📰 What's Making News

New Cocktail Lounge Stakes Its Claim in Downtown Vancouver

Co-owners Andrew Myers, Carla Myers, and Nick Rasmussen are bringing Proof Cocktails and Lounge to downtown Vancouver, promising a space built around conversation, live music, and sit-down dining. The trio envisions a neighborhood gathering spot where the vibe lands somewhere between a craft cocktail bar and a proper restaurant. Downtown has seen a steady stream of new openings in recent years, and Proof looks to add another reason to spend an evening on this side of the river. Read more from The Columbian.

Car Show Season Is Rolling — Here's Your Clark County Calendar

Mark your weekends, because Clark County's biggest car shows are stacking up fast. Cruise the Couve returns July 18, the Slo Poks Car Club celebrates 75 years with its annual Show and Shine on Aug. 8, and the Cedars North W58 Fly-In and Car Show on Aug. 22 expects around 4,000 aviation and automotive fans. The Camas Car Show, postponed earlier by rain, has also been rescheduled. Whether you're a gearhead or just love a good people-watching afternoon, there's a show for you. Full schedule at The Columbian.

Ken Moody's Retirement Project: Cleaner Clark County Roadsides

Vancouver's Ken Moody spent years noticing the trash lining local freeways and county roads — so when he retired, he decided to do something about it. Moody is now working to boost participation in the Adopt-a-Highway program across Clark County, rallying neighbors and community groups to claim stretches of roadside and keep them clean. It's the kind of one-person-starts-a-movement story that makes you want to grab a trash bag and join in. Read his story at The Columbian.

Washougal Rallies Around Grant Johnson's Family as Fundraiser Nears $30K

The Washougal community is coming together to honor Grant Johnson, a 2026 Washougal High School graduate who passed away June 29 after contracting a bacterial infection. Teammates, coaches including head football coach Dave Hajek, and neighbors have poured support into an online fundraiser that has nearly reached $30,000. Johnson walked the stage at Fishback Stadium just two weeks before his passing. It's a heartbreaking loss, and the community's response speaks volumes about how deeply he was loved. More from The Columbian.

Raptors Drop Fifth Straight in 10-2 Loss at Yakima Valley

It's been a rough stretch for the Ridgefield Raptors, who fell 10-2 to the Yakima Valley Pippins on Tuesday night in Yakima — their fifth consecutive loss. The summer collegiate league squad will look to snap the skid and find some momentum as the season pushes deeper into July. Fans hoping for a turnaround can keep tracking the schedule as the Raptors head toward the back half of the season. Recap 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

The local conversation threads were quiet this week — nothing worth highlighting rose above the noise. We'll be back with the good stuff next issue!

Like what you're reading? Send it to a Vancouverite who should subscribe.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.

⚡ Quick Bites

Yale Reservoir Boat Ramp, Shoreline Camping Closed

PacifiCorp shut down the Saddle Dam boat ramp and dispersed shoreline camping at Yale Reservoir after water levels on the Lewis River dropped too low — a move aimed at protecting salmon spawning habitat. If you had a trip planned to Yale Park or Saddle Dam Park, check conditions before you go.

Clark County Arts Commission Has One Open Seat

County Manager Jake Goodwin is looking for a local business representative to fill a volunteer spot on the 11-member Clark County Arts Commission. The commission weighs in on arts funding, education, and public hearings — applications are open now.

Comcast Expands High-Speed Internet to Rural Clark County

Residents in North County are getting access to high-speed internet through a Comcast expansion targeting rural areas. Older adults in particular are calling it a "game changer" for managing healthcare, groceries, and staying connected with family.

Motorcycle Safety Patrols Ramp Up July 10-26

Starting tomorrow, expect increased high-visibility enforcement patrols across Clark County focused on motorcycle safety. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission's "Ride Safe Ride On" campaign comes as motorcyclists account for 16% of the state's traffic fatalities despite being involved in just 3% of crashes. Details here.

Two Washington Metro Areas Rank Among Nation's Most Educated

A new WalletHub study placed two Washington state metro areas on its list of the country's most educated cities. Worth a look if you enjoy a little regional bragging — see where they landed.

Help a friend stay in the loop on Vancouver — forward this issue.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.

📅 Mark Your Calendar

Thursday, July 9

• Coldwater Lake – WTA Backcountry Response Team — 8:30 AM. Help maintain the gorgeous Lakes Trail near Coldwater Lake with views of Mt. St. Helens. The crew is camping at the east end of the lake for this special work party in the Mt. Margaret backcountry. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center (17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd). Over 50 small businesses offering farm-fresh produce, prepared food, and artisan goods. Free parking. More info
• Marshall House Tour — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at the Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute guided tours of this beautifully preserved historic home. Check in at the front entrance. More info
• Tiny Art Show at Camas Public Library — 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. The beloved Tiny Art Show is back for its 6th year! Stop by all month long (through July 31) to see what the Camas community has created. Free. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM at the Vancouver Bridge Club (6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd). A class for beginning and intermediate players with instructor Michael Walker, a Ruby Life Master. $10–$50. More info
• Lookout Mountain Wildflower Hike (Road Trip) — 10:00 AM. Join the Washington Native Plant Society for a moderate 2.6-mile wildflower hike at Lookout Mountain in Hood River County, OR. Forest, meadow, and rocky outcrops with lots of good plants. NW Forest Pass required. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Planning Meeting — 12:00 PM. Monthly planning meeting. Call 360-892-8944 for details. More info
• Dinosaur Garden in a Jar at Camas Public Library — 3:00 PM–4:00 PM. Build a tiny prehistoric world with your very own mini dinosaur garden in a jar! All materials provided. Registration required. Free. More info
• Lumos Hearth & Home Grand Opening at New Location — 4:00 PM. Ribbon cutting at the new Brush Prairie showroom (12709 NE 115th Ave #112). This locally owned business offers fireplaces, stoves, hot tubs, custom window coverings, and outdoor living products. More info
• Teen Hangout — 4:30 PM–6:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, snacks, and good conversation for ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure — 4:30 PM–6:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Create a character and dive into Dungeons & Dragons with other players ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Reptile Man – The Fascinating World of Reptiles — 5:00 PM–6:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Join the Oregon Reptile Man for live reptile encounters, big laughs, and up-close surprises. Free. More info
• Road Cycling 101 — 5:30 PM. Join the Vancouver Bicycling Club's Charla Burke for beginner-friendly group rides exploring trails, parks, and bike-friendly roads. 5–10 miles at a 10 mph pace on flat terrain. Bring a bike in good working order! More info
• Vancouver Sons and Daughters of Italy Meeting — 6:00 PM at Family of Christ Lutheran Church (3500 NW 129th St). Meeting includes dinner. Info at glnw.org or call 360-521-5584. Free. More info
• Pints for Alzheimer's Disease — 6:00 PM–8:00 PM at Prairie Tavern (14925 NE Caples Rd, Brush Prairie). Raise a glass and raise funds for the Walk to End Alzheimer's SW Washington. Prairie Tavern donates $1 per pint all day. More info
• An Evening With Whitney "Allgood" LaRuffa: Circling 4 Cascade Volcanoes — 6:00 PM at Wild Camp Goods on Main St., Vancouver. Gossamer Gear's Head of Sales shares tales and route info from circling Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Rainier. More info
• Waterfront Concert Series — 6:30 PM at Vancouver Waterfront Park. Free live music on the north shore of the Columbia River. Bring a picnic or grab something from a waterfront restaurant. Free, all ages. More info
• Drawing Wildflowers from Photographs (Online) — 6:30 PM. Learn botanical drawing with colored pencils alongside Crystal Shin, hosted by the Washington Native Plant Society. Work from photos to capture beautiful summer wildflowers. More info
• Southwest Washington Woodturners Monthly Meeting — 7:00 PM–9:00 PM at Friends of the Carpenter (1600 W. 20th St, Vancouver). Open to experienced and novice woodturners alike. Free. More info
• Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic featuring Ghost Terrestrea — 7:00 PM at Art at the Cave (108 E. Evergreen Blvd). Featured poet Ghost Terrestrea reads from the collection "Labyrinth of Mind." Other poets welcome to share original works. $5 suggested donation. More info

Friday, July 10

• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM & 10:00 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church (12919 NE 159th St, Brush Prairie). Evidence-based group exercise for older adults age 60+. Get active in a supportive setting. More info
• Kiwanis Multi-Family Yard Sale — 9:00 AM–4:00 PM. The Salmon Creek Kiwanis Club hosts a fundraising garage sale featuring furniture, household items, tools, kids' clothing, and toys. Cash only. Also open July 11. More info
• SW WA Victory Garden Work Party — 9:00 AM. Join the Friday morning garden shift with Urban Abundance at the SWWA Victory Garden. Good people doing good things together outdoors. More info
• BARK Ranger Led Tour — 9:30 AM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Bring your four-legged companion for a guided walk exploring park history and the BARK Ranger program. Free. More info
• Volunteer Gleaning: Plums in Camas — 9:30 AM. Help Urban Abundance glean golden plums in Camas and share fresh, local food with neighbors across Clark County. More info
• Adult & Teen Craft and Chat — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at La Center Community Library. Bring your current craft project for a no-stakes session. Ages 13+. Free. More info
• Summer Craft & Play at Drip Drop Art Studio — 10:00 AM at Drip Drop Art Studio, Vancouver. Stretch your kids' creativity with art and sensory fun. Maker Station available for ages 5+. $18. More info
• Drip Drop Art Craft & Play — 10:00 AM at Drip Drop Art Studio, Vancouver. Art projects and sensory play stations for ages 1–5, with a Maker Station add-on for ages 5+. $24. More info
• Liquidation and Rummage Sale at Elks Lodge — 10:00 AM–5:00 PM at Vancouver Elks Lodge #823 (11605 SE McGillivray Blvd). Clothes, housewares, home decor, furniture, and vintage finds. Also open July 11. 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+, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• Magic of Reading — 12:00 PM–12:45 PM at Overlook Park, Ridgefield (113 S Main Ave). Jay Frasier's magic show proves that the most powerful magic is found between the pages of a good book. Free. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00 PM–3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington (4201 NE 66th Ave, Suite 105). A creative space hosted every Friday by the National Alliance on Mental Illness of SW Washington. Free. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: Meet Me at the Movies — 1:00 PM at Kiggins Theatre (1011 Main St, Vancouver). A musical on the big screen on the second Friday of every month. $10/person. More info
• Washougal Community Market — 2:00 PM–6:00 PM at Reflection Plaza (1703 Main St, Washougal). Small businesses, artisans, authors, musicians, bakers, and food vendors with live music. Free. More info
• Family Adventure Camp at Mt. St. Helens — 3:00 PM at Mt. St. Helens Science and Learning Center. Explore the volcanic landscape with scenic trails, hands-on activities, and art. Designed for the whole family. $275. More info
• Amboy Territorial Days — 3:00 PM–Midnight at Amboy Territorial Park (21400 NE 399th St). The 66th annual celebration kicks off with artisan vendors, food, a kid's zone, live music, a beer garden, and a car show at 4:30 PM. Continues July 11–12. Free admission. More info
• Kids Create — 3:30 PM–4:30 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–9. Use your imagination and practice new artistic skills. Free. More info
• Preschool Summer Scribbles — 3:30 PM–4:15 PM at Camas Public Library. Preschoolers and their adults practice early writing skills with summer-themed activities. Registration required at CamasPL.org. Free. More info
• Tween Hangout at Vancouver Community Library — 4:00 PM–5:30 PM. Games, crafts, snacks, and fun for ages 9–12. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Friday Night Cruise-In — 4:00 PM–8:00 PM at Alderbrook Park (24414 NE Westerholm Rd, Brush Prairie). Classic cars plus disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool, and more. $5–$10 admission. More info
• Amboy Territorial Days Car Show — 4:30 PM registration, 5:00 PM show at Amboy Territorial Days Park. Classic cars, muscle cars, custom builds, food, and entertainment. Spectators free; $10 vehicle entry. More info
• 50+ Climb Night — 5:00 PM at Firstenburg Community Center. A fun, guided climbing evening for ages 50+. No prior experience or special gear needed. $19–$24. More info
• Reception & Artist Talk: High School Art Exhibit at Camas Public Library — 5:00 PM–6:00 PM. Celebrate the talent of local high school artists displaying work in the Second Story Gallery. Students will speak about their artwork. Free. More info
• ZooNights at Oregon Zoo — 5:00 PM. Live music, food carts, keeper chats, animal encounters, and elephant ears. Plus local beer and wine for adults. $13–$26. 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
• Tween Night: Bracelet Making at Drip Drop Art Studio — 5:30 PM–7:30 PM. Ages 9–14 make Kandi bracelets, friendship bracelets, and shrinky dink charms. Pizza and drinks included. Drop-off only. $45. More info
• Project Huddle Knit/Crochet Circle — 5:30 PM–8:00 PM at Dandelion Teahouse and Apothecary (109 W. 7th St, Vancouver). Bring your projects or your unfinished scraps for others to use. Free. More info
• Good Times and Wine at English Estate Winery — 6:00 PM–8:00 PM at English Estate Winery (17806 SE 1st St, Vancouver). Live music by Guatemalan-American singer-songwriter Idea The Artist, plus food truck Venue 1903. Free admission. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball — 6:30 PM at Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. Cheer on Clark County's hometown baseball team! More info
• Friday Fun Nights: Mario Mayhem at Kids Club — 6:30 PM–9:00 PM at Kids Club Fun & Fitness, Vancouver. Obstacle courses, Mario Kart-inspired challenges, hidden power-ups, and take-home crafts. $39.99. More info
• Jesus and Friends: An Evening of Acoustic Christian Music — 6:30 PM–8:00 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church (1309 Franklin St, Vancouver). Modern Christian music performed on acoustic instruments. Free; donations encouraged. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro — 7:00 PM at Farrar's Bistro (12514 NW 36th Ave, Vancouver). Enjoy food, cocktails, local wine, and live performances on the pet-friendly patio. First come, first served. More info
• Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra at Providence Academy — 7:00 PM in the historic Academy Ballroom. Hot jazz and sweet dance music from the roaring '20s and '30s — tunes of Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, and George Gershwin. $16. More info
• Pour Choices Pub Summer Concert Series: Logan Rombach — 7:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub (1919 Main St, Vancouver). An evening of incredible guitar work and great tunes. More info

Saturday, July 11

• Clark County Parks & Nature Fee-Free Day: National Wildlife Day — 7:00 AM. Celebrate National Wildlife Day with free access to Clark County regional parks all day. More info
• La Center Our Days: City-Wide Garage Sale — 8:00 AM–4:00 PM throughout La Center. Part of La Center's premier summer "Steamboat Celebration" tradition. Free. More info
• Youth Photographers CAMERADERIE Field Trip — 8:00 AM at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Ages 10–18 explore nature and wildlife photography with seasoned guides from Vancouver Audubon and Cameraderie PNW. More info
• Birding Walk at Ridgefield NWR — 8:00 AM. Join Robert Vanderkamp for a guided birding walk at the Carty Unit. All experience levels welcome. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park (8th & Esther St). Vancouver's flagship year-round market, operating since 1990. More info
• Vancouver GoFest Celebration 2026 — 9:00 AM–6:00 PM at Vancouver Waterfront Park and downtown. A free, family-friendly Pokémon-themed festival with a Kids Zone, interactive activities, and local businesses. Continues July 12. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Sasquatch Science Team at OMSI — 9:00 AM. Kids ages 3–5 and families use their five senses to explore and wonder about Sasquatch. Bilingual STEAM program. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail parkrun — 9:00 AM at Salmon Creek Trail (800 NE 117th St). A free, friendly weekly 5K — walk, jog, run, or spectate. Dogs welcome. Register at parkrun.us for your barcode. More info
• Garlic Growing Workshop — 9:00 AM–10:30 AM at 78th Street Heritage Farm, Hazel Dell. WSU Extension Master Gardeners teach garlic varieties, planting, harvest, curing, and storage. Take home a clove! $10. More info
• Wander Clark County: Historic Parkersville Walking Tour (Early) — 9:00 AM at Parker's Landing National Historic Site, Washougal. Explore one of Washington's oldest incorporated communities with the Clark County Historical Museum. $10. More info
• C10s at the Lake Classic Truck Show — 9:00 AM–5:00 PM at Vancouver Lake Regional Park (6801 NW Lower River Rd). Classic trucks from 1998 and older. Tailgating encouraged — bring a BBQ! Spectators free; truck registration $25. More info
• Muscle Car Mania — 9:00 AM–1:00 PM at Liberty Bible Church (12401 NE Salmon Creek Ave). The Evergreen Mustangs Car Club's 10th annual show with classic and custom muscle cars, raffles, vendors, and a K-9 demo. Spectators free. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play — 9:15 AM at the Vancouver Bridge Club (6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd). Free lesson followed by play with assistance available. More info
• Vintage Car Show at Vancouver Elks Lodge — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at Vancouver Elks Lodge #823 (11605 SE McGillivray Blvd). Trophies for Men's, Women's, and People's Choice. Raffles, door prizes, food, and refreshments. Free for spectators. More info
• Kids Crochet at Hook & Needle — 10:00 AM–11:00 AM at Hook and Needle (621 Broadway, Vancouver). Becka of Radiant Beans teaches ages 10+ to crochet bookmarks. All supplies included. $45. 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 learning for all ages. Free. More info
• The Henrik Bothe Library Circus — 10:00 AM–10:45 AM at Battle Ground Community Library. Physical comedy, juggling, magic, and plate spinning for all ages. Free. More info
• Dandelion Wish Fair — 10:00 AM at Dandelion Teahouse & Apothecary, Vancouver. A summer makers market with local vendors offering skincare, plants, jewelry, quilts, and more. More info
• Second Saturday Summer Series: Skatepark Pop-Up — 10:00 AM–1:00 PM at Riverside Bowl Skatepark (2900 NE 3rd Ave, Camas). Rose City Rollers brings gear and skating support; 360 Grindz hosts a community table and giveaways. Free. More info
• Battle Ground Lake: Native Plant ID Walk — 10:00 AM–11:30 AM at Battle Ground Lake State Park. Master Gardener Julie Carlsen leads a one-mile walk identifying native plants. Email to sign up. Free. More info
• The Stuff of Legends at AQUA Gallery — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at AQUA Gallery (403 Quayside Place, Vancouver Waterfront). Vibrant paintings by Carson Legree and expressive stuffies by Abby Ketcham. Free. More info
• Frogs & Friends: Life in the Lagoon Workshop — 10:00 AM in Washougal (29610 SE 23rd St). Learn about native frogs, habitat creation, and wildlife uses of native plants with Good Year Farms & Frog & Twig. Brunch included. Registration required. More info
• Volunteer Gardening at the Heritage Farm — 10:00 AM. Join Latinos Unidos y Floreciendo for a morning outdoors caring for the farm. No experience needed. Bring comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, and water. More info
• Kids & Tweens Build It — 10:30 AM–12:00 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Build with LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes, and other fun materials. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Intro to 3D Design — 10:30 AM–12:00 PM at Battle Ground Community Library. Learn TINKERCAD, a free 3D design tool, and start creating objects for 3D printing. Ages 13+. Free. More info
• Teen Make Your Own Merch — 11:00 AM–12:00 PM at La Center Community Library. Design custom prints and buttons and learn how artists turn handmade items into a business. Free. More info
• Wander Clark County: Historic Parkersville Walking Tour (Late) — 11:00 AM at Parker's Landing National Historic Site, Washougal. A second tour time for this popular historical walk. $10. More info
• Clark County Heritage Organization Fair — 11:00 AM–3:00 PM at Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Explore the stories, people, and places that shaped Clark County as part of the America 250 celebration. Free. More info
• Art & Nature in the Park — 11:00 AM–2:00 PM. Fourth Plain Forward brings free art and nature activities to Vancouver Flex Academy. A summer series of creativity and connection. More info
• Paper Collage at Art at the Cave — 12:00 PM–5:00 PM at Art at the Cave, Vancouver. Greg Bee hosts a free, stress-free collage session every second Saturday. Bring supplies or don't — all are welcome. More info
• Vancouver Community Library's 15th Birthday Celebration — 1:00 PM–4:00 PM. Join the Friends of Vancouver Community Library for refreshments and a celebration of 15 years. Free. More info
• Adult Garden Chat with FVRL — 2:00 PM. A monthly community gathering to branch out and discuss the best gardening techniques for our neck of the woods. Free. More info
• Teen Creative Crafts: Decorate Your Own Water Bottle — 2:30 PM–4:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. DIY water bottle decorating with craft supplies and snacks. Bottles provided if you need one. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Mahjong Summer Social — 5:00 PM–8:00 PM at Sunset Ridge Intermediate School, Ridgefield. Chinese Mahjong for a fun summer evening. Free. More info
• "As You Like It" – MPA Community Theater — 6:00 PM at 6403 E. Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver. MPA's 8th annual summer Shakespeare touring show. Free. More info
• Saturdays in the Park: Glitter & Gasoline — 6:00 PM–8:00 PM at Sternwheeler Park, La Center. Rock, blues, funk, and Americana in La Center's free, family-friendly concert series. More info
• Second Saturday Jazz Duets — 6:00 PM. Annie Averre (vocals, guitar) and Steve Christofferson (piano) perform jazz, with wood-fired pizzas made on-site. More info
• The Gallery: An Original Dance Production by Groove Nation Performing Arts — 6:30 PM. An original story about art, magic, and the five elements of creativity brought to life through dance. More info
• Saturday Night Karaoke at Pour Choices Pub — 8:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub (1919 Main St, Vancouver). Let your inner entertainer shine — come solo or with friends. 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.