at Kids Club Fun & Fitness, Vancouver. A drop-off Friday Fun Night for ages 4–11 with trampolines, crafts, dodgeball and more. Pre-registration required. $39.99. More info
• American Legion Post 168 Amboy Bingo Night – 6:30–8:30 PM at The American Legion Tum Tum Post 168, Amboy. Bingo on the third Friday of every month — proceeds benefit veterans' assistance programs in North Clark County. More info
• Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson at Cascades Amphitheater – 6:30 PM at Cascades Amphitheater, Ridgefield. With special guests Orgy and The Hu. Tickets from $46. More info
• Cozy Mugs Hand Building Workshop – 6:30–8:00 PM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, Vancouver. Hand-build a mug adorned with patterns and designs. Staff fires and glazes your creation. $55. More info
• Haunted Walking Tours – 7:00 PM at Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Guides lead groups through downtown sharing tales of lingering spirits and mysterious happenings. About one mile. $15–$20. More info
• Spirit Tales of the Vancouver Barracks – 7:00 PM at The Grant House, Vancouver. Historian Jeff Davis leads a 1.5–2 hour walking tour of the historic Vancouver Barracks and its haunted history. $17–$22. More info
• "Friday Frolic" Scottish Dance Class – 7:30–9:00 PM at Columbia Dance Center, Vancouver. No partner or special clothing needed — just soft-soled shoes. $8 at the door, first class free. More info

Saturday, September 19

• ilani Wine & Food Festival – 12:00 PM–9:00 PM at ilani Casino Resort, Ridgefield. Hundreds of award-winning wines, beers and spirits plus gourmet bites from local restaurants and live chef demonstrations on the main stage. Grand Tastings at noon and 5 PM. $49–$105. More info
• Mud Girl Run – 7:30 AM at Washougal MX Park. First wave at 8:30 AM — a fun, muddy obstacle course run. $10+. More info
• Het Meer CX – Cyclocross Race – 8:00 AM at Vancouver Lake. Races for all ages and abilities with grass, dirt, gravel, pavement and a fan-favorite sand pit. More info
• 8th Wild Wonder Nature Journaling Conference – 8:00 AM, live online. The final day of a week-long conference on nature journaling and drawing. More info
• Hike on the Dike Dog Walk Fundraiser – 8:30–11:00 AM at West Columbia Gorge Humane Society, Washougal. Walk along the dike trail with your dog, enjoy a vendor market, K9 demos, dog costume contest, agility course and raffle prizes. 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. 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, dogs welcome. First-timer orientation at 8:50 AM. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Become a Nature Detective – 9:00–10:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Ages 3–5 explore early science and engineering through playful hands-on challenges with their families. More info
• Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic – 9:00 AM at Cape Kiwanda (road trip!). The 27th annual longboard surfing competition continues through the weekend. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play – 9:15–10:30 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club. Free bridge lesson followed by play with assistance available. More info
• TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition – 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Explore more than 100 authentic artifacts recovered from the wreck site and step into the stories of the passengers. More info
• Pressure Canner Gauge Testing – 9:30–11:00 AM at Second Mile Marketplace and Food Hub, Vancouver. Free testing — bring your canner lid with gauge attached. More info
• Columbia Springs Repair Event – 10:00 AM–1:00 PM at Fourth Plain Community Commons, Vancouver. Bring broken household items to be fixed by experienced volunteer fixers — for free! Check-in ends at 12:30 PM. 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 for all ages. More info
• Vancouver Audubon: Migratory Bird Celebration – 10:00 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. The 3rd annual celebration of the tens of millions of birds migrating through Southwest Washington. Free and family-friendly. More info
• Harvest Celebration Farm Tour – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM across six Clark County farms. Self-guided tours, U-pick flowers and veggies, animal viewing, craft-making and more. Free. More info
• Harvest Celebration at Get To-Gather Farm – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM in Washougal. Pick your own peppers and sunflowers, take a hayride, climb the hay bale pyramid and see the apple cider demo at 11 AM. Free. More info
• Costume and Prop Sale – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at Metropolitan Performing Arts Building, Vancouver. Proceeds support Metropolitan Performing Arts. More info
• Perennial Propagation Workshop – 10:00 AM in Battle Ground. Master Gardener Julie Carlsen demonstrates stem cuttings and root division. $15 (free for NatureScaping members). Registration required. More info
• SOLVE Litter Pick Up at Vancouver's Waterfront – 10:00 AM at Waterfront Park, Vancouver. Roll up your sleeves and help keep our waterfront clean. Advanced registration suggested. More info
• Adaptive Outrigger Canoe Paddling Clinic – 10:00 AM in Portland. Columbia River Outrigger Canoe Club hosts an adaptive paddling clinic — learn techniques on land then hit the water. More info
• Benefits of Mulch in the Landscape Garden – 10:00 AM. WSU Extension Master Gardener workshop through Fort Vancouver Regional Library. Free, no registration required. More info
• Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery Open House – 10:00 AM. View adult salmon, watch spawning, see fish jumping the ladder, and enjoy kids' activities like Migration Golf and fish printing. More info
• WSU Extension Harvest Celebration – 10:00 AM. Clark County Master Gardeners host this celebration of the season's bounty. More info
• Illustrator Day at Camas Public Library – 10:30 AM at Camas Public Library. Meet local children's book illustrators from the "Between Page & Panel" exhibit — live demos, hands-on art activities and raffle drawings. Free. More info
• Between Page and Panel Exhibit – 10:30 AM at Camas Public Library. Original artwork by 15 local children's book illustrators — paintings, drawings and sketches that became published books. Free. More info
• Doggy Fashion Show: Storybook Tails – 10:30 AM–3:30 PM at Dandelion Teahouse and Apothecary, Vancouver. Vendor market, block party and the Dog Prom fashion show at 2 PM — dogs dress as book characters. Free. More info
• 2026 Native Plant & Seed Library Opening Day – 11:00 AM. Pick up free native plants, seeds and resources from the Vancouver Bee Project to grow pollinator habitat. More info
• Kids & Tweens Great Build Off – 11:00 AM–12:00 PM at Vancouver Mall Library. Ages 5–12 tackle a surprise design-and-build challenge. Free. More info
• Americana 250 Fall Fest at Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens – 11:00 AM–6:00 PM in Woodland. Chili cook-off, apple pie contest, vendors, live music, face painting, games and tours of the historic Klager house. Free admission. More info
• BIG ART Ridgefield – 11:00 AM–5:00 PM at the historic Greely Building, Ridgefield. 21 local artists show large-scale paintings, sculpture, collage and mixed media in 21 unique mini galleries. Live music by Kit Garoutte and Keegan Smith. Free. More info
• Cascadia Tech Summerfest Cruise-In – 11:00 AM–2:00 PM at Cascadia Technical Academy, Vancouver. Classic car show, BBQ lunch by culinary students, live music by Waterfront Band and raffle prizes. Trophy presentation at 1:30 PM. More info
• Autumn Native Art Market – 11:00 AM–3:00 PM at Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Shop handcrafted art, jewelry and goods from 20 Indigenous artists. Museum is open and free. More info
• All Paws on Deck – 11:00 AM–2:00 PM in downtown Camas. Camas High School DECA's annual street fair — nominate your dog for Dog Mayor! Proceeds benefit the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society. More info
• Play Bridge (0–150 points) – 11:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club. $10. More info
• La Center Historical Museum – 12:00–4:00 PM. Free admission at this volunteer-run museum open the first and third Saturday of every month. More info
• Bridge of the Gods 100-Year Anniversary Celebration – 12:00–8:00 PM at Cascade Locks Marine Park. Food, vendors, music, beer garden, Sternwheeler rides and fireworks to close out the night. More info
• Artist Talk at Art at the Cave – 1:00 PM at Art at the Cave, Vancouver. Hear from artists featured in the current "Wearable Art" exhibit. More info
• On the Move: Incredible Animal Journeys – 1:00–2:00 PM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Drop-in activities for ages 5–12 exploring the migrations of birds, butterflies and dragonflies. Free. More info
• Vancouver Folk Singers Sing-Along – 1:00 PM at St. Luke's-San Lucas Episcopal Church, Vancouver. Sing classic campfire tunes and folk songs — song books provided. Free. More info
• Community Clothing Swap – 2:00 PM at Battle Ground Community Library. Find new-to-you pieces or donate what you no longer wear — everyone is welcome, no donation required to participate. Free. More info
• Family Movie at Ridgefield Community Library – 3:00–5:00 PM. Bring the whole family for a movie and free popcorn. Free. More info
• Confluence Honors Patricia Whitefoot at Legacy Maker Gathering – 5:00 PM at Pearson Air Museum's Historic Hangar, Vancouver. Celebrating Patsy Whitefoot of the Yakama Nation for her decades of advocacy for Native youth and families. Dinner, storytelling and silent auction. $100. More info
• How to Winterize Your Garden for Spring Success – 5:00 PM. Free Fort Vancouver Regional Library workshop with Master Gardener tips for putting your garden to bed this fall. More info
• Across the Country by Bike: Lessons from the Road – 5:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Larry Rachman, who celebrated his 71st birthday by riding the 4,300-mile TransAmerica Trail solo, shares stories from the road. Free. More info
• Blood on the Clocktower Game Night – 6:00 PM at Contrarian's Game Cafe, Vancouver. An evening of mystery and social deduction. New players welcome at 5:30 PM. $10. More info
• Rip City Music Bingo – 7:00 PM at McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge, Kalama. One Hit Wonders–themed music bingo with singalongs, throwback moments and prizes. $5. More info

Sunday, September 20

• Race to Cure ALD – 9:00 AM at Get To-Gather Farm, Washougal. 5K trail run, 1-mile walk, Kids Dash, silent auction and farm activities — supporting Camas-based nonprofit Cure ALD, founded by Terry and Adam Wiener. $25–$45. More info
• Dragon Boat Racing for the Visually Impaired – 9:00 AM. The Northwest Association for Blind Athletes hosts a free dragon boat clinic. Contact NWABA for location details. More info
• Planting in Patches with the Pond Hags – 10:00 AM at Good Year Farms, Camas. Learn native plants 101, assess your own yard, and pick the right plants for one small patch — plus brunch! More info
• Mushroom Hunting for Beginners – 2:00 PM. A free Fort Vancouver Regional Library workshop on skills and tools for accurate mushroom identification. No registration required. More info
• Bloom Bar with Hidden House Flowers – 4:00 PM. Sara from Hidden House Flowers brings beautiful blooms for you to arrange the bouquet of your dreams. Snacks and drinks available. Sign up online. More info

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