📰 What's Making News

Raptors Ride First-Inning Homers to Fourth Straight Win

The Ridgefield Raptors keep rolling. Carson Luna (Michigan) and JT Summers (Oregon) both launched first-inning home runs Saturday night, giving the Raptors all the offense they'd need in a 3-1 victory over the Springfield Drifters. Three pitchers combined to hold Springfield to just one run across seven innings, capping a tidy doubleheader split and extending Ridgefield's winning streak to four games. If you haven't made it out to the ballpark yet this summer, the momentum is building. Full recap from The Columbian.

Big Banana Car Makes a Very Wide U-Turn on Main Street

If you were anywhere near downtown Vancouver over the weekend and thought you spotted an enormous banana on wheels — you were not hallucinating. The Big Banana Car rolled through Main Street, reportedly testing out the freshly paved asphalt and executing what witnesses called a "50-point U-turn" (their words, slightly exaggerated) thanks to the curbless road conditions near a closure. It's the kind of only-in-Vancouver moment that makes you love this town. See the Reddit thread.

Lewisville Regional Park Status Before the 4th — What to Know

With the Fourth of July less than a week away, locals are asking the question on every river-floater's mind: is Lewisville Regional Park open after the fire that hit in May? One Vancouver resident took to Reddit seeking answers about park access, swim-worthy water temps, and whether toxic algae advisories affect the Lewis River area. The thread is filling up with helpful local intel, so if Lewisville is part of your holiday tradition, it's worth a scroll before you load the cooler. Join the conversation on Reddit.

Mount Vernon's Tree Now Grows on Washington State Capitol Grounds

Just in time for the nation's 250th birthday, a tree from George Washington's Mount Vernon estate has been planted on the Capitol campus in Olympia. State Rep. Hunter Abell of Inchelium coordinated the effort to deepen the connection between Washington state and its namesake. It's a small, symbolic gesture — but a fitting one as semiquincentennial celebrations ramp up across the country this summer. Read more from The Columbian.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Well, this is one of those days where the national news cycle is heavy and none of it belongs in your morning coffee. Everything in today's batch landed outside our community — international conflicts, national policy debates, and distressing headlines that would only drag your Monday down. We'll be back tomorrow with the local scoops, openings, and happenings that actually matter to Vancouver. In the meantime, enjoy this gorgeous start to the week.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Monday, June 29

• Early Learners Play to Learn – 10:00 AM at Battle Ground Community Library, Battle Ground. Fun hands-on activities and early literacy tips for little ones ages 0–5 and their caregivers. 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 (through August 14). More info
• Community Harvest Volunteer Day – 10:00 AM. Join Latinos Unidos y Floreciendo for a weekly Monday volunteer gathering rooted in stewardship, shared labor, and food access. More info
• Storytime in the Park – 10:30 AM at Dorothy Fox Park, Camas (2023 NW 23rd Ave.). Bring a blanket and join Camas Library staff for a family storytime outdoors. All ages. Free. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting – 12:00 PM at AC Hotel by Marriott Vancouver Waterfront. Community members are welcome at this weekly gathering from noon to 1 p.m. Free. More info
• Line Dancing – 1:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Grab any pair of shoes and learn line dances for fun and exercise. Free. 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
• Washougal's America250 Kickoff – 4:00 PM at Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main St., Washougal. Free snow cones, postcards, music, historical documents, and giveaways. Free. More info
• United States Trivia – 5:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary by testing your knowledge of American history, pop culture, presidents, and pivotal moments. Free. More info
• ROAD TRIP – Adaptive Bicycling Summer Series – 6:00 PM at Portland International Raceway. Adaptive Sports Northwest welcomes everyone to try adaptive cycling on Monday evenings. Helmets required. Free. More info
• WA-DFW Online Crabbing Workshop – 6:00 PM online. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife covers 2026 crabbing seasons, regulations, gear setup tips, and best practices. Free. More info
• Monday Trivia Night at Pour Choices Pub – 6:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Hosted by Don Elliott — gather your team for fast-paced fun and friendly competition. More info
• The Strawberry Moon – 7:56 PM. Look up tonight for the first full moon of summer! The Strawberry Moon reaches peak illumination this evening. More info

Tuesday, June 30

• Angel Ocasio's Comedy, Magic and Stuff – 9:30 AM at various FVRL Library locations. Comedian Angel Ocasio combines silly antics, magic, juggling, and audience participation for a fun and wacky show. Free. More info
• Blurock Beach Cleanup – 10:00 AM at Blurock Landing. Join Clark County Public Works for a volunteer beach cleanup. All tools provided — just wear closed-toe shoes. More info
• Recycling 101: Learn the Basics – 12:00 PM, in-person or online. Get the details about our regional garbage and recycling system — what to recycle curbside, why, and where items go. Free. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors at Red Robin – 1:00 PM at Red Robin, 8311 N.E. Vancouver Mall Drive. A social lunch outing for seniors. Call 360-892-8944 for details. More info
• Clay Worry Stones Workshop for Kids – 2:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Kids in kindergarten through 5th grade create pocket worry stones out of foam clay. Registration required. Free. More info
• Science Heroes: Digging It! – 2:00 PM at various FVRL Library locations. A hands-on, high-energy STEM show packed with audience interaction and wow moments. Free. More info
• Tie Dye Shirt Kids Camp Make & Take at Craft Warehouse – 2:00 PM at Craft Warehouse, Vancouver. Kids create their own colorful tie-dye T-shirt — shirts, bands, and dye provided. $10. More info
• Summer Vendor Open House at Black Pearl on the Columbia – 2:00 PM at 56 S. First St., Washougal. Tour the 12,600-square-foot riverfront venue, meet event professionals, and enjoy views of the Columbia River and Mt. Hood. Free. More info
• Teen & Tween Tabletop RPG: Dungeon Master Workshop – 3:00 PM at Three Creeks Community Library, Vancouver. Learn the skills to be an effective Game Master from a lead with over 40 years of experience. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Teen Escape Room – 4:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Navigate an underwater adventure escape room with clever clues and puzzles. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game – 4:30 PM at various FVRL Library locations. Play Dungeons & Dragons 5E and Pathfinder 1E — all experience levels welcome. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group – 5:15 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Dedicated writing time and community for writers of all experience levels. Free parking. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group – 5:30 PM at Camas Public Library. A casual group for beginning Spanish speakers, geared toward adults. No registration required. Free. More info
• Beginner Crochet Bookmark Workshop at Craft Collective – 6:00 PM at Craft Collective, Vancouver. Taught by Becka of Radiant Beans — no experience required. Learn to chain, single crochet, and make a handmade bookmark. $60. More info
• 78th St. Heritage Farm Walking Tours – 6:00 PM at 78th Street Heritage Farm, 1919 N.E. 78th St., Vancouver. Free guided tours of the 79-acre historic property with Master Gardener docents. Free. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball – 6:30 PM at Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. Cheer on Clark County's hometown team under the lights. More info
• 3D Impressionism: Sculpting Motion from Plastic at OMSI – 6:30 PM at OMSI, Portland. Go behind the scenes of the Sayaka Ganz exhibition with a meet-and-greet, planetarium lecture, and exhibit tour. Pay what you can. More info

Wednesday, July 1

• Camas Library Storywalk at Dorothy Fox Park – 8:00 AM at Dorothy Fox Park, Camas. Follow the path to read "So Tortoise Dug" by Emmy Kastner — a fun reading adventure for all ages. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes – 8:30 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. Evidence-based group exercise for older adults age 60+. Sessions at 8:30 and 10:00 AM on Wednesdays and Fridays. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI – 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Opening day for Sayaka Ganz's stunning sculptures made from discarded plastic objects — on view through September 30. More info
• Providence Academy Tours – 10:00 AM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Free guided tours available Wednesday through Friday, 10 AM to 2 PM. More info
• Creature Teachers – 10:00 AM at La Center Community Library. Meet cool reptiles and creepy crawlies and learn about the wild, weird, and wonderful world of animals. Free. More info
• Marshall House Tours – 10:00 AM at Marshall House, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Free tours of the historic Officers Row home featuring period furnishings and military memorabilia. More info
• High School Art Exhibit at Camas Public Library – 10:00 AM at Camas Public Library. The annual Second Story Gallery showcase of artwork by Camas School District students — painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Free. More info
• Where's Waldo? at Autumn Leaf Books – 10:00 AM at Autumn Leaf Books, Downtown Camas. Pick up a passport and search for Waldo hidden in up to 25 local businesses all month long. Free. More info
• Reading in the Wild – 10:00 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. A free outdoor reading series for families with kids 3–6, pairing stories with nature activities in the native plant garden. Free. More info
• Official Vancouver Fan Zone Watch Party – 1:00 PM at Big Al's, Vancouver. Vancouver, WA is an Official Fan Zone of the FIFA World Cup 26 — catch the match on massive screens with stadium energy. More info
• Minions & Monsters Opening Day Event at OMSI – 2:00 PM at OMSI, Portland. Showings at 2, 4:15, and 6 PM. Tickets include movie snacks, a beverage, door prizes, and a future free museum admission pass. $15–$20. More info
• Camas Farmers Market – 3:00 PM in Downtown Camas (new temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Fresh farm, food, and artisan products every Wednesday, 3–7 PM. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create – 4:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop in for creative and interactive art projects. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Open game play — decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids Read to a Dog – 4:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Build reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Ages 5–9. 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
• Teen Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Open game play for ages 13–19 — decks provided or bring your own. Free. 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
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom – 6:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, Vancouver. Intermediate lesson at 6 PM, beginner lesson at 7 PM, social dance 8–9:30 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+ only after-hours evening with themed cocktails, live entertainment, keeper chats, and animal encounters. More info
• Northwest Youth Music Games at McKenzie Stadium – 6:00 PM at McKenzie Stadium, Vancouver. Drum Corps International brings elite marching music ensembles to Vancouver. $25–$60. More info

Thursday, July 2

• Longview Go 4th Festival – 9:00 AM at Lake Sacajawea Park, Longview. Kick off the Independence Day weekend with food vendors, golf, a vendor marketplace, and more running through July 5. Free. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market – 10:00 AM at Columbia Tech Center, 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products every Thursday through September. More info
• Go With the Flow: Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour – 10:00 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. See what happens to water after it goes down the drain. Ages 8+, closed-toed shoes required. Free. More info
• Tiny Art Show at Camas Public Library – 10:00 AM at Camas Public Library. The beloved annual show is back for its 6th year — come see what the Camas community has created. Free. More info
• The Craft of Writing: Workshop & Writers Group – 10:30 AM at Vancouver Community Library. Writing prompts, craft discussion, and workshopping in a fun and welcoming environment. Free. More info
• Garrison Flag Raising at Fort Vancouver – 11:00 AM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. A special raising of the historic Garrison Flag to kick off Independence Day weekend. Free. More info
• Crown Park Grand Reopening – 11:00 AM at Crown Park, Camas. Celebrate this major milestone with a ribbon cutting, remarks from local leaders, a Cowlitz Tribe blessing, bike rodeo, food, games, and more. More info
• Kites for Youth 2026 – 12:00 PM. A free community event by Odyssey World International Education Services — bring the kids outdoors and watch their imaginations soar. Free. More info
• Card Making Club at Craft Warehouse – 1:00 PM at Craft Warehouse, 9307 N.E. Fifth Ave., Vancouver. Explore new paper crafting products, try out techniques, and win door prizes. Free. More info
• Discover The Culinary Collective — Ribbon Cutting – 4:00 PM at 1012 Washington Street, Suite 120, Vancouver. Welcome Vancouver's only dedicated kitchen store with a ribbon cutting just in time for Independence Day weekend. More info
• Teen Hangout – 4:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, snacks, and chatting with friends every Thursday. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure – 4:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Play Dungeons & Dragons with other adventurers. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Road Cycling 101 – 5:30 PM. Join the Vancouver Bicycling Club's Charla Burke for fun Thursday night group rides exploring trails, neighborhoods, and parks. 5–10 miles at 10 mph. More info
• Macro Photography Online Workshop – 6:00 PM online with Bird Alliance of Oregon. Wildlife photographer Brian Magnier covers gear, camera settings, and framing for stunning close-up nature photography. More info
• Drawing Wildflowers from Photographs – 6:30 PM online with the Washington Native Plant Society. Learn botanical drawing with colored pencils, guided by Crystal Shin. More info
• Family Bingo at Kalama Harbor Lodge – 7:00 PM at McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge. Doors at 6 PM, bingo at 7 PM. Fun prizes plus a chance to win an overnight lodge stay. All ages. Free. More info
• Descendants of a Revolution: Discovering Revolutionary War Ancestors – 7:00 PM at Fort Vancouver Visitor Center. An evening exploring genealogy, family history, and the legacy of the American Revolution, presented by the Clark County Historical Museum. $5. More info

Friday, July 3

• Federal Public Lands Fee-Free Day – 7:00 AM. In honor of Independence Day, there are no entrance fees at federal public lands across the U.S. — a perfect day to explore! More info
• SW WA Victory Garden Work Party – 9:00 AM. Join Urban Abundance's Friday morning volunteer shifts at the SWWA Victory Garden — good people doing good things outdoors. More info
• HOPE Walk at Salmon Creek Trail – 10:00 AM at 800 NE 117th Street. A gentle, welcoming walk open to everyone — families, friends, care partners, and people living with dementia. RSVP required. More info
• America 250 Celebration at Fort Vancouver – 12:00 PM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Parade Grounds. Live music, patriotic pet costume contest, food vendors, guided tours, historic weapons demonstrations, and an evening screening of "A League of Their Own" under the stars. Free. More info
• NAMI Art Group – 1:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 N.E. 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. A weekly creative art group open to all. Free. More info
• Washougal Community Market – 2:00 PM at Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main St., Washougal. Small businesses, artisans, live music, authors, bakers, and food vendors every Friday through July 31. Free. More info
• Friday Night Cruise-in at Alderbrook Park – 4:00 PM at Alderbrook Park, 24414 N.E. Westerholm Road, Brush Prairie. Classic cars plus disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, and pool access. $5–$10. More info
• Battle Ground America 250 Celebration – 4:00 PM at Maddox Industrial Transformer, Battle Ground. Free hot dogs, ice cream, cotton candy, bounce houses, costumed historical actors, and a professional fireworks show at 9:45 PM. Free. More info
• Nature Lovers Book Group – 4:00 PM, in-person and virtual. Discuss "Flight Paths" by Rebecca Heisman. Limited copies available at the library or on Libby. More info
• One Community, Many Hands: First Friday in Downtown Camas – 5:00 PM in Downtown Camas. Carnival games, DJ, history trivia, art shows, apple pie, ice cream, music, and after-hours shopping to celebrate America's 250th. Free. More info
• Ridgefield Dragon Boat Paddles – 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Free community paddling — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• First Friday Open Sculpting at Kilnfolk – 6:30 PM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Shape up to two pounds of clay into your own creation — no experience needed. Staff fires and glazes your piece. $50. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro – 7:00 PM at Farrar's Bistro, 12514 N.W. 36th Ave., Vancouver. Enjoy food, cocktails, local wine, and live performances on the pet-friendly patio. More info

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