📰 What's Making News

Raptors Roll to 12-4, Own the West Coast League's Top Record

The Ridgefield Raptors keep stacking wins. Monday night's 11-9 road victory over the Portland Pickles gave Ridgefield the best record in the West Coast League at 12-4, with nine wins in their last ten games and a perfect 7-0 mark away from home. The Raptors still have two more games in the Portland series before heading back to the RORC. If you haven't caught a game yet this summer, the numbers say this squad is worth the trip. Full recap here.

Camas Gallery 408 Earns a Spot at the Seattle Art Fair

Gallery 408 in Camas just landed a serious credential — acceptance into the Seattle Art Fair, running July 23-26 at Lumen Field Event Center. The gallery recently opened a new mini-gallery art installation, and now it's representing Clark County on one of the Pacific Northwest's biggest art stages. It's a meaningful milestone for a small-town gallery competing alongside established urban spaces. Read the full story.

Washougal Cuts the Ribbon on a Revamped Hamllik Park

Washougal officially celebrated the completion of upgrades at Hamllik Park with a ribbon-cutting on June 11. The improvements expand recreational options, upgrade sports facilities, and boost accessibility throughout the park. It's the kind of quiet investment that changes how a neighborhood uses its green space every single day. Details from The Columbian.

Little League All-Star Tournaments Tip Off Across Clark County

Summer baseball and softball just got real — Districts 4 and 6 Little League all-star tournaments are underway around the area. These are the games where local kids play for something bigger, and the stands tend to fill up fast. If you know a young player in the mix, now's the time to grab a lawn chair and show up loud. Tournament info here.

Woodland's 104th Planters Days Starts Tomorrow With Frog Jumps, Bed Races, Fireworks

Woodland's beloved Planters Days festival returns June 18-21 with a patriotic theme honoring America's 250th anniversary. The four-day lineup includes a parade down Davidson Avenue, the iconic frog jump, bed races, a car show, queen coronation, strawberry shortcake fundraiser, and fireworks over Horseshoe Lake Park. The festival is organized almost entirely by community volunteers, and organizer Keith Bellisle and groups like the Woodland Rotary Club and VFW Post 1927 are keeping this 104-year tradition alive. See the full schedule.

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

⚡ Quick Bites

Two Rivers Heritage Museum Seeks 250 Members in First Drive in Decades

The Two Rivers Heritage Museum in Washougal is launching its first membership drive in decades, tying the goal of 250 new members to the America250 celebration. Memberships also come with access to other museums through the American Reciprocal Museum Association — not a bad perk for history lovers.

Storm Nation Foundation Gives $18K to Skyview Class of 2026

Six Skyview High School seniors split $18,000 in scholarships from the Storm Nation Foundation, which has now awarded $110,000 total since its founding. Recipients include Brian Yu, Peyton Lingo, Lily Fernandez, Elliann Meyer, Daphne Rogers, and Blake Wong.

How Hot Will Your Electric Bill Get This Summer?

Clark Public Utilities customers may see higher summer bills depending on how hot it gets, since weather drives both energy demand and the region's hydropower supply. The Columbian reports this summer is already forecast to run warm — worth keeping in mind before cranking the AC.

Washington's Average Wage Flirts With $100K

The average annual wage in Washington state nearly hit $100,000 in 2025, according to new data covered by The Columbian. Curious how Clark County stacks up against the statewide number? The breakdown is worth a look.

$11M in Federal Flood Aid Distributed as Application Window Closes

More than $11 million in federal assistance has been handed out to Washington residents affected by last year's flooding, and the application deadline has now passed. If you already applied, payments are still being processed.

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

📅 Mark Your Calendar

Wednesday, June 17

• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. Evidence-based group exercise for older adults (age 60+), with sessions at 8:30 and 10 AM. More info
• Camp Hope of SW WA — Summer Camps for Kids — 9:00 AM. Outdoor discovery camps for ages 6–17 featuring science explorations, creative crafts, and confidence-building adventures in nature. More info
• Paradise of Samoa Polynesian Dance Troupe — 10:00 AM at Battle Ground Community Library. Feel the rhythm of the Pacific through the living traditions of Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, and New Zealand. Free and fun for all ages. More info
• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Vancouver. Free tours of the historic Marshall House on Officers Row, featuring period furnishings and military memorabilia. Walk-ins welcome. More info
• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM in Vancouver. Free tours by reservation or small walk-in groups. More info
• A Summer BBQ with the Vancouver Chinese Association — 11:00 AM–3:00 PM at Blue Lake Regional Park, Shahala Shelter A, Fairview. Grilled meats, local specialties, and a warm community gathering open to all. More info
• Camas Farmers Market — 3:00–7:00 PM in Downtown Camas (new temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Local farms, food, and artisan vendors. More info
• Hatchery Tours and Forest Walks at Columbia Springs — 3:30 PM at Columbia Springs, Vancouver. Guided tours of the Vancouver Trout Hatchery and nature walks on rotating topics. Free and great for all ages. More info
• Trainer in the Park — 3:30–5:30 PM at Lucky Dog Park, 10100 NE 149th St., Brush Prairie. Free training tips and advice from Julie Mills of Paws Down Pets. Look for the green DogPaw flags. More info
• Kids and Tweens Create — 4:00–5:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Teen and Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00–6:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Open game play with decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids Read to a Dog — 4:00–5:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Kids ages 5–9 can build reading confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Free. More info
• Teen Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00–6:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Open play for ages 13–19 with decks provided. Free. More info
• Introduction to Sewing Machines — 4:30–6:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Learn to thread a machine, select stitches, and make a drawstring pouch. Ages 9+, space limited to eight. Free. More info
• Teen STEM: Solar Oven — 4:30–5:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Teens in grades 6–12 turn a pizza box into a working solar oven — and maybe make s'mores. Registration required. Free. More info
• Clark-Skamania Fly Fishers Monthly Meeting — Doors open at 5:00 PM at Prairie Tavern, Brush Prairie. Guest speakers Andrew and Rob from Big Y Fly Company of Hood River at 7:30 PM. Free and family-friendly. 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
• Ripple Impact NW Giving Pop-Up — 5:30–7:00 PM at the Hurley Building, 275 W. Third St., Vancouver. Meet leaders from local nonprofits including Ballet Folklorico, NW Furniture Bank, and Urban Abundance. Registration $15, suggested donation $100. More info
• Heritage Farm Wetland Restoration Celebration — 5:30 PM. Join Clark County Public Works to celebrate the completion of the Heritage Farm Wetland Restoration and learn how the project restored Cougar Creek's headwater wetlands. More info
• Swing Dancing at The Valiant Ballroom — 6:00 PM at 109 W. Ninth St., Vancouver. CouveSwing hosts East Coast and Lindy Hop swing dancing every Wednesday — beginner lesson at 7 PM, social dance to follow. $5–$10. More info
• The Butterflies of Oregon Online Workshop — 6:00 PM. Bird Alliance of Oregon covers how to identify Oregon's ~150 butterfly species, when they emerge, and what plants they love. More info
• Back to the Future: The Musical — 7:30 PM at Keller Auditorium, Portland. The beloved cinematic classic is now a Broadway musical — winner of the 2022 Olivier Award for Best New Musical. Tickets from $58. More info

Thursday, June 18

• Planters Days in Woodland — Kick off a multi-day celebration at Horseshoe Lake Park and downtown Woodland. Thursday features a Kids Parade, Pet Parade, Coronation, and fireworks. This year's theme: "Woodland, Washington — A Legendary Spirit. America 250." More info
• Trapper Creek Wilderness Volunteer Logout — 8:30 AM. Join WTA's Backcountry Response Team for four days of trail work removing fallen logs in this old-growth wilderness gem in southwest Washington. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center, 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses with farm, food, and artisan products. More info
• Marshall House Tour — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at the Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute guided tours. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM–noon at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Instructor Michael Walker (Ruby Life Master) covers opening bids, slam bidding, takeout doubles, and more. $10–$50. More info
• The Craft of Writing: Workshop and Writers Group — 10:30 AM at Vancouver Community Library. Writing prompts, craft discussion, and workshopping for writers at every level. Free. More info
• Clark County Community Development Learning Lab — 11:00 AM–noon at the Public Service Center, Vancouver. A new topic each month — from building permits to land use review. Free. More info
• Creature Teachers at Fort Vancouver Regional Library — 11:00 AM. Meet cool reptiles and creepy crawlies and learn about the wild, weird, and wonderful world of animals. Free. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors — 2:00 PM at Golden Corral, 11801 NE Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver. A social gathering for seniors. More info
• Preschool Show and Tell — 2:00–3:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Preschoolers ages 3–6 bring a toy, photo, or special item to share. Registration required. Free. More info
• Woodland Planters Days — 3:00–10:30 PM at Horseshoe Lake Park, Woodland. Fireworks at 10 PM. Free. More info
• Teen Make Your Own Merch — 3:30–4:30 PM at Vancouver Mall Library. Design custom prints and buttons and learn how artists turn handmade items into a business. Free. More info
• Hike with Pacific Peaks Mountain Top Fitness — 3:30–4:30 PM at Lacamas Lake Lodge. An adaptive fitness and activity program for those with neurodevelopmental differences, featuring a group warm-up and Heritage Trail walk. Registration and fee required. More info
• Teen Hangout — 4:30–6:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks for ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Road Cycling 101 — 5:30 PM. Join Vancouver Bicycling Club ride leader Charla Burke for fun Thursday-night group rides exploring trails, neighborhoods, and parks. 5–10 miles at 10 mph on flat terrain. More info
• Open Mic Night at Dovetail Cellars — 6:00–7:30 PM at 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
• SpongeBob Trivia at Firehouse Axes — 6:30–9:00 PM at Firehouse Axes, Vancouver. Teams of 1–8 test their Bikini Bottom knowledge at Vancouver's only full-service axe-throwing bar and restaurant. Free. More info
• The Bridges of Madison County — 7:30 PM at Magenta Theater, Vancouver. Tony Award-winning musical based on the best-selling novel — a sweeping romance about the roads we travel. Tickets from $32. More info
• Switchfoot with Fuel and Lit — 8:00 PM at the Cowlitz Ballroom, Ridgefield. Three iconic rock bands on one stage — "Dare You to Move," "Hemorrhage," "My Own Worst Enemy," and more. Tickets $50–$93. More info

Friday, June 19

• Washington State Parks Fee-Free Day (Juneteenth) — No Discover Pass needed all day. Explore millions of acres of Washington's public lands for free. More info
• Friends of Washougal Library Book Sale — 9:00 AM–5:00 PM at Bethel Community Church, 1438 B St., Washougal. Thousands of gently used books — paperbacks $1, hardcovers $2, kids' books $1 or less. Proceeds support a new Washougal library building. More info
• SW WA Victory Garden Work Party — 9:00 AM. Join Urban Abundance for a Friday-morning volunteer shift at the SWWA Victory Garden. Great people doing good things outdoors. More info
• BARK Ranger Led Tour — 9:30 AM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Bring your four-legged companion for a volunteer-led guided walk exploring park history and the BARK Ranger program. Free. More info
• Cannon Beach Sandcastle Festival (Road Trip) — 10:00 AM in Cannon Beach, Oregon. Oregon's oldest sandcastle contest draws thousands of visitors for incredible sand creations along the coast. More info
• Campus Community Garden Flora and Fauna Friday — 10:00 AM. Roll up your sleeves with Vancouver's Volunteer Programs and Naturespaces for hands-on habitat work, snacks, and ecosystem learning. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal — 12:00–1:00 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
• FIFA World Cup Watch Party: USA vs. Australia — 12:00 PM at Kalama Harbor Lodge. Catch the match on the big screen with beer, burgers, and tots. All ages welcome. Free. More info
• Official Vancouver Fan Zone Watch Party — 12:00 PM at Big Al's, Vancouver. Vancouver, WA is an Official FIFA World Cup 26 Fan Zone — massive screens, stadium energy, and world-class fun. More info
• Lions Club Charity Golf Tournament — 12:00–5:00 PM at Fairway Village Golf Course, Vancouver. Four-person scramble, raffles, hole-in-one contest for $7,500, and awards dinner. $70/person or $280/team. More info
• Book Launch: Pip, the Old Apple Tree — 1:00 PM at Fort Vancouver Visitor Center. Author Richard Wing and illustrator Pamela Gunn celebrate the true story of the Pacific Northwest's first apple tree, planted at Fort Vancouver in 1826. Free. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00–3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 NE 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. A welcoming creative session every Friday. Free. More info
• Washougal Community Market — 2:00 PM at Washougal Reflection Plaza. Local talent, small businesses, and community energy in the heart of downtown Washougal. Free. More info
• Kids Create — 3:30–4:30 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Tween Hangout — 4:00–5:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks for ages 9–12. Free. More info
• Friday Night Cruise-In at Alderbrook Park — 4:00–8:00 PM at 24414 NE Westerholm Rd., Brush Prairie. Classic cars plus park amenities like disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, and the pool. $5–$10 admission. More info
• ZooNights — 5:00 PM at Oregon Zoo, Portland. Summer Friday evenings with live music, food carts, keeper chats, animal encounters, and elephant ears. $13–$26. More info
• Family Bingo Night — 5:00–6:00 PM at Camas Public Library. All ages welcome. Winners get a colorful Reading Dragons library card. Registration required. Free. More info
• "It's the Little Things" Artists Reception — 5:00–7:00 PM at Corridor Gallery, Esther Short Building, 610 Esther St., Vancouver. New exhibit showcasing textile art by Eva Kelley and nostalgic pieces by Maxine Swodeck. Free. More info
• Dragon Boat Paddle in Ridgefield — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Free community paddling, no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Dice Throne Fridays at Contrarian's Game Cafe — 6:00 PM in Vancouver. Weekly dice battle game night — bring your hero and roll. More info
• Fort Vancouver Antique Equipment Association Meeting — 6:00 PM at Old Town Burgers and Breakfast, 813 W. Main St., Battle Ground. For lovers of vintage farm equipment — parades, county fairs, and stuck pistons. More info
• Berry Bowls Workshop at Kilnfolk Clay Studio — 6:30–8:00 PM at 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Make your own ceramic berry bowl — beginner-friendly, ages 8+. $55. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball — 6:30 PM at Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. Cheer on Clark County's hometown team under the summer lights. More info
• American Legion Post 168 Bingo Night — 6:30–8:30 PM at 21400 NE 399th St., Amboy. An evening of bingo supporting local veterans and their families. All welcome. More info
• Voices of the Enslaved and the Free: The Road to Juneteenth — 7:00 PM at Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver. A community readers theater by Msanii Creative Expressions featuring spoken word, music, and poetry. Free, registration required. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro — 7:00 PM at 12514 NW 36th Ave., Vancouver. Enjoy food, cocktails, and live performances from local artists on the pet-friendly patio. More info
• Dayley Dance Academy Presents: Step into the Light — 7:30 PM at Washburn Performing Arts Center, Washougal High School. An all-studio showcase performance. More info

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