📰 What's Making News

Pearson Field Gets a Hand-Painted Compass Rose With Amelia Earhart Ties

Vancouver's Pearson Field Airport has a striking new ground mural — a compass rose painted by members of The 99s, the all-women pilots organization founded by Amelia Earhart herself. The tradition dates back to aviation's earliest days, when pilots relied on painted directional markers to navigate from the sky. The new installation connects one of the oldest operating airfields in the country to a legacy of women in flight that stretches back nearly a century. It's a small, beautiful addition to a place already rich with history. Read more from The Columbian.

Christian Harlow, One Win From a Pacific Northwest Junior Golf Title

Vancouver's Christian Harlow, who plays for King's Way Christian, swept both his matches Thursday to punch his ticket to the championship round of the Pacific Northwest Golf Association Junior Boys Amateur. The tournament draws top young talent from across the region, and Harlow will now compete for the title. It's a significant moment for the local golfer and a reminder that Clark County keeps producing athletes who compete well beyond our zip code. Read more from The Columbian.

Clark County Fair Through Fresh Eyes? One Reporter's First Visit Says It All

A Columbian reporter did something thousands of Clark County residents do every summer — hit the Clark County Fair — but with a twist: it was their very first time. The resulting write-up is a charming tour through 4-H exhibits, farm animals, and the milkshake line, all seen without the filter of nostalgia. Whether you're a lifelong fairgoer or still haven't made it out to Ridgefield this year, it's a fun read that captures exactly why the fair keeps drawing crowds. Read more from The Columbian.

5 Things to Do This Week: Aviation History, a Veterans Ride, Sip & Stroll

Looking for weekend plans? The Columbian's "Try This" roundup has five local picks, including a dive into Fort Vancouver's aviation heritage, a charity ride supporting veterans, and a Sip & Stroll event perfect for an evening out. The list spans Vancouver, Ridgefield, and North County, so there's something no matter which corner of Clark County you call home. See the full list at The Columbian.

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

💬 Community Buzz

Sparks Furniture Building Gets a Second Life as Vintage Treasure Trove

Downtown Vancouver just gained a new reason to wander Main Street. Reliques Revival has opened inside the old Sparks Furniture Building, filling the space with vintage clothing, antiques, home décor, and collectibles sourced from local and regional vendors. The shop is the brainchild of Scott Wyckoff and Kayleen Martin-Tellis, who already run RefleXions in the area — so they know a thing or two about curating a good find. If you're the type who loves the thrill of the hunt over a standard shopping trip, this one's worth a visit. Read more about the new shop on Clark County Talk.

Know a fellow Vancouverite who'd enjoy this? Send them a copy.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.

⚡ Quick Bites

Five New Eateries Head to Battle Ground

IHOP, Wingstop, Muchas Gracias, Super Chix, and Camp Donut are all advancing through permits and signage across Battle Ground, with locations near the Battle Ground Market Center and Millcreek Town Center. Full details here.

Monster Trucks, Donuts, Live Music: Your Clark County Fair Friday Guide

Today's lineup at the Clark County Fair includes two Monster Truck shows in the grandstands arena, a Monster Donut Eating Contest, and live sets from Blown Cover Band and Bogans Band on the Community Stage. See the full schedule.

Vancouver Teen Emma Turner Wins Lemonade Day Entrepreneur Title

Emma Turner, 16, beat nearly 300 businesses at the Southwest Washington Junior Market with her crochet venture, Fallen Leaf Lake Creations, to claim the 2026 Lemonade Day Entrepreneur of the Year award from the Greater Vancouver Chamber. Read her story.

Cascade Park Homeowners Flag Damage from Ziply Fiber Installation

Residents in Cascade Park say Ziply construction crews dug up brand-new sod and caused property damage while installing fiber lines — in some cases without homeowners requesting service. The Columbian has the details.

560 Diaper Boxes Distributed at Hazel Dell Fred Meyer

Akin Family Resources handed out 560 boxes of diapers, wipes, and baby essentials at the Hazel Dell Fred Meyer through its Bundles of Love program, which also connects families with year-round Clark County services. Learn more.

Free Gospel Concert at Shaffer Farm, Aug. 23

The Happy Accidentals' fifth annual Gospel Concert comes to Shaffer Farm in Ridgefield on Aug. 23, featuring the eight-man a cappella ensemble alongside the Voices of Praise youth choir — admission is free, and there's a potluck. Get the details.

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

📅 Mark Your Calendar

Friday, August 14

• Bird Outing with VAS — 7:00 AM. Enjoy sweeping views of Vancouver Lake while spotting birds winding down from nesting season and gearing up for fall migration. All experience levels welcome. Free, but a Discover Pass is required to park (borrow one from Fort Vancouver Regional Library). More info
• ROAD TRIP — PCT Trail Days at Cascade Locks — 7:00 AM. The 19th annual Pacific Crest Trail Days returns to Marine Park in Cascade Locks, Oregon on Aug. 14–15. Over 100 exhibiting sponsors, a Gear Expo and Marketplace, games, presentations, and outdoor adventures for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. Evidence-based group exercise for adults age 60-plus. Sessions run 8:30–9:30 AM and 10–11 AM on Wednesdays and Fridays. More info
• Cascade Park Kiwanis Fundraising Rummage Sale — 9:00 AM–7:00 PM at Fourth Plain Church of the Nazarene, Vancouver. Find tools, children's clothing, bikes, toys, sports equipment and DVDs. Proceeds support the Kiwanis Doernbecher Children's Cancer Program, Boys and Girls Club, Martha's Pantry, and more. More info
• Volunteer Gleaning: SWWA Victory Garden — 9:00 AM at 2311 NE 68th St., Vancouver. Join Urban Abundance volunteers to keep this community garden growing. Harvested produce is donated to LULAC. More info
• ROAD TRIP: Family Mountain Bike Ride Days at Timberline Lodge — 9:30 AM at Mt. Hood, OR. Kids and teens 17 and under ride free with an adult day ticket or season pass. Bike and gear rentals available on-site. More info
• Summer Craft and Play with Drip Drop Art Studio — 10:00 AM at Drip Drop Art Studio, Vancouver. Maker Station fun for kids over 5 with recyclables, pom poms, wood items, and more. $18. More info
• Drip Drop Art Craft and Play — 10:00 AM at Drip Drop Art Studio, Vancouver. Art projects and sensory bins for ages 1–5, plus a Maker Station add-on for ages 5+. $24. More info
• Clark County Fair — 10:00 AM–11:00 PM at Clark County Fairgrounds, Ridgefield. "Blast Off to Fun" with rides, entertainment, food, hands-on adventures, and concerts under the carnival lights. $8.50–$11.50. More info
• Plas Newydd Farm Excursion and Canopy Time — 10:00 AM in Ridgefield. Explore beautiful corners of the farm with hosts Abby Braithwaite and David Morgan — observe migratory birds, native plants, and the rhythms of the land. More info
• Unicorn Storytime at Cascade Park Community Library — 11:00 AM–12:00 PM. Come for the story, stay for a special appearance by Mystical and Pearl the unicorns. Free. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program — 12:00 PM–1:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+ every Friday. More info
• Law Firm Hosts Long-Term Care Planning Seminar — 12:00 PM. Pettis Webber Pacific attorney Karen Webber presents a free in-person seminar on incapacity and long-term care planning. Registration required — call 360-696-2069. More info
• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child — 1:00 PM at Keller Auditorium, Portland. Broadway's six-time Tony Award-winning spectacular brings the wizarding world to the stage. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00–3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 NE 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. A creative gathering every Friday. Free. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: Meet Me at the Movies — 1:00 PM at Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver. A musical on the big screen on the second Friday of every month. $10. More info
• Kids Hero Quest for Young Adventurers — 1:30–2:30 PM at Three Creeks Community Library. New to tabletop games? Kids ages 5–9 and their caregivers team up to battle monsters, avoid traps, and discover treasure. Free. More info
• Chor Anno presents Voices in the Vineyard — 3:00–5:00 PM at Columbia Ridge Winery, Ridgefield. Sip wine, enjoy food, and listen as Chor Anno performs. Tickets include a glass of wine and a four-variety tasting with wine expert Steve Meharg. $75–$95. More info
• Kids Create — 3:30–4:30 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop in for creative, interactive projects for ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Tween Hangout at Vancouver Community Library — 4:00–5:30 PM. Games, crafts, and chatting for ages 9–12, with snacks provided by Friends of Vancouver Community Library. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Cruise-In — 4:00–8:00 PM at Alderbrook Park, Brush Prairie. Classic cars, disc golf, train rides, beach volleyball, mini golf, bounce houses, play structures, pool, and more. $5–$10. More info
• ZooNights — 5:00 PM at Oregon Zoo, Portland. Live music, food carts, keeper chats, animal encounters, elephant ears, and local beer and wine for adults. $13–$26. 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. See the youngest glacier in the world up close. 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
• Project Huddle Knit/Crochet Circle — 5:30–8:00 PM at Dandelion Teahouse and Apothecary, Vancouver. Bring your projects or your unfinished pieces and scraps for others to use. Free. More info
• Hollie Olson at English Estate Winery — 6:00 PM at English Estate Winery, Vancouver. Pianist and vocalist Hollie Olson performs jazz, blues, R&B and originals. Small plates from Venue 1903 food truck. No cover — guests buy food and wine. More info
• Sip and Paint Pottery with Valo Cellars — 6:00–8:00 PM at Valo Cellars on the Vancouver waterfront. Kilnfolk Clay Studio guides you through painting pottery pieces. $20 includes a glass of wine; pottery priced $15–$45. More info
• Free Movies in the Park: Super Mario Galaxy — 6:30 PM at Fruit Valley Park. Enjoy family-friendly activities before the movie at dusk. Food and drinks available from local vendors, or bring a picnic. Free. 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 on acoustic instruments. Free, donations encouraged. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro — 7:00 PM at Farrar's Bistro, Vancouver. Food, cocktails, local wine and live performances on the pet-friendly patio. First come, first served. More info
• Pour Choices Summer Concert Series: Allie Childers — 7:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Laid-back acoustic vibes and feel-good summer music. No cover. More info
• ZZ Top Performs at ilani — 8:00 PM at ilani's Cowlitz Ballroom, Ridgefield. Rock, blues and boogie legends with the iconic beards and spinning guitars. $99.90–$355.90. More info

Saturday, August 15

• Mt. St. Helens Summit Climb with MSHI Geologist — 6:00 AM. A single-day non-technical scramble to the summit with professional mountain guides — designed for novice hikers and experienced mountaineers alike. More info
• Clark County Parks Fee-Free Day: National Relaxation Day — 7:00 AM. Free access to Clark County regional parks all day. Bird watch, paddleboard, skateboard the trails, or have a BBQ picnic with the family. More info
• Cameraderie Bird-a-thon — 8:00 AM at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Split into teams and compete to spot as many bird species as possible, capped off with a species count and awards ceremony. All ages and experience levels welcome. More info
• Windhaven Ride for Veterans — 8:30 AM–2:00 PM, starting at Yacolt Community Church. Hot rods, classic cars, and motorcycles cruise northeast Clark County, then return for music, food, and a vendor market. $25 vehicle entry. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park. The flagship market, running since 1990, with local produce, artisan goods, and community vibes. More info
• Wander Clark County: HerStory Walking Tour (Early) — 9:00 AM at Clark County Historical Museum. Celebrate the remarkable women who shaped Vancouver and Clark County — from Esther Short to Mother Joseph and beyond. $10. More info
• Wander Clark County Walking Tours — 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM at various locations. Knowledgeable guides lead you through historic neighborhoods, sharing stories, architecture, and the people who shaped our community. $12.51. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Design and Discover at OMSI — 9:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Bilingual hands-on STEAM program for ages 3–5 and their families. Build, test, design, and improve through playful challenges. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Parkrun — 9:00 AM at Salmon Creek Trail, Vancouver. A free, fun, friendly weekly 5K — walk, jog, run, or volunteer. All ages and abilities welcome, dogs too. More info
• Stewardship Saturday at Columbia Springs — 9:00 AM–12:00 PM at Columbia Springs, Vancouver. Volunteer to remove invasive species, maintain trails, and improve site accessibility. Tools and gloves provided. More info
• Whipple Creek Regional Park Trail Maintenance — 9:00 AM. Join the Whipple Creek Restoration Committee for brush cutting and trail graveling. Meet at the main north parking area off NE 179th St. Email [email protected] to sign up. More info
• Frenchman's Bar Beach Cleanup — 9:00 AM at Frenchman's Bar Regional Park. Help Clark County Public Works clean up the beach. All tools supplied — just wear closed-toe shoes and bring water. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play — 9:15–10:30 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club. Free bridge lesson followed by assisted play. More info
• Beaks, Feet and Feathers — 9:30 AM at Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Families with kids ages 6–10 learn how beaks, feet, and feathers help birds thrive, then hit the trail to explore the wetlands. Free; registration required. More info
• Kids Crochet at Hook and Needle — 10:00–11:00 AM at Hook and Needle Fiber, 621 Broadway, Vancouver. Beginner crochet for ages 10+ taught by Becka Denning of Radiant Beans. Students create bookmarks. $45, supplies included. 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
• A Flight Through Time at Pearson Field — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, Vancouver. Free celebration of aviation history with guided walking tours, exhibits, aircraft and vintage car displays, flight simulators, paper airplane competitions, a talk by historian Martin Middlewood, and more. More info
• Reptile Man — The Fascinating World of Reptiles — 10:00 AM at various FVRL Library locations. Live reptiles, big laughs, and up-close encounters with the Oregon Reptile Man. Free. More info
• Safe Routes to School Summer Fair — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at The Heights Bike Garden, Vancouver. Plan your route to school, join a Bike Rodeo, learn to ride, do a story walk-and-talk, and play bus bingo with C-Tran. Bring bikes, trikes, or scooters. Free. More info
• Sunflower Festival at O'Keefe Farms — 10:00 AM–7:00 PM at O'Keefe Farms, Brush Prairie. Sixty varieties of sunflowers, live music, 30 craft vendors, food trucks, and gorgeous photo ops. $10 adults, $5 kids. More info
• Berry Bowls Workshop at Kilnfolk Clay Studio — 10:00–11:30 AM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, Vancouver. Make a ceramic berry bowl — beginner-friendly, ages 8+. $55. More info
• The Stuff of Legends at AQUA Gallery — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at AQUA Gallery on the Vancouver waterfront. Vibrant paintings of mythological characters by Carson Legree and expressive stuffies by Abby Ketcham. Free. More info
• Freeform: A Day of Creativity — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub. Free art workshops including Flamenco dancing, eco-art, poetry, neurographic drawing, paper collage, upcycle sewing, music therapy, and air dry clay. More info
• Open House: East Vancouver Community Park Planning — 10:00 AM. The City of Vancouver wants your help designing a new 14-acre community park near 192nd Ave. and 20th St. All ages welcome; light refreshments provided. More info
• Goat Adventure at Your Library — 10:00 AM. Meet some new goat friends in this mobile petting zoo at your local library. Free. More info
• ROAD TRIP: Waterfront Walk on the East Esplanade with Outdoor Afro — 10:00 AM in Portland. Walk along the Eastside Esplanade with views of Portland's downtown from the opposite riverbank. Free. More info
• Jenks Music and Juggling — 11:00 AM at Ridgefield Community Library. A high-energy music and juggling show that will dazzle and entertain. Free. More info
• Wander Clark County: HerStory Walking Tour (Late) — 11:00 AM at Clark County Historical Museum. Same engaging tour celebrating the women who shaped our community. $10. More info
• Play Bridge (0–150 Points) — 11:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club. $10. More info
• The La Center Historical Museum — 12:00–4:00 PM at La Center Historical Museum. Free admission, run by volunteers and donations. 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
• Artist Talk at Art at the Cave — 1:00 PM at Art at the Cave, Vancouver. Hear from artists in the current "Lost and Found" exhibit by the Inner Light Photographic Society, celebrating its 40th anniversary. More info
• Amazing Aquifers — 1:00–2:00 PM at Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Drop-in hands-on activity for ages 5–12 to learn about aquifers, drinking water, and conservation. Free. More info
• The Vancouver Folksingers — 1:00–3:00 PM at St. Luke's-San Lucas Episcopal Church, Vancouver. A monthly singalong for all skill levels. Song books provided; bring your own instruments. Free. More info
• Family Movie at Ridgefield Community Library — 3:00–5:00 PM. Bring the family for a free movie and free popcorn. More info
• Jessa Campbell and the Saplings at Camas Public Library — 3:00 PM. Upbeat, danceable songs rooted in STEM and ecology themes to close out the Summer Reading Program. Register at CamasPL.org/Jessa. Free. More info
• Teen Escape Room at Washougal Community Library — 4:00–5:00 PM. Navigate an underwater-themed escape room full of clues and puzzles. Designed for teens of various skill levels. Free. More info
• Hough Foundation Sip and Stroll — 5:00–8:30 PM in downtown Vancouver and Uptown Village. The 15th annual walk-and-taste event features 34 tasting stops at local businesses. Proceeds support programs for neighborhood elementary students. 21+ only. $45. More info
• Bad Art Night at Camas Public Library — 5:30–7:00 PM. Create the most terrible piece of art you can — materials provided. An hour of gleeful creation followed by a 30-minute Bad Art Gallery with prizes. Free. More info
• Saturdays in the Park at Sternwheeler Park — 6:00–8:00 PM in La Center. Family-friendly free concert series. More info
• Battle Ground High School Class of '76 — 50th Reunion — 6:00–10:00 PM at Summit Grove Lodge, Ridgefield. Contact Valerie Weisenborn at 360-607-7248 to reserve. $40. More info
• Nordic Midsummer Farm Dinner — 6:00–8:30 PM at Good Year Farms, Washougal. A semi-authentic Nordic smörgåsbord with deviled eggs, Jarlsberg spread, crayfish, sausages, and more — complete with paper hats and accordion-playing Scandinavians. $99; proceeds support Friends of the Washougal Community Library. More info
• VanCity Saturday Social Dance and Beginners Lesson — 7:00 PM at VanCity Ballroom, Hazel Dell. A 45-minute beginner lesson followed by social dancing until 10 PM — ballroom, Latin, swing, and country. No partner needed. $10. More info
• Saturday Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub — 8:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Let your inner entertainer shine. More info

Sunday, August 16

• Sunday Sounds Concert Series — 8:00 AM at Columbia Tech Center Park, Vancouver. The season finale of this free, all-ages summer concert series. Food and refreshments available from local vendors, or bring a picnic. More info
• Living History: Fort Vancouver Dragoons — 11:00 AM–1:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Learn about US Army Dragoons stationed at Fort Vancouver in 1855, explore their equipment, and watch a live saber-fighting demonstration by Academia Duellatoria. Free. More info
• Mad About Plaid Open House at the Valiant Ballroom — 12:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, Vancouver. Most Everything Vintage releases its fall and winter collection — 800+ pieces of wool, plaid, tweed, and knit clothing and accessories. Enter at 815 Washington St. through the Narnia wardrobe. Free. More info

Spread the word: forward this to someone who loves Vancouver as much as you do.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.