📰 What's Making News

Raptors Blast 4 Home Runs, Survive Springfield Comeback

The Ridgefield Raptors capped their final regular-season road trip with a 12-10 slugfest against the Springfield Drifters on Saturday, taking the rubber match of a three-game series. Ridgefield jumped out to a commanding 10-3 lead after a four-run top of the fifth, but Springfield answered with seven runs over the next two frames to make it a nail-biter. Four long balls carried the day for the Raptors, who held on for a win that should give them momentum heading into the home stretch. Full recap from The Columbian.

New Charcuterie Shop Now Open in Vancouver

If your party-hosting game needs an upgrade, Vancouver has a new option: a shop dedicated entirely to charcuterie boards and boxes just opened its doors. The new business offers ready-to-go spreads for gatherings, date nights, or the kind of Tuesday that just calls for fancy cheese. It's another sign that Vancouver's local food scene keeps finding creative niches to fill. Get the details from The Columbian.

When a Dog-and-Pony Show Lost to Portland's Biggest Fair

Here's a fun piece of Clark County history: back in May 1905, a traveling act called Cozad's California Dog and Pony Show advertised a parade and evening performance in Vancouver — and apparently flopped. The reason? Locals were far too busy crossing the river to visit the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition, the biggest spectacle the Pacific Northwest had ever seen. The ferry traffic was so heavy it reshaped daily life in Clark County that summer. Read the full history from The Columbian.

Eastern Washington Wildfires Destroy 600 Structures

Wildfires burning in Eastern Washington have destroyed roughly 600 homes, businesses, and other buildings, with about 5,000 homes evacuated and blazes still uncontained as of Sunday. While Clark County is not under any fire threat, smoke and air-quality impacts from large Eastern Washington fires can drift westward — something worth keeping an eye on this week. Latest updates from The Columbian.

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

⚡ Quick Bites

Longview's 53-Foot Totem Pole Comes Down After 46 Years

The towering totem pole at Lake Sacajawea — a Longview landmark since 1980 — is being removed Friday after city officials declared it a safety hazard. Crews will try to keep the crumbling carving intact, but whether it ever goes back up remains an open question. Read more

Free Peek at the Declaration of Independence in Seattle Through Aug. 16

Nine historic documents — including an 1823 engraving of the Declaration of Independence — are on display now at Seattle's Museum of History & Industry, and admission is free. The exhibit runs through August 16, making it a worthy day-trip excuse before summer winds down. Read more

Washington's Largest IMAX Screen Won't Show "The Odyssey" — Film Fans Push Back

Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" is selling out IMAX screens nationwide, but the biggest IMAX in Washington — housed inside the Space Needle — doesn't show feature films. Movie lovers are now urging a policy change so Washingtonians can see the blockbuster the way it was meant to be seen. Read more

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

📅 Mark Your Calendar

Monday, August 3

• Early Learners Play to Learn – 10:00 AM at Battle Ground Community Library, Battle Ground. Fun early literacy tips and hands-on activities for you and your little ones (ages 0–5). Free. More info
• The Great Summer Dash at Vancouver Mall – 10:00 AM at Vancouver Mall. Complete fun challenges, earn points, and enter for chances to win prizes all summer long. More info
• Storytime in the Park – 10:30 AM at Fallen Leaf Lake Park (2911 NE Everett St.), Camas. Bring a blanket and join the Camas Library for a family storytime outdoors. All ages. Free. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: "Meet Me at the Art Workshop" – 11:00 AM at Vancouver Arts Hub, Vancouver. Guided by art instructor Tricia Hall, participants with dementia explore hands-on projects encouraging expression, connection, and joy. Free; registration required. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting – 12:00 PM at AC Hotel by Marriott Vancouver Waterfront. Community members welcome at this weekly gathering. Free. More info
• Line Dancing – 1:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Grab any shoes you can find and learn line dances for fun and exercise. Free. More info
• Summer Movie Mondays: Mr. Peabody & Sherman – 2:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Free screening upstairs in the Community Rooms. Registration required. More info
• Early Learners Music and Movement – 2:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Songs, rhymes, rhythm, and dance for children ages 0–5 and their caregivers. Free. More info
• Summer Lecture Series with the Humane Society – 5:30 PM at Humane Society for Southwest Washington (East Vancouver location). Free. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball Home Game – 6:30 PM at Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. Cheer on Clark County's hometown team. More info
• Cosmic Watercolor Splatter Coasters Workshop – 6:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub. Susan Soltau of Dragon Half Art teaches wet-on-wet watercolor blending and splatter techniques to create nebula-inspired coasters. No experience needed; all supplies provided. $35. More info
• Monday Trivia Night at Pour Choices Pub – 6:30 PM at 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Hosted by Don Elliott — grab your smartest friends and compete for bragging rights. More info

Tuesday, August 4

• ROAD TRIP – MS Backpacking & Rafting: Mt. Jefferson/McKenzie River – 8:30 AM, departing for Oregon. Explore the Mount Jefferson Wilderness with the Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center team — summit a volcano, share meadows with mountain goats, and hike a stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail. More info
• Chippers Preschool Rides at Oaks Park – 10:00 AM at Oaks Park, Portland. Kiddie rides and selected family rides for ages 6 and under, plus snack and story time with Chipper the Squirrel. $13.50 per child; one adult rides free. More info
• 78th Street Heritage Farm Walking Tours – 10:00 AM at 78th St., Hazel Dell. WSU Extension Master Gardener docents lead tours of this historic "poor farm" turned demonstration garden, on the Washington Historic Register since 2012. More info
• Columbia Springs "Explore with the Interns" — Rocks & Fossils – 10:00 AM at 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver. Stop by the lawn across from the fish feeding pond for hands-on activities focused on rocks and fossils. More info
• Art Chat at Ridgefield Community Library – 10:30 AM. Bring one or two pieces of your art to share, or just come for the camaraderie. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Great Build Off – 10:30 AM at Three Creeks Community Library. Put your creativity to the test — design, build, and problem-solve your way through a surprise challenge. Free. More info
• Kids Axe Academy – 12:00 PM at Firehouse Axes, Vancouver. A 90-minute session for ages 10–14 with an Axepert Coach, ending with a tournament. $15. More info
• English Conversation Group for Adults – 12:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Practice speaking and listening in a supportive environment. Free. More info
• Law Firm Hosts Estate Planning Seminar – 2:30 PM at Cogir at The Quarry, Vancouver. Attorney Karen Webber of Pettis Webber Pacific presents "When do you need legal lemonade?" Available in person and virtually. Free; registration required (360-696-2069). More info
• Teen & Tween Tabletop Role-Playing Game: Character Creation Workshop – 3:00 PM at Three Creeks Community Library. Learn Dungeons and Dragons character creation from step one. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game – 4:30 PM at various FVRL library locations. Play D&D 5E and Pathfinder 1E — newcomers and experienced players alike. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Eastside Community Picnic and National Night Out – 5:00 PM at LeRoy Haagen Memorial Community Park, Vancouver. Food carts, music, bounce house, inflatable obstacle course, kids activities, and booths for local nonprofits and businesses. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group – 5:15 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub. Dedicated writing time with introductions and a concluding share session — no readings or critiques. All experience levels. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group – 5:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Geared toward beginning Spanish speakers. Free; no registration required. More info
• Kitchen Confidence for Youth with Vision Loss – 5:30 PM at Clark County Food Bank, Vancouver. Chef Debra Erickson of The Blind Kitchen teaches accessible cooking techniques for ages 8–22 (parents/guardians must attend). Free. More info
• Page Turners Book Club – 6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. A book club for kids in 4th–6th grade and their adults. Register, pick up the book, and keep it for free after the meeting. More info
• FVRL Workshop: Gardener Gathers – 6:30 PM. OSU Hood River Extension Central Gorge Master Gardeners lead an interactive presentation for home gardeners of all abilities. Free. More info
• Science Pub: This Is Your Brain on Tech – 7:00 PM at OMSI, Portland. Psychologist and author Doreen Dodgen-Magee explores how our technology use shapes our brains, relationships, and sense of self. $8. More info
• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – 7:30 PM at Keller Auditorium, Portland. The six-time Tony Award-winning play brings the wizarding world to life on stage. More info

Wednesday, August 5

• Rebecca Anstine Gallery: Impressions of the Pacific Northwest – 8:00 AM at the Sixth Floor Gallery, Clark County Public Service Center, Vancouver. Featuring artists Oleg Ulitskiy and Elizabeth Ganji celebrating the region's moody landscapes. Free. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes – 8:30 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. Evidence-based group exercise for older adults (age 60+). Additional session at 10:00 AM. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI – 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Artist Sayaka Ganz transforms discarded plastic objects into soaring animals and rushing waves in this 3D impressionist exhibit. More info
• Providence Academy Tours – 10:00 AM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Free tours available through 2:00 PM. More info
• Marshall House Tour – 10:00 AM at Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute tours available through 2:00 PM. More info
• The Henrik Bothe Library Circus – 11:00 AM at various FVRL library locations. Physical comedy, juggling, magic, and plate spinning — prepare to be dazzled. Free. More info
• Camas Farmers Market – 3:00 PM in Downtown Camas (temporary location on Birch Street, between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Shop local produce, artisan goods, and more through 7:00 PM. More info
• Preschool Suncatcher Chains – 3:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Kids ages 3–5 make suncatcher chains out of jelly paper. Free; registration required. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create – 4:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop in for creative and interactive projects for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00 PM. Open game play with decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids Read to a Dog – 4:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Build reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Teen Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Open game play for ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens STEM Lab – 4:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math activities for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• 100 Women Who Care Clark County Quarterly Meeting – 5:00 PM at The Hammond Kitchen and Craft Bar, Camas. Members vote to select one local nonprofit to receive donations. Optional social hour at 5:00 PM; meeting at 6:00 PM. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle – 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Ages 14+ welcome — no experience needed, equipment provided. Free. More info
• Leathercrafting Workshop with Dragon Half Art – 5:30 PM at The Arts Centered, Vancouver. Roll for creativity in this hands-on leathercraft session for beginners and experienced crafters alike. $40–$45. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom – 6:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, Vancouver. Intermediate lesson at 6:00 PM, beginner lesson at 7:00 PM, social dance 8:00–9:30 PM. Singles, partners, and groups welcome. $5–$10. More info
• Wild Wednesdays at the Oregon Zoo – 6:00 PM at Oregon Zoo, Portland. A 21+ after-hours evening with themed cocktails and mocktails, live entertainment, keeper chats, and no daytime crowds. More info

Thursday, August 6

• East Vancouver Farmers Market – 10:00 AM at Columbia Tech Center, Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products through 2:00 PM. More info
• Go With the Flow: First Thursday Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour – 10:00 AM at Vancouver Water Resources Education Center. See what happens to all the water that goes down the drains. Ages 8+; closed-toed shoes required. Free. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding – 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club. Instructor Michael Walker (Ruby Life Master) covers opening bidding, slam bidding, takeout doubles, and more. $10–$50. More info
• Vancouver Bridge Club Introductory Bridge Class – 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club. Perfect for beginners. $10–$50. More info
• The Craft of Writing: Workshop & Writers Group – 10:30 AM at Vancouver Community Library. Editing practice, writing exercises, craft discussion, and workshopping in a welcoming environment. Free. More info
• Ridgefield Family Story Time – 10:30 AM at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Community Nature Center. Family storytime with the Ridgefield Community Library, plus nearby trails open for walking. Free. More info
• Kids Camp Classic Tie Dye Shirt Make & Take – 11:00 AM at Craft Warehouse, Vancouver. Twist, scrunch, and splash your way to a one-of-a-kind wearable masterpiece. $10. More info
• Card Making Club at Craft Warehouse – 1:00 PM at Craft Warehouse, Vancouver. Discover new products, swap techniques, and connect with fellow paper crafting enthusiasts. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Creative Crafts: DIY Squishies – 2:00 PM at Battle Ground Community Library. Make DIY squishy toys using fun, simple materials. Free. More info
• CREATE A TINY WORLD: Miniature Shadow Box Workshop with Lara Blair – 4:00 PM. Build a miniature scene inside a shadow box — a forest, a giant cupcake, outer space — you decide. Ages 8+. $7. More info
• Teen Hangout – 4:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks provided by Friends of Vancouver Community Library. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure – 4:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Play Dungeons & Dragons for ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Bingo Nights Supporting dogpaw – 6:00 PM at Latte Da Coffee House and Wine Bar, Vancouver. Play 10 games with 3 cards each — bring your pup along on the covered patio. $20 supports local off-leash dog parks. More info

Friday, August 7

• Volunteer Gleaning: SWWA Victory Garden – 9:00 AM at 2311 NE 68th St., Vancouver. Help keep the community garden growing — harvested produce is donated to LULAC. More info
• Fintastic Fish! – 9:30 AM at Vancouver Water Resources Education Center. Families with kids ages 6–10 learn about Pacific lamprey and salmon lifecycles through indoor and outdoor activities. Free; registration required. 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
• Vancouver Arts and Music Festival – 10:00 AM at Esther Short Park, downtown Vancouver. Award-winning musicians, visual artists, juried art shows, pop-up galleries, dance performances, family activities, food vendors, and three Vancouver Symphony Orchestra concerts. Free. Through Aug. 9. More info
• Clark County Fair – 10:00 AM at Clark County Fairgrounds, Ridgefield. The fair runs Aug. 7–16 with carnival rides (opening at noon), exhibits, and more. $10–$13 at the gate; kids 6 and under free. Save by buying tickets online. More info
• Lunchtime Walking Tour: The Big Fire — How Downtown Changed – 12:00 PM, meet at the Esther Short Park Waterfall Fountain. Historian Tracy Reilly-Kelly explores how fires shaped downtown Vancouver, including the story of the Pioneer Mother Statue. Free. More info
• NAMI Art Group – 1:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, Vancouver. A weekly art group open to all. Free. More info
• Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Panel: Arts and Community Vitality – 3:00 PM at Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver. Panelists including OPB president Rachel Smolkin and composer Karen Tanaka discuss the impact of the arts on Southwest Washington. Free. More info
• Friday Night Cruise-in at Alderbrook Park – 4:00 PM at 24414 NE Westerholm Road, Brush Prairie. Classic cars, disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool, and more. Spectator admission $5–$10; tots 3 and under free. More info
• Discover Downtown Ridgefield: First Fridays – 4:00 PM in Downtown Ridgefield. Shop, dine, stroll, and explore as participating businesses stay open late with sales and activities. Free. More info
• FVRL: Adult Nature Lovers Book Group – 4:00 PM. Discuss this month's title, Ocean by David Attenborough. Limited copies available at the library; also on Libby. More info
• Ridgefield Dragon Boat Paddles – 5:30 PM at Ridgefield. Ages 14+ welcome — no experience needed, equipment provided. Free. More info

Saturday, August 8

• Mt. St. Helens Summit Climb with MSHI – 6:00 AM. A single-day non-technical scramble to the summit with professional guides. Designed for novice hikers and experienced mountaineers alike. More info
• Columbia River Triathlon with NW Association for Blind Athletes – 8:00 AM. Join NWABA for this exciting event. More info
• Birding Walk at Ridgefield NWR – 8:00 AM. Robert Vanderkamp leads a birding walk at the Carty Unit — all experience levels welcome. More info
• Animal Tracking Workshop – 9:00 AM at Vancouver Water Resources Education Center. Learn to identify footprints, scat, feeding sign, and more. Great for beginners. Registration required. More info
• ROAD TRIP: Multorpor Mountain Loop with the Dirt Divas! – 9:30 AM at Mt. Hood, OR. Ride the 5-mile loop at Mazama Sno Park, then hit Timberline Bike Park after. More info
• Smokey Bear's 82nd Birthday Celebration – 10:00 AM at Fort Vancouver Visitor Center. The U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Friends of Fort Vancouver, and Red Cross host a free event with fun activities, wildfire prevention tips, and a chance to wish Smokey a happy birthday in person. More info
• Washougal Second Saturday: Molly Coston Community Garden Celebration – 10:00 AM in Washougal. Free, family-friendly event highlighting community stewardship through the City's Parks Passport Program. More info
• O'Keefe Farms Sunflower Festival – 10:00 AM in Brush Prairie. Stroll through acres of blooming sunflower fields, enjoy live music, local vendors, delicious food, and take home fresh-cut blooms. More info
• Family and Cultural Connections Series: Family Fun Day – 11:00 AM on the Grant House lawn, Vancouver. Face painting, lawn games, live performances by Angel Ocasio, Make Music w/ Matt, and magician John Stevens, plus roaming entertainment by Spencer Sprocket. Free. More info
• Washington Museum Day: Free Tours at Providence Academy & Marshall House – 11:00 AM. The Historic Trust opens both landmarks for free, docent-led tours from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM in honor of America 250. More info
• Exhibit Opening: Moments That Made Us – 11:00 AM at Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Free. More info
• Art & Nature in the Park – 11:00 AM in Vancouver. Fourth Plain Forward brings free art and nature activities for families through 2:00 PM. More info
• Adult Garden Chat with FVRL – 2:00 PM. A monthly community gathering to discuss the best gardening techniques for our neck of the woods. Free. More info
• Saturday Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub – 8:30 PM at 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Let your inner entertainer shine — come solo or bring friends. More info

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