📰 What's Making News

Pacific Northwest Best Fish Co. Closes After 26 Years in Ridgefield

If you ever made the drive to Ridgefield for fresh seafood, you know this one stings. Pacific Northwest Best Fish Co. shut its doors over the weekend, thanking the community for "26 wonderful years" of support. The family-run fish market had become a quiet institution in town — the kind of place regulars built their weekly menus around. A full farewell and look back at the shop's run is over at The Columbian.

Columbia River's Raegan Zaemann Leads 4 State-Qualifying Swim Times in One Meet

Columbia River's girls swim team made a serious statement Wednesday at a six-team meet in Longview, winning nine events and posting four state-qualifying times. Sophomore Raegan Zaemann led the charge with a 56.78-second 100-yard freestyle, then anchored both the 200 and 400 freestyle relay teams to qualifying marks as well. That's the kind of depth that makes other 2A programs nervous heading into October. Full results here.

Camas Grad Kendall Mairs Earns Pac-12 Setter of the Week

Another Clark County athlete making noise at the next level: Camas High graduate Kendall Mairs, now a sophomore at San Diego State, was named Pac-12 Conference setter of the week on Tuesday. It's a well-earned spotlight for a player who was already turning heads in the Papermakers' gym. Read more about her week.

Vancouver Dad David Bradley Builds a Space Where Men Talk Feelings Over Paint Nights

An evening painting session and honest conversation about fatherhood, stress, and emotions — David Bradley of Vancouver launched a Clark County group designed to give men a low-pressure space to open up. The format mixes casual activities like art nights with real talk about the stuff guys often keep bottled up. It's a refreshingly creative approach to something a lot of local dads quietly need. The Columbian has the full story.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Pleasant Valley Schools Turn 50, Throw a Party Sept. 25

Pleasant Valley Primary and Middle Schools are marking half a century on their Vancouver campus with a public celebration on Thursday, Sept. 25. Expect an alumni band, a memory wall, and plenty of nostalgia — all are welcome. Full details here.

Camas Weighs What to Do With Its 1960s City Hall

City leaders agree the aging building has seen better days — some council members are calling it an "albatross" — but there's no consensus yet on whether to renovate or move on. The conversation is just getting started. Read more from The Columbian.

UnitedHealthcare, Legacy Health Race Toward Oct. 1 Deadline

If the two organizations can't agree on reimbursement rates by Oct. 1, Legacy Health providers — including Legacy Salmon Creek — could drop out of UnitedHealthcare's network. Worth checking your plan now if Legacy is your go-to. Here's what's at stake.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Thursday, September 17

• Federal Public Lands Fee Free Day – Constitution Day – 7:00 AM / Explore federal public lands across the U.S. for free today in honor of Constitution Day — entrance fees are waived. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes – 8:30 AM / Various locations around Clark County / Free evidence-based exercise classes for adults 60 and older, hosted by the Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest Washington. No pre-registration required. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM / Columbia Tech Center, 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver / Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products. Free parking. More info
• Marshall House Tours – 10:00 AM / Marshall House, Vancouver / Free tours of this stunning Queen Anne–style home featuring period furnishings, military memorabilia, and the story of General George C. Marshall. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding – 10:00 AM–Noon / Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver / Six-week class for beginning and intermediate players, instructed by Ruby Life Master Michael Walker. $10–$50. More info
• Essential Estate Planning Conversations for Families – 10:00–11:30 AM / The Ripple Space, 275 W. Third St., Suite 400, Vancouver (also available online) / Johnson Bixby hosts a free workshop on starting important family conversations about estate plans. More info
• Clark County Community Development Learning Lab – 11:00 AM–Noon / Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver / Free monthly lab covering topics from building permits to land use review, with expert staff and Q&A time. More info
• Recycling 101: Learn the Basics – Noon–1:30 PM / Vancouver Fire Station 2 / Free workshop on curbside recycling — what goes where and why. Optional Organics 101 follows. Email [email protected] with questions. More info
• Kids & Tweens Build It – 3:30 PM / Vancouver Community Library (3:30–5:00 PM) and Three Creeks Community Library (4:00–5:00 PM) / Free STEM fun with LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes, and more for ages 5–12. More info
• Teen Art Chat – 4:00 PM / Ridgefield Community Library / Bring a piece or two of your art to share — or just come enjoy the camaraderie. Free, for ages 13–19. More info
• Constitution Day: Founding Ideas, Modern Voices – 4:00–8:00 PM / Fort Vancouver Artillery Barracks, 600 Hatheway Rd, Vancouver / The Historic Trust and League of Women Voters of Clark County host speakers, trivia, a write-your-own-constitution exercise, and more. First 100 guests get free pocket Constitutions. More info
• LEGO Club – 4:00–5:00 PM / Camas Public Library / Free drop-in LEGO play for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade. More info
• Welcome to 440 West – Ribbon Cutting – 4:00 PM / 440 W. Columbia Way, Vancouver / Celebrate the grand opening of 440 West, the newest residential community on Vancouver's Waterfront. Refreshments and property tours. More info
• Teen Hangout – 4:30–6:30 PM / Vancouver Community Library / Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks provided by the Friends of Vancouver Community Library. Free, for ages 13–19. More info
• Family Trivia Night – 6:00 PM / Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver / Brain-teasing fun for all ages with prizes for the top trivia champions, plus snacks and refreshments. $25–$31. More info
• Open Mic Night at Dovetail Cellars – 6:00–7:30 PM / Dovetail Cellars, 404 E. Evergreen Blvd, Vancouver / A dedicated lineup of songwriters and small groups, broadcast live on KXRW. Sign-ups start at 5:30 PM. Free. More info
• Training for Adaptive Outrigger Canoe Paddling Clinic with CROCC – 6:00 PM / Portland / Volunteer training for OTs, PTs, adaptive sports staff, and anyone interested in supporting adaptive athletes ahead of the Sept. 19 paddling clinic. More info
• Line Dancing at Ashwood Taps & Trucks – 7:00–9:00 PM / Ashwood Taps and Trucks, Washougal / Kat Nichols leads line dancing for all ages — beginners welcome. $10. More info
• Musical Bingo at Pour Choices Pub – 7:00 PM / Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main St, Vancouver / Test your music knowledge with friends over great drinks and friendly competition. More info

Friday, September 18

• Dutch Bros Buck for Kids – 5:00 AM–11:00 PM / 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–5:00 PM / Sauvie Island, Portland / Almost two miles of corn maze pathways plus a full pumpkin patch — fall fun has arrived. More info
• Playgroup – 10:00 AM / Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver / Ages 9 months–6 years. A safe indoor space for kids to run, climb, and explore while parents socialize. $7–$9. More info
• Growing Vegetables Without Soil Workshop – 10:00 AM–12:30 PM / 78th Street Heritage Farm, Vancouver / Learn the Kratky method of container gardening from seedling to harvest. Bring an opaque lidded container. $10. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: Meet Me at Kit-Tea Cafe – 10:00–11:00 AM / Milky & Coco's Kit-Tea Cafe, Vancouver / A free social gathering for adults with dementia. Drinks and baked goods available to purchase. Register at 360-513-5754. More info
• Plas Newydd Farm Excursion & Canopy Time – 10:00 AM / Ridgefield / A guided walk exploring the beautiful rhythms of the farm — migratory birds, native plants, and all. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program – Noon–1:00 PM / Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd / Free Friday lunch for low-income seniors age 60+, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• NAMI Art Group – 1:00–3:00 PM / NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 NE 66th Ave, Suite 105, Vancouver / Free weekly art group. More info
• Adaptive Lower Deschutes Multi-Day Whitewater Rafting Trip – 1:00 PM (through Sept. 20) / Deschutes River / Class II–III rapids through the high desert with expert guides. More info
• Realms Unknown Fantasy Festival – 2:00 PM / Lewis River Golf Course, Woodland / A three-day, all-genre fantasy festival with camping, cosplay, jousting, artisan vendors, live music, and magical creatures galore. $40–$120. More info
• Preschool Dot Art – 2:00–2:45 PM / Camas Public Library / Preschoolers and their adults play with shapes and colors using dot art. Free, no registration needed. More info
• 7th Annual Elktoberfest – 4:00–10:00 PM / Vancouver Elks Lodge #823, 11605 SE McGillivray Blvd / Live music from Robby Mayer and Lip Bomb, local craft beer, German fare, and a vendor marketplace. $10 entry (ages 21+). Also continues Saturday. More info
• Kids Create at Washougal Community Library – 3:30 PM / Washougal Community Library / Free drop-in creative projects for ages 5–9. More info
• Kids & Tweens Creative Crafts: DIY Squishies – 4:30 PM / Three Creeks Community Library, Vancouver / Make squishy toys with fun, simple materials. Free, ages 5–12. More info
• EOCF Battle Ground Garden Grand Opening – 4:30–6:30 PM / Battle Ground Early Learning Center / Celebrate EOCF's new outdoor classroom and educational garden with a free community BBQ, greenhouse tours, sensory play, and raised garden beds. More info
• Family Bingo Night – 5:00–6:00 PM / Camas Public Library, Totem Pole Room / All ages welcome. Winners get a Reading Dragons library card. Register at CamasPL.org/BINGO. Free. More info
• Into the Crater Hike with 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 / Ridgefield Public Boat Launch / Try dragon boat paddling for free — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Dice Throne Fridays at Contrarian's Game Cafe – 6:00 PM / Contrarian's Game Cafe, Vancouver / Weekly dice battle game night — bring your hero and roll. More info
• Cookie Decorating with Bear Hug Bakery – 6:00–8:00 PM / Lacamas Lake Lodge, Camas / Heather walks you step-by-step through decorating six large sugar cookies with royal icing. $60. Ages 16+ (8–15 with a paid adult). More info
• PassinArt Open House & Block Party – 6:00 PM / Albina Arts Center, Portland / Art workshops, exhibitions, performances, DJ sets, dance, and more. Free with registration. More info
• The Sound of Music – Columbia Theater Arts Foundation – 6:00 PM / Washburn Performing Arts Center, 1201 39th St, Washougal / Pay-what-you-will performances running Sept. 18–26. More info
• Fort Vancouver Antique Equipment Association Meeting – 6:00–7:30 PM / Old Town Burgers and Breakfast, 813 W. Main St, Battle Ground / A club for folks who love vintage farm equipment, local history, and stubborn bolts. Free. More info
• POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony – 6:00 PM / Armed Forces Reserve Center, 15005 NE 65th St, Vancouver / A ceremony honoring prisoners of war and remembering those missing in action. Free. More info
• The Wayfinder's Quest at Kids Club – 6:30 PM / Kids Club Fun & Fitness, Vancouver / Friday Fun Night drop-off for ages 4–11 with trampoline time, crafts, and games. Pre-registration required. $39.99. More info
• American Legion Post 168 Amboy Bingo Night – 6:30–8:30 PM / 21400 NE 399th St, Amboy / An evening of bingo supporting local veterans. All are welcome. More info
• Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson at Cascades Amphitheater – 6:30 PM / 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 / Kilnfolk Clay Studio, 108 W. Sixth St, Vancouver / Hand-build mugs adorned with patterns and designs. $55. More info
• Haunted Walking Tours – 7:00 PM / Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver / Guides lead groups through downtown sharing tales of lingering spirits and forgotten tragedies. $15–$20. More info
• Spirit Tales of the Vancouver Barracks – 7:00 PM / The Grant House, Vancouver / Historian Jeff Davis leads a walking tour of the historic Vancouver Barracks and its haunted history. 1.5–2 hours, about 1.5 miles. $17–$22. More info
• "Friday Frolic" Scottish Dance Class – 7:30–9:00 PM / Columbia Dance Center, 1700 Broadway, Vancouver / No partner or special clothing needed. $8 at the door; first class free. More info

Saturday, September 19

• ilani Wine & Food Festival 2026 – ilani, 1 Cowlitz Way, Ridgefield / Hundreds of award-winning wines, beers, and spirits plus gourmet bites from local restaurants and live cooking demos. More info
• Mud Girl Run – 7:30 AM / Washougal MX Park / A fun, muddy obstacle course — first wave at 8:30 AM. Parking $20. Entry from $10. More info
• Hike on the Dike Dog Walk Fundraiser – 8:30–11:00 AM / West Columbia Gorge Humane Society, 2695 Index St, Washougal / Walk the dike trail with your dog, enjoy a vendor market, K9 demos, dog costume contest, and more. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM / Esther Short Park, Vancouver / The flagship market, operating since 1990, with local produce, food, and artisan goods. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Parkrun – 9:00 AM / 800 NE 117th St, Vancouver / Free weekly 5K — walk, jog, run, or volunteer. All ages and dogs welcome. Register at parkrun.us. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Become a Nature Detective – 9:00–10:00 AM / OMSI, Portland / Ages 3–5 explore early science and engineering with hands-on family challenges. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play – 9:15–10:30 AM / Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd / Free lesson followed by assisted play. More info
• Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition – 9:30 AM / OMSI, Portland / More than 100 authentic artifacts from the wreck site bring the stories of Titanic's passengers to life. More info
• Pressure Canner Gauge Testing – 9:30–11:00 AM / 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 / Fourth Plain Community Commons, Vancouver / Bring broken household items to be fixed by 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 / Pearson Field Education Center, Vancouver / Free STEAM education through aviation — flight simulators, wind tables, and historic airplanes. More info
• Vancouver Audubon: Migratory Bird Celebration – 10:00 AM / 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 / Six Clark County farms / WSU's 26th Annual Farm Tour with U-pick produce, animal viewing, wagon tours, craft-making, and more. Free. More info
• Harvest Celebration at Get To-Gather Farm – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM / 1913 SE 303rd Ave, Washougal / Vendor market, U-pick peppers and sunflowers, hayrides, apple cider demo at 11 AM, and more. Free. More info
• Costume and Prop Sale – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM / Metropolitan Performing Arts Building, 1014 Main St, Vancouver / Proceeds support Metropolitan Performing Arts. Also Sept. 26. More info
• Perennial Propagation Workshop – 10:00 AM / Battle Ground / Learn to multiply perennials through stem cuttings and root division with Master Gardener Julie Carlsen. $15 (free for NatureScaping members). Registration required. More info
• SOLVE Litter Pickup at Vancouver's Waterfront – 10:00 AM / Waterfront Park, Vancouver / A community cleanup along downtown and the Renaissance Trail. Advanced registration suggested. More info
• Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery Open House – 10:00 AM / View adult salmon, watch spawning, and enjoy kid-friendly activities like Migration Golf and fish printing. More info
• Benefits of Mulch in the Landscape Garden – 10:00 AM / WSU Extension Master Gardeners and FVRL present a free workshop on how mulch keeps your garden healthy. More info
• Illustrator Day at Camas Public Library – 10:30 AM / Meet local children's book illustrators from the "Between Page & Panel" exhibit, watch live demos, and enjoy hands-on art activities. Raffle drawings for books throughout the event. Free. More info
• Between Page and Panel Exhibit – 10:30 AM / Second Story Gallery, Camas Public Library / Original artwork by 15 local children's book illustrators, on view through Oct. 17. Free. More info
• Doggy Fashion Show: Storybook Tails – 10:30 AM–3:30 PM / Dandelion Teahouse and Apothecary, 109 W. Seventh St, Vancouver / Vendor market, block party, and the "Dog Prom" fashion show at 2 PM featuring dogs dressed as book characters. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Great Build Off – 11:00 AM–Noon / Vancouver Mall Library / Design, build, and problem-solve through a surprise challenge. Free, ages 5–12. More info
• Americana 250 Fall Fest at Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens – 11:00 AM–6:00 PM / 115 S. Pekin Rd, Woodland / Chili cook-off, apple pie contest, vendors, music, face painting, games, and house tours. Free admission. More info
• Big Art Ridgefield – 11:00 AM / Greely Building, Downtown Ridgefield / 21 local artists take over the historic 10,000-sq-ft building with large-scale painting, collage, mixed media, and sculpture. Free. More info
• Vancouver Bee Project: Native Plant & Seed Library Opening Day – 11:00 AM / Pick up free native plants, seeds, and resources to grow pollinator habitat in your yard. More info
• La Center Historical Museum – Noon–4:00 PM / La Center / Free admission. Run entirely by volunteers and donations. More info
• Bridge of the Gods 100-Year Anniversary Celebration – Noon–8:00 PM / Cascade Locks Marine Park / Food, vendors, music, beer garden, Sternwheeler rides, and fireworks to close the night. More info
• Artist Talk at Art at the Cave – 1:00 PM / Art at the Cave, Vancouver / This month's topic: Wearable Art. Mingle before and after the talk. More info
• On the Move: Incredible Animal Journeys – 1:00–2:00 PM / Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver / Free drop-in program for ages 5–12 exploring animal migrations through interactive activities. More info
• Community Clothing Swap – 2:00 PM / Battle Ground Community Library / Refresh your wardrobe with new-to-you pieces or donate items. Everyone welcome — no donation required. Free. More info
• How to Winterize Your Garden for Spring Success – 5:00 PM / FVRL workshop with Master Gardeners on putting your garden to bed this fall. Free, no registration required. More info
• Het Meer CX – Cyclocross Race – 8:00 PM / Vancouver Lake / Races for all ages and abilities with grass, dirt, gravel, sand pits, and barriers. More info

Adults

• 27th Annual Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic – 9:00 AM / Cape Kiwanda, Pacific City / A beloved longboard surfing competition running Sept. 18–20. More info

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